How do you import a car from Japan to Cuba, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Approx. duty 10% on the imported value. Placeholder only; public reporting cites EV import tariff around 10% and conventional costs vary.
Car import duty calculator for Cuba
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Cuba 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.
Cuba is one of the most restricted vehicle import markets in the world. Private car imports are subject to government authorization and have historically been limited to specific categories — returning nationals, diplomats, and more recently certain EV-related imports under limited reform programmes. The regulatory environment is volatile and conditions can change without notice, so any figures quoted publicly should be treated as indicative only. Cuba drives on the right and the market favours left-hand-drive vehicles; the entry port for vehicle cargo is Mariel or Havana.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Cuba?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Private vehicle imports are highly restricted; some reforms allow limited vehicle categories and EV-related imports under conditions.
- Inspection
- Government authorization / state import channels / customs
- Restrictions
- Highly restricted / limited vehicle import
- Entry ports
- Mariel / Havana
How do you import a car from Japan to Cuba, step by step?
Check the import rules
Private vehicle imports are highly restricted; some reforms allow limited vehicle categories and EV-related imports under conditions. Cuba requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
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 Cuba.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Cuba: Government authorization / state import channels / customs.
Ship to Mariel / Havana
Cars from Japan arrive at Mariel / Havana. Sea transit is about 45–65 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; 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 Cuba's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Cuba charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 10% | CIF value |
Import duty
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF value.
Cuba's import duty structure for private vehicles is not publicly standardized in a way that makes reliable upfront estimates possible. Public reporting has cited an import tariff of around 10% for certain EV-related categories, but conventional vehicle duty and the full tax cost depend heavily on the authorization category and are subject to change.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Cuba?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariel / Havana | RoRo or container | 45–65 | US$3,500 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Cuba?
- 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 Cuba?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariel | mariel | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Havana | mariel | US$120 | US$150 | 1 |
| Santiago de Cuba | mariel | US$480 | US$600 | 3 |
| Camaguey | mariel | US$360 | US$450 | 3 |
| Holguin | mariel | US$450 | US$560 | 3 |
| Cienfuegos | mariel | US$220 | US$280 | 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 it possible to import a car from Japan to Cuba?
- Private vehicle imports to Cuba are tightly restricted by government authorization. It is possible in certain categories — returning nationals, diplomats, and some EV-related approvals — but the framework is volatile.
- What duty does Cuba charge on imported vehicles?
- Cuba's duty structure for private vehicle imports is not publicly standardized. Public reporting cites around 10% for certain EV import categories, but conventional vehicle costs and the full tax burden depend on authorization category and change without notice.
- Which port handles vehicle imports to Cuba?
- Vehicle cargo typically enters through Mariel or Havana, depending on the authorization and the nature of the shipment.
Car import duty calculator for Cuba
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.