How do you import a car from Japan to Austria, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Austria charges 0% duty under the EU-Japan agreement, 20% VAT and NoVA registration tax modelled at 0–30% by engine size, about 25% of CIF for a 1.5-litre petrol car. There is no age limit; single-vehicle approval and a §57a inspection come before registration.
Car import duty calculator for Austria
Austria is an EU member, which means the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement applies and import duty on Japan-origin cars can be 0% with valid origin proof — otherwise standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty may apply. Austrian VAT is 20% on the imported value. Austria's specific charge at registration is the NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe), a consumption-based tax calculated on the car's CO2 emissions. The NoVA was restructured in 2021 and rises steeply with CO2, making it significant for higher-emission cars and relatively light for low-emission and electric vehicles. Cars arrive in Austria via the Port of Hamburg in Germany, then travel inland by truck to Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg or Innsbruck.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Austria?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No age cap. NoVA for a used import is computed under the rules of the car's first-registration year, on the net value; single-vehicle approval (Einzelgenehmigung) + §57a inspection before registration.
- Inspection
- Customs declaration; Einzelgenehmigung/type approval; §57a roadworthiness; NoVA settlement via FinanzOnline.
- Permits
- EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; NoVA declaration.
- Special rules
- NoVA is zero below ~90-115 g/km CO2 (threshold depends on the first-registration year's rules); EVs are exempt.
- Entry ports
- Hamburg + inland to Vienna
How do you import a car from Japan to Austria, step by step?
Check the import rules
No age cap. NoVA for a used import is computed under the rules of the car's first-registration year, on the net value; single-vehicle approval (Einzelgenehmigung) + §57a inspection before registration. Austria accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
Obtain the import permit
EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; NoVA declaration.
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 Austria.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Austria: Customs declaration; Einzelgenehmigung/type approval; §57a roadworthiness; NoVA settlement via FinanzOnline.
Ship to Hamburg + inland to Vienna
Cars from Japan arrive at Hamburg + inland to Vienna. Sea transit is about 42–56 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 and NoVA; 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 Austria's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Austria charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (EU-Japan EPA) | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT (USt 20%) | 20% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| NoVA (CO2 registration tax, estimated from engine size) | 0%–30% by engine size | CIF value |
Import duty (EU-Japan EPA)
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (USt 20%)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
NoVA (CO2 registration tax, estimated from engine size)
Rate: 0% up to 1,000 cc; 5% up to 1,500 cc; 12% up to 2,000 cc; 18% up to 2,500 cc; 30% above 2,500 cc. Charged on: CIF value.
Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof; otherwise standard TARIC/MFN duty may apply. Austrian VAT is 20% on the imported value (customs value plus any duty). At Austrian registration, the NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe) is a consumption-based tax that rises sharply with CO2 emissions — the 2021 reform introduced a steep progressive structure, so a high-emission car can attract a very large NoVA while an EV pays nothing.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Austria?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg + inland to Vienna | RoRo or container | 42–56 | US$2,000 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Austria?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Low CO2 output from the petrol and hybrid variants keeps Austria's NoVA well contained. The Fit is practical for Austrian urban and alpine driving and straightforward to service.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
A light, low-emission hatchback that minimises the NoVA under Austria's progressive CO2 structure. Low running costs and easy service access across Austria.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback with a modest CO2 rating — sensible for keeping the NoVA in the lower bands and an attractive cabin quality for the money.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable and with a broad Austrian service network. A practical family sedan for buyers who want predictable long-term running costs and Toyota's quality reputation.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Austria?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | hamburg | US$750 | US$940 | 5 |
| Graz | hamburg | US$800 | US$1,000 | 7 |
| Linz | hamburg | US$700 | US$880 | 5 |
| Salzburg | hamburg | US$710 | US$890 | 5 |
| Innsbruck | hamburg | US$730 | US$910 | 5 |
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
- What is the NoVA and how much will it cost?
- The NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe) is Austria's consumption-based registration tax, calculated on the car's CO2 emissions using a progressive formula introduced in 2021. Higher-emission cars face a steep bill; low-emission petrol and hybrid cars pay much less; EVs pay nothing.
- Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Austria?
- Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty can be 0% when valid Japan-origin proof accompanies the shipment. Without it, standard TARIC/MFN duty applies.
- Is there an age limit on importing a car to Austria?
- No — there is no fixed EU or Austrian age cap. The car must meet Austrian conformity and roadworthiness requirements and pass registration, but age alone does not bar it.
- Where does the car arrive in Austria?
- Austria has no sea port; cars enter via the Port of Hamburg in Germany and travel inland by road. Delivery to Vienna adds roughly $750 for a sedan; to Linz roughly $700; to Graz roughly $800.
Sources
- USP — Normverbrauchsabgabe (NoVA) — checked 15 October 2026
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — Austria — checked 15 October 2026
- European Commission — EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Austria
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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.