How do you import a car from Japan to Algeria, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Algeria charges cc-banded customs duty — 15% up to 1800cc, 30% at 1800cc and above — plus a cc-banded internal consumption tax (TIC: ~0% ≤1800cc, ~30% 1800–2000cc, ~60% 2000–3000cc) and 19% VAT on (CIF + duty). A small ≤1800cc petrol car (with the used-car reduction) lands far lighter than a >2.0L car. Residents-only, ≤3 years, diesel banned, and LHD — most Japanese RHD stock cannot be imported.
Car import duty calculator for Algeria
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Algeria we can only source the limited left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions, mostly European and American imports, so choice is narrow and prices are higher than for ordinary Japanese stock.
Algeria operates a controlled personal import scheme that gives resident individuals the right to bring in one used vehicle under three years old every three years, using their own foreign currency earnings. The country drives on the right so only left-hand-drive vehicles can be registered, and diesel engines are generally banned under the personal import scheme — petrol, hybrid and EV powertrains are allowed. The near-new age cap (under three years from manufacture) means buyers are looking at very recent Japanese export stock rather than the typical used-car auction range, and the process requires an individual import authorisation and proof of foreign currency.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Algeria?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Residents only; used car ≤3 years old; one per 3 years; diesel banned for private individuals; 36-month non-transferability (resale triggers tax reimbursement). Algeria is left-hand-drive.
- Inspection
- Individual import authorization, proof of foreign currency, customs, registration.
- Permits
- Individual import authorization; residents-only scheme.
- Restrictions
- Left-hand-drive market — RHD Japanese stock is not registrable. Diesel is banned for private import.
- Special rules
- Used cars <3yr get a 50% reduction on total duties for petrol/hybrid ≤1800cc, 20% for larger engines (not modelled — team applies).
- Entry ports
- Algiers
How do you import a car from Japan to Algeria, step by step?
Check the import rules
Residents only; used car ≤3 years old; one per 3 years; diesel banned for private individuals; 36-month non-transferability (resale triggers tax reimbursement). Algeria is left-hand-drive. Algeria requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
Obtain the import permit
Individual import authorization; residents-only scheme.
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in Algeria.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Algeria: Individual import authorization, proof of foreign currency, customs, registration.
Ship to Algiers
Cars from Japan arrive at Algiers. Sea transit is about 30–42 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses Customs Duty, Internal Consumption Tax and VAT; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Algeria's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Algeria charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty (by engine cc) | 15%–30% by engine size | CIF value |
| Internal Consumption Tax (TIC, by cc) | 0%–60% by engine size | CIF value |
| VAT (TVA) | 19% | CIF + import duty |
Customs Duty (by engine cc)
Rate: 15% up to 1,800 cc; 30% above 1,800 cc. Charged on: CIF value.
Internal Consumption Tax (TIC, by cc)
Rate: 0% up to 1,800 cc; 30% up to 2,000 cc; 60% up to 3,000 cc; 60% above 3,000 cc. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (TVA)
Rate: 19%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
Algeria's customs duty is approximately 30% on the CIF value of the vehicle, with 19% VAT applied on the landed cost. Excise and duty can vary by engine size and age band, and the personal import scheme also requires proof of foreign-currency funding. Private import of diesel vehicles is generally banned, so only petrol, hybrid or EV vehicles qualify. The precise duty band and any additional registration levies depend on your vehicle's specifications.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Algeria?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algiers | RoRo or container | 30–42 | US$1,550 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Algeria?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Algeria?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algiers | Algiers | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Oran | Algiers | US$280 | US$350 | 2 |
| Constantine | Algiers | US$270 | US$340 | 2 |
| Annaba | Algiers | US$320 | US$400 | 3 |
| Setif | Algiers | US$210 | US$260 | 2 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car to Algeria?
- No — Algeria drives on the right and only left-hand-drive vehicles can be registered.
- What is Algeria's age limit for importing a used car?
- Resident individuals may import one used vehicle under 3 years old from manufacture every 3 years, using their own foreign-currency earnings. In 2026 that means a 2024 model year or newer.
- Is diesel allowed under Algeria's personal import scheme?
- No — diesel engines are generally banned for private imports under the scheme. Only petrol, hybrid and EV powertrains qualify.
- How much is import duty in Algeria?
- The indicative rate is approximately 30% customs duty on the CIF value plus 19% VAT. Exact rates vary by engine size and age band.
Car import duty calculator for Algeria
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.