What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Paraguay?

Max 10 years from manufacture year (Ley 2018/2002). Classics over 10 years allowed under special collector status.

Japan Car Import to Paraguay — Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Paraguay?

Original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, Paraguay Digital Customs Declaration (DAD), RUC (Tax ID), ZOFRI bonded carrier docs (if via Iquique)

Age Limit

Max 10 years

Manufactured 2016 or later

Import Duty

~40% total

10-25% Import Duty (Arancel) + 10% VAT (IVA) + Selective Consumption Tax (ISC, 1-13% depending on engine capacity) + Customs valuation fees. Total tax burden is typically 30-40% of CIF value.

Steering Side

LHD

Left-hand drive country (drives on right). RHD imports require steering conversion to LHD.

Transit Time

50-65 days from Japan

From Japanese port to Paraguay

✅ Age Check — No Restriction

Paraguay has no strict age limit on Japanese car imports. Any year vehicle can be imported (subject to emissions and roadworthy standards).

🆕 Latest Rule Changes

Sep 2026DNIT announced a proposal to modify tax exemptions for electric and hybrid vehicles by introducing a 5% VAT rate and 10% import duty.

Jan 2026DNIT implemented the mandatory Digital Customs Declaration (DAD) for all import operations under Resolución General DNIT N° 40/2025.

Nov 2025DNIT issued Resolución General N° 39/2025 modifying designated customs ports and procedures for emissions controls on imported used vehicles.

May 2025DNIT issued Resolución General N° 31/2025 establishing classification criteria for new and used vehicles under MERCOSUR Chapter 87.

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Asunción (river) 🚢 Encarnación 🚢 Ciudad del Este 🚢 Iquique (Chile, transit)

📋 Required Documents

📄Original Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Insurance Certificate

📄Paraguay Digital Customs Declaration (DAD)

📄RUC (Tax ID)

📄ZOFRI bonded carrier docs (if via Iquique)

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🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Source vehicle (LHD or RHD) in Japan

Ship to Iquique (Chile) for overland transit or direct via river port to Asunción

ZOFRI bonded transit through Chile and Argentina to Paraguay border

Customs entry and mandatory MADES emissions control at designated DNIT customs port

Perform RHD to LHD conversion if imported from Japan as RHD

File Digital Customs Declaration (DAD) via licensed customs broker and pay duties (Duty + IVA + ISC)

Obtain SENATRAN registration and municipal vehicle license

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💰 Import Duty & Taxes

10-25% Import Duty (Arancel) + 10% VAT (IVA) + Selective Consumption Tax (ISC, 1-13% depending on engine capacity) + Customs valuation fees. Total tax burden is typically 30-40% of CIF value.

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in Paraguay before committing to a purchase.

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🧮 Live Landed-Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to Paraguay — including auction price, shipping, duty & taxes — in your local currency. Live FX rates updated daily.

Cost to import to Paraguay

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Quick pick:

Auction price ¥850,000

¥100k¥1M¥3M¥10M

Shipping (Japan → port) $1,500

$800$1.5k$2.5k$4k

Auction price—

Shipping—

Insurance (1.5%)—

CIF subtotal—

Duty & taxes (~40%)—

Total landed cost —

Approx. in PYG —

Vehicle Shipping & insurance Duty & taxes

Estimate only. Actual cost depends on auction fees, current FX, port charges, and customs valuation. Always confirm with a licensed broker before purchase.

🤖 AI Import Advisor

Tell us the car you're considering and our AI will give you an honest assessment specific to Paraguay's rules — whether to import it, what to verify, and what to watch for.

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AI-generated guidance — not a substitute for a licensed customs broker. Verify auction sheet, current duty rates, and import permits before purchase.

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🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔RHD vehicles require conversion to LHD before or upon arrival

⛔Vehicles older than 10 years prohibited (except classics and heavy machinery)

⛔Emissions inspection mandatory at designated customs entry ports (DNIT RG 39/2025)

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

MADES emissions control at designated DNIT customs entry ports (DNIT RG 39/2025) plus SENATRAN/Municipal technical inspection. RHD vehicles require LHD conversion.

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-Paraguay imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for Paraguay

Paraguay allows used car imports up to 10 years old from the manufacture year (Ley 2018/2002). Most vehicles from Japan arrive via Iquique (Chile ZOFRI) transit. RHD cars must undergo steering conversion to LHD. Under DNIT RG 39/2025, emissions testing must be completed at authorized customs entry points before clearance. Since January 2026, customs declarations are filed digitally (DAD) via DNIT.

📚 Official Sources

Rules last checked 3 October 2026. Rules change often, so confirm with Paraguay customs or a licensed clearing agent before you ship.

❓ Paraguay Import FAQs

Common questions buyers ask about importing Japanese cars to Paraguay. Tap any question to expand.

Can I import a 2014 used car from Japan to Paraguay in 2026?

No, you cannot import a 2014 vehicle because Paraguay enforces a strict 10-year age limit from the manufacture year under Ley 2018/2002. In 2026, only vehicles manufactured in 2016 or newer are legally allowed to enter the country. The only exception is for officially registered classic cars over 10 years old under special collector status.

Can I import a 2018 Toyota Aqua or a 2017 Toyota Corolla from Japan to Paraguay?

Yes, both a 2018 Toyota Aqua and a 2017 Toyota Corolla are fully eligible for import in 2026 since they fall well within the maximum 10-year age limit. Under Ley 2018/2002, vehicles must be manufactured in 2016 or later to clear customs. Just keep in mind that you will need to perform a steering conversion since Japan uses right-hand drive.

Are there any vehicles banned from being imported from Japan to Paraguay?

Yes, any standard passenger car or light truck older than 10 years from its manufacture year is strictly prohibited from entering Paraguay. In 2026, this means vehicles manufactured in 2015 or earlier cannot be imported unless they qualify as exempt classic vehicles or heavy machinery. Additionally, failing the mandatory emissions inspection under DNIT RG 39/2025 at authorized entry ports will result in customs rejection.

How much are the total import taxes and duties for bringing a car from Japan to Paraguay?

The total tax burden for importing a Japanese car to Paraguay is typically 30 to 40 percent of the CIF value. This overall percentage includes a 10 to 25 percent Import Duty (Arancel), 10 percent VAT (IVA), Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) ranging from 1 to 13 percent based on engine capacity, and additional customs valuation fees. All calculations and final payments are settled in PYG through the customs system.

What is the total estimated cost breakdown when importing a car to Paraguay?

Beyond the purchase price in Japan and ocean freight, you must budget for the total tax burden of 30 to 40 percent of the CIF value, which covers the 10 to 25 percent Import Duty, 10 percent VAT, and 1 to 13 percent ISC. Additional out-of-pocket expenses include transit fees through Iquique if applicable, steering conversion costs to change from RHD to LHD, emissions testing fees under DNIT RG 39/2025, and local customs broker fees.

What currency are customs duties paid in when importing a car to Paraguay?

All import duties, taxes, and fees assessed by the Dirección Nacional de Ingresos Tributarios (DNIT) must be paid in Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG). Customs valuations declared on the digital DAD system are converted to PYG using official exchange rates at the time of clearance. You will need a local RUC to process these payments through authorized banking channels.

How do I start the process of importing a used Japanese car to Paraguay?

The process begins by purchasing an eligible vehicle (2016 or newer in 2026) from a Japanese exporter and arranging shipping to a transit port like Iquique in Chile or directly to river ports like Asunción. Once the vehicle arrives in the region, your customs broker files the Paraguay Digital Customs Declaration (DAD) via DNIT. You must then complete the mandatory emissions inspection and arrange for the required steering conversion before final registration.

How long does it take to ship and clear a car from Japan to Paraguay?

Ocean shipping time from Japan to South American transit ports typically takes between 50 to 65 days. After the vessel arrives, additional time is required for bonded transport through Iquique, Chile, if routing through the ZOFRI free zone, followed by customs clearance, emissions testing under DNIT RG 39/2025, and the physical steering conversion. In total, buyers should expect a timeline of roughly 3 months from purchase to final street readiness.

What are the best Japanese car models to import for driving on Paraguay roads?

Robust models suited for local conditions include the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Corolla, which dominate the market for their durability and easy access to spare parts. Many buyers also import the Toyota Prius for fuel efficiency or urban models like the Honda Civic. Because Paraguay is a left-hand drive country, any of these popular right-hand drive imports from Japan must undergo a professional steering conversion.

Can I drive a right-hand drive car imported from Japan on Paraguay roads?

No, you cannot legally drive a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle as-is because Paraguay is a left-hand drive country where traffic drives on the right. All RHD imports from Japan require a professional steering conversion to LHD. This conversion must be factored into your budget and timeline before the vehicle can pass final road inspections and receive license plates.

What paperwork do I need to clear a Japanese car customs in Paraguay?

To clear customs in Paraguay, you must present the Original Export Certificate from Japan, the Bill of Lading, the Commercial Invoice, and an Insurance Certificate. You also need your Paraguay Tax ID (RUC) to file the Digital Customs Declaration (DAD) via DNIT. If your vehicle transits through Chile, you will additionally need ZOFRI bonded carrier documents.

What are the most common paperwork mistakes when importing a car to Paraguay?

A frequent mistake is discrepancies between the vehicle identification numbers or manufacture years listed on the Japanese Export Certificate and the actual car, which can violate the strict 10-year age limit under Ley 2018/2002. Other errors include failing to properly register your RUC for the DNIT digital DAD declaration or lacking the correct transit documentation from the port of Iquique. Ensuring every document matches the physical vehicle before shipping prevents costly customs delays.

Updated Oct 2026 · AI-generated from verified Paraguay import rules