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 — speak to our team to confirm whether your situation qualifies.

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. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your specific case.

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 — we confirm specification before bidding.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Argentina

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

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.

Main ports: San Lorenzo / Buenos Aires
Import age rule: 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.
Steering: LHD
Duties & taxes: 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. Exact perceptions confirmed by our team.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Argentina

Confirm your eligibility
Argentina's used-import restriction means we first establish whether your situation qualifies — returning resident, diplomatic status, temporary admission or collector exemption. If it does not, we are upfront that a used import is not possible under current rules.
Source the vehicle in Japan
For qualifying buyers we search licensed USS auctions, read the auction sheet and grade, and select a vehicle that fits your budget and Argentina's LHD requirement.
Export documentation
We prepare the export certificate, title and packing documentation. For exemption categories, we gather supporting papers required by Argentina's customs authority (AFIP/ANA).
Ocean shipping to Buenos Aires or San Lorenzo
The car sails to Argentina's main vehicle port. We send you the vessel schedule and tracking.
Customs clearance and duty payment
Our team handles AFIP clearance, the applicable import duty, VAT and other levies, and releases the vehicle for registration once cleared.

Import duties & taxes in Argentina explained

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. Because policy can change and the exact treatment depends on the exemption category and HS classification, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Argentina

Honda Fit
For returning residents a practical, fuel-efficient hatchback with a low CIF value keeps the 35% duty and 21% VAT bill as manageable as possible.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback with a good interior-to-price ratio — for eligible buyers who want a daily driver without paying over the odds at the top of the import chain.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with low maintenance needs — a sensible qualifying import for a returning resident who values reliability and low running costs.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Conservative and reliable — easy to maintain and a trusted nameplate that holds value in Argentina's used-car market.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Argentina

Buenos Aires — You are at the port — sedan delivery runs about $100.
Rosario — Delivery from Buenos Aires to Rosario adds roughly $320 for a sedan.
Mar del Plata — Delivery from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata adds roughly $390 for a sedan.
Cordoba — Delivery from Buenos Aires to Cordoba adds roughly $560 for a sedan.
Mendoza — Delivery from Buenos Aires to Mendoza adds roughly $780 for a sedan.

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 — speak to our team to confirm whether your situation qualifies.
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. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your specific case.
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 — we confirm specification before bidding.