Cost to import a car from Japan to Belgium
Rates & rules last reviewed
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. When you import a car from Japan to Belgium, our licensed team handles the auction sourcing, origin documentation, customs at Antwerp, conformity and roadworthiness checks, and registration, so you receive a road-ready car without dealing with the port yourself.
- Main ports
- Antwerp / Zeebrugge
- Import age rule
- No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration.
- Steering
- both
- Duties & taxes
- Approx. duty 0%, VAT 21% on the imported value. Use 0% only where Japan-origin EPA proof is accepted; otherwise TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply.
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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 Belgium
Choose the car you want
Tell us your requirements. Belgium has no age limit and accepts right-hand drive, so we can shortlist freely and confirm the car will clear Belgian conformity and emissions requirements.
We source it from Japan's auctions
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the right car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and checks real condition before you commit.
Pre-shipment origin documentation
We prepare the Japan-origin proof and export paperwork to claim the 0% EPA duty rate at Belgian customs.
Ocean shipping to Antwerp or Zeebrugge
The car sails to Antwerp or Zeebrugge. We provide the sailing schedule and tracking once the vessel is confirmed.
Customs, VAT and conformity
Our team files the customs declaration, pays 21% VAT, and completes conformity and roadworthiness checks at the port.
Registration and delivery
We complete Belgian registration formalities and deliver the car to Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Liège or your location.
Import duties & taxes in Belgium explained
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. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.
Popular Japanese cars for Belgium
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Honda Fit
Petrol and hybrid options with compact dimensions — practical for Belgian city driving and a reliable choice from Japan's domestic range.
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Mazda Demio
A refined compact hatchback with a small engine — keeps fuel and registration costs low and suits both city and motorway use.
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Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with easy resale — a sensible import for buyers watching the total cost of ownership.
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Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable compact sedan from Japan's domestic market — widely serviced and a straightforward pick for everyday Belgian driving.
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Daihatsu Mira
Ultra-compact kei car with very low emissions — minimises registration taxes across all three Belgian regions.
Shipping cost to major cities in Belgium
- Antwerp — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
- Brussels — Delivery from Antwerp to Brussels adds roughly $160 for a sedan.
- Ghent — Delivery from Antwerp to Ghent adds roughly $170 for a sedan.
- Bruges — Delivery from Antwerp to Bruges adds roughly $190 for a sedan.
- Liege — Delivery from Antwerp to Liège adds roughly $200 for a sedan.
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 — which our licensed team handles from end to end.