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

Max 10 years from manufacture (most permissive in Mercosur). Argentina/Brazil prohibit; Peru/Bolivia limit to 5 years.

Japan Car Import to Paraguay — Guide 2026

Age Limit

Max 10 years

Manufactured 2016 or later

Import Duty

~40% total

~10% Import Duty + 10% VAT (IVA) + Selective Consumption Tax (engine-based) + Internal taxes. Total typically 30-60% of CIF (lower than most Mercosur).

Steering Side

LHD

Left-hand drive country (drives on right). RHD increasingly restricted but conversions widely available.

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).

📍 Entry Ports

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

📋 Required Documents

📄Original Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Insurance Certificate

📄Paraguay Customs Declaration (DUA)

📄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) — most common route

ZOFRI bonded transit to Paraguay border (via Argentina ~1,500km road)

Or direct to Asunción (river port — much rarer)

Paraguay Customs clearance

Pay 10% Duty + 10% VAT + SCT

RHD→LHD conversion if needed (~$500)

SENATRAN registration

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💰 Import Duty & Taxes

~10% Import Duty + 10% VAT (IVA) + Selective Consumption Tax (engine-based) + Internal taxes. Total typically 30-60% of CIF (lower than most Mercosur).

⚠️ 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 permitted but require conversion (~$500 average)

⛔Vehicles older than 10 years prohibited (most permissive in region)

⛔Used imports must transit through Iquique ZOFRI for South American sales

⛔Argentina/Brazil block similar imports — Paraguay is the regional escape valve

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

SENATRAN inspection on arrival. Vehicles often "transformed" (RHD→LHD conversion) on arrival.

🛡️ 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 is "the paradise of imported used vehicles in South America" — most permissive 10-year rule in region (Argentina/Brazil prohibit, Peru/Bolivia limit 5yr). Known as "Iquique cars" (Iquique-routed). 35,000-55,000+ used vehicle imports annually. Major business in Asunción. Cost: ~$1,300 ship Japan→Iquique + ~$600 road Iquique→Asunción + ~$500 RHD→LHD conversion. Paraguay welcomes US/Korean/Japan used imports the rest of the region rejects. Customs codes are ZOFRI-friendly.

❓ Paraguay Import FAQs

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

What is the maximum age for Japanese car imports to Paraguay in 2026?

In 2026, Paraguay allows vehicles manufactured up to 10 years old, meaning cars from 2016 or newer are eligible. This is the most permissive age limit in Mercosur, as countries like Argentina and Brazil prohibit used imports, and Peru/Bolivia limit them to 5 years.

Can I import a 2017 Toyota Vitz to Paraguay in 2026?

Yes, a 2017 Toyota Vitz is eligible for import to Paraguay in 2026. The maximum age limit is 10 years from manufacture, so vehicles from 2016 onwards are permitted.

Are there any restrictions on importing right-hand drive (RHD) cars to Paraguay?

While RHD vehicles are permitted, they are increasingly restricted and require a conversion to left-hand drive (LHD) before registration. This conversion typically costs around $500 on average.

How much are import duties and taxes for a Japanese car in Paraguay?

Import duty is approximately 10%, plus a 10% VAT (IVA), and a Selective Consumption Tax based on engine size, along with other internal taxes. The total tax burden typically ranges from 30% to 60% of the CIF value, which is lower than most Mercosur countries.

What is the estimated total cost to import a used Japanese car to Paraguay?

The total cost includes shipping from Japan to Iquique, Chile (around $1,300), road transport from Iquique to Asunción (around $600), and potential RHD to LHD conversion (around $500). Add to this the import duties and taxes, which can be 30-60% of the CIF value.

What currency is used for import costs and taxes in Paraguay?

All import costs, duties, and taxes in Paraguay are calculated and paid in the local currency, Paraguayan Guarani (PYG). Exchange rates will apply when converting costs from foreign currencies like USD or JPY.

What is the process for importing a Japanese car to Paraguay?

The process typically involves shipping the vehicle from Japan to Iquique, Chile, where it may undergo ZOFRI bonded carrier procedures. From Iquique, it's transported overland to Paraguay, where you'll need to complete the Paraguay Customs Declaration (DUA) and other required documentation.

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

Shipping time from Japan to Paraguay is generally between 50 to 65 days. This does not include transit time through Iquique, Chile, or overland transport to Asunción.

What are the most popular Japanese cars for import in Paraguay?

Popular Japanese car models in Paraguay include the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Frontier, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius. These models are favored for their reliability and suitability for local road conditions.

Are left-hand drive (LHD) cars mandatory for import to Paraguay?

Paraguay is a left-hand drive country, and while RHD vehicles are permitted, they must be converted to LHD. This conversion is widely available and a common step for importing Japanese vehicles.

What documents are needed to import a Japanese car into Paraguay?

Essential documents include the Original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, and the Paraguay Customs Declaration (DUA). If importing via Iquique, ZOFRI bonded carrier documents will also be required.

Where can I find a list of common mistakes when importing a car to Paraguay?

Common mistakes often involve incorrect or incomplete documentation, such as issues with the Export Certificate or Commercial Invoice. Ensuring your RUC (Tax ID) is up-to-date and understanding ZOFRI bonded carrier requirements if transiting through Iquique are also crucial.

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