How do you import a car from Japan to Armenia, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
This page explains the rules, documents, import taxes, shipping and typical landed cost for a used car imported from Japan to Armenia.
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Armenia 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.
Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which means it applies the EAEU Unified Customs Tariff to vehicle imports — a framework shared with Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In practice this gives Armenian buyers access to a relatively clear customs structure, with duty rates that follow engine size and vehicle age bands. Armenia is landlocked but benefits from proximity to Georgia's Black Sea ports at Poti and Batumi, which are the most common entry routes for Japanese cars coming into the Caucasus region: the car ships from Japan to Poti or Batumi, then travels overland into Armenia.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Armenia?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
How do you import a car from Japan to Armenia, step by step?
Check the import rules
Armenia 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 Armenia.
Ship the car
The car ships from Japan to Poti or Batumi on the Georgian Black Sea coast, then travels overland across the Georgian border into Armenia.
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 duty and taxes on the declared value.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Armenia's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Armenia charge?
As an EAEU member, Armenia applies the Eurasian Unified Customs Tariff to imported vehicles. The duty structure is typically based on engine displacement and vehicle age, with VAT applied on top of the customs-cleared value. A recycling or environmental fee may also apply depending on vehicle category. The exact amounts depend on your specific car's engine size, year and declared customs value.
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Armenia?
- 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 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
- How does a car reach landlocked Armenia from Japan?
- The most common route is ocean freight from Japan to Poti or Batumi on Georgia's Black Sea coast, then overland through Georgia into Armenia.
- What EAEU duties apply in Armenia?
- Armenia applies the EAEU Unified Customs Tariff, which bases vehicle duty on engine displacement and age, with VAT on top of the customs value. The exact amounts depend on your car.
Car import duty calculator for Armenia
There is no instant calculator for Armenia yet, because its tax model or freight route is not in the dataset. The rules and steps above still apply. Contact