How do you import a car from Japan to Argentina, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Approx. duty 35%, VAT 21%, other levies 3% on the imported value (extra-Mercosur). Since Decreto 271/2025 individuals may import used cars up to the prior model year, but LHD only — RHD Japanese auction stock is not registrable.
Car import duty calculator for Argentina
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Argentina 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.
Argentina restricts the private import of used vehicles. Normal commercial imports of used cars are generally not permitted; the exceptions are returning residents, diplomats, temporary admission, and historic or collector vehicles. For new vehicles Argentina applies a non-Mercosur import duty of up to 35%, plus 21% VAT and other levies of around 3% — one of the heavier tariff loads in the region. When you import a car from Japan to Argentina through a qualifying exemption, AskJapanCars can source the right vehicle at licensed USS auction and manage shipping to the San Lorenzo or Buenos Aires port, but eligibility must be confirmed before anything else moves.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Argentina?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Argentina drives on the right (LHD). Decreto 271/2025 (Milei deregulation) now lets individuals import used cars, but only up to the immediately-prior model year and LHD — so right-hand-drive Japanese domestic auction stock still cannot be registered. Returning-resident, diplomat and historic/collector exemptions also remain.
- Inspection
- Import declaration; customs; vehicle homologation (LCM/CHAS) where applicable
- Restrictions
- RHD Japanese domestic cars are not registrable (LHD market); used imports are also limited to near-current model years.
- Special rules
- Decreto 271/2025 opened individual used-car imports (prior model year, LHD only); returning-resident/diplomat/collector routes remain.
- Entry ports
- San Lorenzo / Buenos Aires
How do you import a car from Japan to Argentina, step by step?
Check the import rules
Argentina drives on the right (LHD). Decreto 271/2025 (Milei deregulation) now lets individuals import used cars, but only up to the immediately-prior model year and LHD — so right-hand-drive Japanese domestic auction stock still cannot be registered. Returning-resident, diplomat and historic/collector exemptions also remain. Argentina requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
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 Argentina.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Argentina: Import declaration; customs; vehicle homologation (LCM/CHAS) where applicable.
Ship to San Lorenzo / Buenos Aires
Cars from Japan arrive at San Lorenzo / Buenos Aires. Sea transit is about 37–46 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 Import duty, VAT / GST and Other levies; 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 Argentina's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Argentina charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 35% | CIF value |
| VAT / GST | 21% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| Other levies | 3% | CIF value |
Import duty
Rate: 35%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT / GST
Rate: 21%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Other levies
Rate: 3%. Charged on: CIF value.
Argentina generally prohibits the import of used cars for ordinary private buyers. For eligible imports (returning residents, diplomats, collector vehicles), and for new vehicles, the tariff structure is approximately 35% import duty, 21% VAT and other levies of around 3% on the imported value. Non-Mercosur new vehicles typically face the full 35% duty rate.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Argentina?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Lorenzo / Buenos Aires | RoRo or container | 37–46 | US$1,400 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Argentina?
- 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 Argentina?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | buenos-aires | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Cordoba | buenos-aires | US$560 | US$700 | 3 |
| Rosario | buenos-aires | US$320 | US$400 | 2 |
| Mendoza | buenos-aires | US$780 | US$980 | 5 |
| Mar del Plata | buenos-aires | US$390 | US$490 | 3 |
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 used Japanese car to Argentina?
- Not under general rules. Used car imports are prohibited for ordinary private buyers. Exceptions exist for returning residents, diplomats, temporary admission and historic/collector vehicles.
- What import duty applies to cars in Argentina?
- For eligible or new-vehicle imports, approximately 35% import duty, 21% VAT and other levies of around 3% apply.
- Does Argentina require left-hand-drive cars?
- Yes. Argentina drives on the right, so imported vehicles must be left-hand drive. Japan's domestic stock is RHD, so sourcing the correct LHD configuration is essential.
Car import duty calculator for Argentina
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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.