How do you import a car from Japan to Brazil, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Brazil prohibits importing used cars for ordinary buyers — only new vehicles, 30-year-old collector cars, or diplomatic/military imports are allowed, so a typical used Japanese car cannot legally be imported for sale. For an eligible (new) car the tax burden is very high, roughly 90-120% of value, layering the II import tax (around 35%), IPI, PIS/COFINS, and state ICMS. A 2025 bill to liberalise used imports was pending but had not become law.
Car import duty calculator for Brazil
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Brazil we can only source the limited left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions, mostly European and American imports, so choice is narrow and prices are higher than for ordinary Japanese stock.
Brazil is effectively a closed market for used Japanese car imports under today's rules. The importation of used consumer goods — including used cars — is prohibited for ordinary individual buyers under Brazilian federal law. The US government's trade resource confirms this position, and the Brazilian regulatory framework (INMETRO, IBAMA, DENATRAN/SENATRAN) applies to all vehicle imports. The limited exceptions are: brand-new vehicles, vehicles 30 years old or older qualifying as collector items, and diplomatic or military imports. A legislative proposal (PL 1.409/2025) originally sought to let individuals import used cars up to three years old, but a committee substitute approved in November 2025 removed that provision — the bill now centres on 30-year collector vehicles and federal public servants returning from abroad, and had not become law at the time this guide was written. Brazil also drives on the right and requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so even if the prohibition were lifted, Japan's right-hand-drive domestic stock would not directly qualify for normal registration. If you are a diplomat, have a qualifying new-vehicle case, or hold a collector-car permit, AskJapanCars can discuss your options.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Brazil?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Importation of used consumer goods, including used cars, is generally PROHIBITED. Only new vehicles, used cars 30+ years old (collector items), or diplomatic/military imports are permitted. A bill (PL 1.409/2025) to allow individuals to import used cars up to 3 years old was pending in 2025 but is not law. Port: Santos.
- Inspection
- INMETRO certification, IBAMA emissions, and DENATRAN/SENATRAN registration required for permitted vehicles.
- Permits
- Import licence (LI) via Siscomex; effectively unavailable for ordinary used cars.
- Restrictions
- Brazil prohibits the import of used cars by ordinary individuals/buyers (US trade.gov: "importation of used consumer goods is prohibited"). Only new cars, 30+ year collector vehicles, or diplomatic/military qualify. Used Japanese cars cannot be imported for normal sale. Brazil is also LHD.
- Special rules
- PL 1.409/2025 (pending, not enacted) would permit individuals to import used cars up to 3 years old, max two per year, with full taxes.
- Entry ports
- Santos
How do you import a car from Japan to Brazil, step by step?
Check the import rules
Importation of used consumer goods, including used cars, is generally PROHIBITED. Only new vehicles, used cars 30+ years old (collector items), or diplomatic/military imports are permitted. A bill (PL 1.409/2025) to allow individuals to import used cars up to 3 years old was pending in 2025 but is not law. Port: Santos. Brazil requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
Obtain the import permit
Import licence (LI) via Siscomex; effectively unavailable for ordinary used cars.
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 Brazil.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Brazil: INMETRO certification, IBAMA emissions, and DENATRAN/SENATRAN registration required for permitted vehicles.
Ship to Santos
Cars from Japan arrive at Santos. Sea transit is about 37–46 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 Tax / II, IPI, PIS/COFINS-Importacao and ICMS; 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 Brazil's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Brazil charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import Tax / II (Imposto de Importação) | 35% | CIF value |
| IPI (excise) | 25% | CIF + import duty |
| PIS/COFINS-Importacao | 11.75% | CIF value |
| ICMS (state VAT) | 18% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import Tax / II (Imposto de Importação)
Rate: 35%. Charged on: CIF value.
IPI (excise)
Rate: 25%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
PIS/COFINS-Importacao
Rate: 11.75%. Charged on: CIF value.
ICMS (state VAT)
Rate: 18%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Brazil prohibits used-car imports for ordinary buyers — the duty question does not arise for most enquiries because eligibility is the real blocker. For permitted vehicles (new, 30-year collector, diplomatic/military), Brazil's tax structure is among the highest in the world: approximately 35% Imposto de Importação (II), 25% IPI excise, 11.75% PIS/COFINS-Importação and roughly 18% ICMS state VAT, layered and compounding to a total burden often in the range of 90–120% of the vehicle's value.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Brazil?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santos | RoRo or container | 37–46 | US$3,200 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Brazil?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Brazil?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santos | Santos | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Sao Paulo | Santos | US$180 | US$220 | 2 |
| Rio de Janeiro | Santos | US$360 | US$450 | 2 |
| Brasilia | Santos | US$740 | US$920 | 5 |
| Curitiba | Santos | US$360 | US$450 | 2 |
| Belo Horizonte | Santos | US$470 | US$590 | 3 |
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 Brazil?
- No, not under general rules. Brazil prohibits the import of used consumer goods including used cars for ordinary private buyers. Only new vehicles, cars 30 years or older (collector items), and diplomatic or military imports are permitted.
- What will Brazil's import taxes cost on a car?
- For eligible vehicles, the combined burden of II import tax (approx 35%), IPI excise (approx 25%), PIS/COFINS (approx 11.75%) and state ICMS (approx 18%) typically totals 90–120% of the vehicle's value.
- Is there any law change coming that would allow used-car imports?
- A 2025 bill (PL 1.409/2025) originally proposed letting individuals import used cars up to 3 years old, but a November 2025 committee substitute stripped that provision (refocusing it on 30-year collector cars and returning federal servants); it had not become law at the time this guide was written.
Car import duty calculator for Brazil
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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.