⚠ Max 4 yearsLHD drive~10% duty⏱ ~20–25 days from Japan from Japan
Age Limit
Max 4 years
Manufactured 2022 or later
Import Duty
~10% total
5% customs duty + 5% VAT = ~10% total
Steering Side
LHD
Left-hand drive only. RHD vehicles cannot be registered.
Transit Time
20–25 days from Japan
From Japanese port to United Arab Emirates
⚠️ Age Compliance Checker
Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets United Arab Emirates's 4-year age limit:
📍 Entry Ports
🚢 Jebel Ali (Dubai)🚢 Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi)🚢 Khorfakkan (Sharjah)
📋 Required Documents
📄Original Export Certificate (Deregistration)
📄Bill of Lading
📄Commercial Invoice
📄Insurance Certificate
📄UAE Customs Declaration
🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process
1
Select LHD vehicle at Japanese auction
2
Get JEVIC inspection in Japan
3
Ship to Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi
4
Pay 5% customs + 5% VAT at port
5
Get Emirates vehicle tested (VIS inspection)
6
Register at RTA/traffic department
💰 Import Duty & Taxes
5% customs duty + 5% VAT = ~10% total
⚠️ 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 United Arab Emirates before committing to a purchase.
🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles
⛔Right-hand drive vehicles (cannot be registered)
⛔Vehicles older than 4 years face significant restrictions
🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection
JEVIC pre-shipment inspection 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-United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates
UAE is a major re-export hub. Many Japanese vehicles are imported to UAE and resold to other GCC countries. Only LHD vehicles can be registered.
🚗 Popular Japanese Cars in United Arab Emirates
Toyota Land CruiserNissan PatrolToyota Prado
Verify the auction sheet before you import
Confirm grade, mileage and accident history before shipping to United Arab Emirates. Original record from Japan's auction database. From $7.
