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

Max 10 years for cars, 20 years for trucks/commercial

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, Mercosur Certificate, Paraguay Customs Declaration, Transit permits

Age Limit

Max 10 years

Manufactured 2016 or later

Import Duty

~40% total

~30–50% (Mercosur tariff structure)

Steering Side

LHD

Left-hand drive officially required. RHD imports possible with conversion.

Transit Time

40–55 days from Japan via South American port

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

🚢 Buenos Aires (Argentina) transit 🚢 Montevideo (Uruguay) transit

📋 Required Documents

📄Original Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Mercosur Certificate

📄Paraguay Customs Declaration

📄Transit permits

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select LHD vehicle in Japan

Ship to Buenos Aires or Montevideo

Transit by road to Paraguay (Ciudad del Este)

Pay Mercosur duty

Convert to LHD if required

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

~30–50% (Mercosur tariff structure)

⚠️ 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.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔RHD vehicles must be converted to LHD before registration

⛔Vehicles older than 10 years (cars) cannot be registered

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

Origin certification required.

🛡️ 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 one of the most open markets in South America for used Japanese vehicles. Ciudad del Este is a major regional automotive hub. Strong demand for SUVs and pickups.