How do you import a car from Japan to Belgium, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Belgium charges 0% customs duty on cars from Japan under the EU-Japan agreement and 21% import VAT, about 21% of CIF before registration costs. There is no age limit, but the car must pass conformity, emissions and roadworthiness checks before registration.
Car import duty calculator for Belgium
Belgium has no EU-wide age cap on used-car imports, and both left- and right-hand drive vehicles can be registered, making the full range of Japanese domestic stock accessible to Belgian buyers. Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% with valid origin proof, and 21% Belgian VAT applies on the imported value. Cars arrive at the Port of Antwerp or Zeebrugge — two of Europe's busiest container ports — putting Brussels, Ghent and Bruges within easy reach.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Belgium?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration.
- Inspection
- Customs declaration; conformity/roadworthiness; local registration tax/CO2 rules
- Entry ports
- Antwerp / Zeebrugge
How do you import a car from Japan to Belgium, step by step?
Check the import rules
No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration. Belgium accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
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 Belgium.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Belgium: Customs declaration; conformity/roadworthiness; local registration tax/CO2 rules.
Ship to Antwerp / Zeebrugge
Cars from Japan arrive at Antwerp / Zeebrugge. Sea transit is about 30–36 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 and VAT / GST; 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 Belgium's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Belgium charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT / GST | 21% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import duty
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT / GST
Rate: 21%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% when valid origin documentation accompanies the shipment; without it, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply. On top of duty comes 21% Belgian VAT on the imported value. Belgian registration taxes (the DIV registration fee and road tax) apply at the time of first registration and vary by region (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital) and by the car's engine and emissions — these are charged separately from import duty.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Belgium?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp / Zeebrugge | RoRo or container | 30–36 | US$1,250 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Belgium?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Petrol and hybrid options with compact dimensions — practical for Belgian city driving and a reliable choice from Japan's domestic range.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
A refined compact hatchback with a small engine — keeps fuel and registration costs low and suits both city and motorway use.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with easy resale — a sensible import for buyers watching the total cost of ownership.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable compact sedan from Japan's domestic market — widely serviced and a straightforward pick for everyday Belgian driving.
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
Ultra-compact kei car with very low emissions — minimises registration taxes across all three Belgian regions.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Belgium?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp | antwerp | US$150 | US$190 | 1 |
| Brussels | antwerp | US$160 | US$200 | 1 |
| Ghent | antwerp | US$170 | US$210 | 2 |
| Liege | antwerp | US$200 | US$250 | 2 |
| Bruges | antwerp | US$190 | US$240 | 2 |
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
- Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Belgium?
- No — there is no EU-wide age cap for private imports. The car must clear customs and pass conformity, roadworthiness and local registration requirements before it can be driven in Belgium.
- Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in Belgium?
- Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty is 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. You also pay 21% Belgian VAT on the imported value, plus regional registration taxes that vary by region and the car's engine and emissions.
- Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in Belgium?
- Yes. Belgium accepts both left- and right-hand drive for private imports. A right-hand-drive Japanese car can be registered after conformity and roadworthiness checks.
Sources
- European Commission — EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement — checked 15 October 2026
- European Commission — VAT rates — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Belgium
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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.