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. Our team calculates the NoVA for your specific car before you commit.

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. Our team prepares the origin certificate to claim the EU-EPA preference.

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. We quote all Austrian city costs upfront.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Austria

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

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. There is no age cap on private imports, and both LHD and RHD are accepted, though Austria drives on the right so LHD is the practical choice for daily use. 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. Our team sources the car at Japanese auction, ships to Hamburg, handles EU customs and EPA documentation, and delivers to your Austrian city.

Main ports: Hamburg + inland to Vienna
Import age rule: 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.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: Austria charges 20% VAT on the import value plus NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe), a CO2-based registration tax of roughly (CO2 - 90)/5 percent of the car's net value (capped, with the threshold and cap depending on the car's first-registration-year rules). A low-CO2 kei car pays nothing, a mid-size petrol car a few percent, and a big petrol SUV up to ~30%. Our team confirms the exact NoVA from the car's CO2 figure before quoting.

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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 Austria

Choose a low-CO2 car for Austria
Austria's NoVA rises steeply with CO2 — choosing a low-emission petrol, hybrid or electric car significantly reduces the registration tax. We advise on models that minimise the NoVA and shortlist options to your budget.
We source at USS auction
Our licensed USS team reads the auction sheet, confirms CO2 output and fuel spec, and bids on your behalf. CO2 is confirmed before quoting the NoVA estimate.
Pre-shipment and EPA origin documentation
We prepare the Austrian/EU customs declaration and the Japan-origin certificate for 0% EU-EPA duty. Roadworthiness checks happen in Japan before loading.
Ocean freight to Hamburg and inland to Austria
The car sails to the Port of Hamburg, then travels inland by road to your Austrian city. We send tracking at each stage and confirm the delivery timeline.

Import duties & taxes in Austria explained

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. Because the NoVA depends on your specific car's CO2 and the EPA preference depends on origin documentation, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Austria

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.
See 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.
See 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.
See 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.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Austria

Linz — Delivery from Hamburg to Linz adds roughly $700 for a sedan.
Salzburg — Delivery from Hamburg to Salzburg adds roughly $710 for a sedan.
Innsbruck — Delivery from Hamburg to Innsbruck adds roughly $730 for a sedan.
Vienna — Delivery from Hamburg to Vienna adds roughly $750 for a sedan.
Graz — Delivery from Hamburg to Graz adds roughly $800 for a sedan.

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. Our team calculates the NoVA for your specific car before you commit.
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. Our team prepares the origin certificate to claim the EU-EPA preference.
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. We quote all Austrian city costs upfront.