⚠ Max 5 yearsLHD drive~20% duty⏱ ~2–5 days from Japan from Japan
Age Limit
Max 5 years
Manufactured 2021 or later
Import Duty
~20% total
8-10% import duty + 10% VAT + 5% special excise (some). Vehicles cannot be sold within 1 year (5% consumption tax + VAT adjustment if sold).
Steering Side
LHD
Left-hand drive only. Drives on the right.
Transit Time
2–5 days from Japan
From Japanese port to South Korea
⚠️ Age Compliance Checker
Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets South Korea's 5-year age limit:
📍 Entry Ports
🚢 Busan Port🚢 Incheon Port🚢 Pyeongtaek Port
📋 Required Documents
📄Original Export Certificate
📄Bill of Lading
📄Commercial Invoice
📄Insurance Certificate
📄Korean Customs Declaration
📄KATRI compliance certificate
📄Importer alien registration card
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🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process
1
Verify eligibility (limited categories only)
2
Source LHD vehicle (very rare for Japanese cars to qualify)
3
Apply for KATRI compliance certification
4
Ship to Busan/Incheon/Pyeongtaek
5
Korean Customs clearance
6
Pay 8-10% duty + 10% VAT + special excise
7
Korean vehicle inspection
8
Register with local government
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💰 Import Duty & Taxes
8-10% import duty + 10% VAT + 5% special excise (some). Vehicles cannot be sold within 1 year (5% consumption tax + VAT adjustment if sold).
⚠️ 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 South Korea before committing to a purchase.
Is the duty info up to date?
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🧮 Live Landed-Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to South Korea — including auction price, shipping, duty & taxes — in your local currency. Live FX rates updated daily.
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 South Korea's rules — whether to import it, what to verify, and what to watch for.
Your inquiry is sent to Google Gemini AI for analysis. Don't include personal information. Free to use, 5 queries per hour.
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 not allowed
⛔Japanese-made cars generally NOT allowed (bilateral trade restriction)
⛔Trucks, mobile homes, 10+ passenger vehicles prohibited
⛔1-year sale ban after import
⛔Must meet Korean safety/emission standards (often requires modification)
🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection
Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) certification. Must meet Korean emission/safety standards.
🛡️ 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-South Korea 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 South Korea
South Korea is one of the most difficult markets for Japanese car imports — local Hyundai/Kia heavily protected and Japanese-made cars generally cannot be directly imported as new. Most exceptions are diplomatic, returning citizens, or specific type approvals. Toyota/Lexus that ARE available come through official Korean dealer network. Direct Japan-to-Korea private import is extremely rare. Always verify with KATRI before purchase.
❓ South Korea Import FAQs
Common questions buyers ask about importing Japanese cars to South Korea. Tap any question to expand.
Can I import a 2021 Toyota Camry from Japan to South Korea in 2026?
Direct private import of Japanese-made cars to South Korea is generally not allowed due to bilateral trade rules. The Toyota Camry is popular in South Korea, but typically only available through the official Korean dealer network. You should verify with KATRI if any specific exceptions apply for your situation.
What is the age limit for importing a Japanese car to South Korea in 2026?
In 2026, only vehicles manufactured in 2021 or newer are allowed for import, meaning cars must be a maximum of 5 years old. This restriction applies to the general import of Japanese cars, which are already heavily restricted.
Are RHD Japanese cars like a 2020 Honda Fit allowed in South Korea?
No, right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are strictly not allowed for import into South Korea. All imported vehicles must be left-hand drive (LHD) to comply with local road regulations. Even if it were LHD, Japanese-made cars are generally prohibited.
How much is the import duty and taxes for a Japanese car in South Korea?
You can expect an import duty of 8-10%, plus a 10% VAT. Some vehicles may also incur a 5% special excise tax. These percentages are calculated on the value of the vehicle and shipping costs.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Japanese car to South Korea, considering taxes?
The total cost will include the import duty (8-10%), 10% VAT, and potentially a 5% special excise tax, all calculated on the car's value and shipping. Additionally, if you sell the vehicle within one year of import, you will face a 5% consumption tax and VAT adjustment.
Are there any hidden fees or extra taxes when importing a car from Japan to South Korea?
Besides the import duty, VAT, and potential special excise tax, be aware of costs for pre-shipment inspections, shipping, insurance, and compliance testing (KATRI certificate). If the vehicle is sold within one year, a 5% consumption tax and VAT adjustment applies.
What is the process for importing a car from Japan to South Korea?
The process is extremely difficult for private imports of Japanese cars due to trade restrictions. You would need to gather required documents like the Export Certificate and Bill of Lading, arrange shipping to ports like Busan or Incheon, and undergo strict customs and compliance checks with KATRI. Always confirm eligibility before starting.
How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to South Korea?
Shipping time from Japan to South Korea is relatively quick, typically taking between 2 to 5 days. However, the overall import process, including customs clearance and compliance checks, can take significantly longer.
What are the most popular Japanese cars in South Korea, and can I import them?
Popular Japanese models like the Lexus ES, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord are generally available in South Korea through the official dealer network. Direct private import of these Japanese-made vehicles is highly restricted and rarely permitted.
Are LHD Japanese cars like a 2022 Toyota Vitz importable to South Korea?
While the vehicle must be LHD, direct private import of Japanese-made cars is generally not allowed due to bilateral trade rules. Even if a vehicle meets the age limit (2021 or newer for 2026) and is LHD, it's unlikely to be eligible for import unless it falls under very specific exceptions, which are rare.
What documents are absolutely required to import a car from Japan to South Korea?
You will need the Original Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, Korean Customs Declaration, a KATRI compliance certificate, and your Importer alien registration card. Ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays.
Who issues the KATRI compliance certificate for imported cars in South Korea?
The KATRI compliance certificate is issued by the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) after the vehicle has been inspected and confirmed to meet South Korea's safety and emission standards. This is a critical step, and many Japanese cars require modifications to pass.
Updated May 2026 ·AI-generated from verified South Korea import rules
🚗 Popular Japanese Cars in South Korea
Lexus ES (via dealer)Toyota Camry (via dealer)Honda Accord (via dealer)
Verify the auction sheet before you import
Confirm grade, mileage and accident history before shipping to South Korea. Original record from Japan's auction database. From $7.
