Can I import a used Japanese car to Bhutan?

Yes — Bhutan does import used Japanese cars, particularly in Thimphu and Paro. The process involves Indian transit and Bhutan Royal Government import procedures.

How does the car get from Japan to Bhutan?

Bhutan is landlocked and bordered by India, so vehicles ship from Japan to an Indian port, then travel overland to the Phuntsholing/Jaigaon border crossing — the main entry point for imported vehicles into Bhutan.

What are the import duty rates for cars in Bhutan?

Bhutan's vehicle duty rates vary by type and engine size and are set by the Royal Government. The exact current rates are best verified directly.

How do you import a car from Japan to Bhutan, and what does it cost? (2026)

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 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 Bhutan.

Bhutan is a small but active market for used Japanese cars, particularly in the capital Thimphu and the Paro valley where the country's road network is most developed. Japan's right-hand-drive vehicles are a natural fit for Bhutan's left-hand-traffic roads, and Toyota and Suzuki are the most commonly seen brands. As a landlocked Himalayan kingdom, all vehicle imports transit through India — typically via the land border at Phuntsholing/Jaigaon — which adds a logistics dimension that requires careful coordination. Bhutan's detailed import duty rates and vehicle regulations are not published through easily accessible public channels.

Can you import a used car from Japan to Bhutan?

Steering: Right-hand drive only

How do you import a car from Japan to Bhutan, step by step?

Check the import rules
Bhutan registers right-hand-drive vehicles, so Japanese domestic stock meets the steering rule.
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 Bhutan.
Ship the car
Bhutan's vehicle import regulations should be verified before any car is sourced.
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 Bhutan's vehicle registration authority.

What import duties and taxes does Bhutan charge?

Bhutan's vehicle import duty rates and registration conditions are set by the Royal Government and vary by vehicle type, engine size and other factors. The detailed current rates are best confirmed directly.

Which Japanese cars are popular in Bhutan?

Toyota Corolla Axio
The most reliable and widely serviced family car in Bhutan — Toyota's parts and service network in Thimphu makes the Axio the safe long-term choice for families and government users alike.
Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Compact, fuel-efficient and affordable in Japan — the Swift suits Bhutan's mountain roads and city driving around Thimphu and Paro, with low running costs that matter in a high-fuel-cost market.
Models and prices
Honda Fit
A practical, space-efficient hatchback with hybrid options that are appealing in a country that takes environmental considerations seriously — suits both city and inter-valley driving.
Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
The kei Mira's small footprint and very low running costs make it the most budget-accessible Japanese import option for Bhutan's urban centres.
Models and prices

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

Can I import a used Japanese car to Bhutan?: Yes — Bhutan does import used Japanese cars, particularly in Thimphu and Paro. The process involves Indian transit and Bhutan Royal Government import procedures.
How does the car get from Japan to Bhutan?: Bhutan is landlocked and bordered by India, so vehicles ship from Japan to an Indian port, then travel overland to the Phuntsholing/Jaigaon border crossing — the main entry point for imported vehicles into Bhutan.
What are the import duty rates for cars in Bhutan?: Bhutan's vehicle duty rates vary by type and engine size and are set by the Royal Government. The exact current rates are best verified directly.

Car import duty calculator for Bhutan

There is no instant calculator for Bhutan yet, because its tax model or freight route is not in the dataset. The rules and steps above still apply. Contact