How do you import a car from Japan to Dominican Republic, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
The Dominican Republic charges 20% customs duty on the CIF value (sometimes 0% for qualifying US-origin cars), 18% ITBIS (VAT), and a first-registration tax of 17% of CIF plus a CO2 emissions surcharge (1-3% by emissions) under Law 253-12. Used cars must be 5 years old or newer. RHD vehicles are tolerated in practice but registration favours left-hand-drive, so confirm registrability first.
Car import duty calculator for Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic does not allow right-hand-drive vehicles to be imported. Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive and we do not convert steering, so only the few left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions can be sourced for Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic drives on the right and the local market strongly favours left-hand-drive vehicles, which is an important consideration when importing from Japan. Under Law 04-07, used passenger cars must be five years old or newer from the year of manufacture — in 2026 that means a 2021 model or newer — and the entry port is Santo Domingo. The tax structure is layered: 20% customs duty on CIF, 18% ITBIS (VAT), a 17% first-registration tax, and a CO2 emissions surcharge of around 1% under Law 253-12.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Dominican Republic?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- Used passenger cars must be 5 years old or newer from manufacture (Law 04-07). Trucks up to 15 years. Port: Santo Domingo.
- Inspection
- Customs valuation (DUA single customs declaration); CO2 manufacturer certification required for emissions tax.
- Permits
- Original title + bill of lading + CO2 certification.
- Restrictions
- The Dominican Republic drives on the right (LHD norm). Right-hand-drive Japanese used cars are sometimes imported and used informally, but registration and resale strongly favour LHD; treat RHD as a registrability risk to confirm before quoting.
- Special rules
- DR-CAFTA can reduce/zero the 20% duty for qualifying US-origin vehicles (by VIN prefix).
- Entry ports
- Santo Domingo
How do you import a car from Japan to Dominican Republic, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used passenger cars must be 5 years old or newer from manufacture (Law 04-07). Trucks up to 15 years. Port: Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic does not allow right-hand-drive vehicles to be imported.
Obtain the import permit
Original title + bill of lading + CO2 certification.
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 Dominican Republic.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Dominican Republic: Customs valuation (DUA single customs declaration); CO2 manufacturer certification required for emissions tax.
Ship to Santo Domingo
Cars from Japan arrive at Santo Domingo. Sea transit is about 24–36 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 Customs Duty, ITBIS, First Registration Tax and CO2 Emissions Tax; 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 Dominican Republic's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Dominican Republic charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty (Gravamen) | 20% | CIF value |
| ITBIS (VAT) | 18% | CIF + import duty |
| First Registration Tax (placa) | 17% | CIF value |
| CO2 Emissions Tax | 1% | CIF value |
Customs Duty (Gravamen)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
ITBIS (VAT)
Rate: 18%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
First Registration Tax (placa)
Rate: 17%. Charged on: CIF value.
CO2 Emissions Tax
Rate: 1%. Charged on: CIF value.
The Dominican Republic charges 20% customs duty (Gravamen) on the CIF value, 18% ITBIS (VAT), a 17% first-registration tax (placa) on CIF, and a CO2 emissions surcharge of approximately 1% under Law 253-12. The combined tax load is substantial. Note that qualifying US-origin vehicles may attract 0% duty under trade agreements, but Japanese-origin cars do not benefit from that exemption.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Dominican Republic?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | RoRo or container | 24–36 | US$2,050 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Dominican Republic?
- 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 Dominican Republic?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | Santo Domingo | US$110 | US$140 | 1 |
| Santiago de los Caballeros | Santo Domingo | US$170 | US$210 | 2 |
| La Romana | Santo Domingo | US$150 | US$190 | 2 |
| Puerto Plata | Santo Domingo | US$180 | US$220 | 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
- What is the age limit for importing a car to the Dominican Republic?
- Under Law 04-07, used passenger cars must be five years old or newer from the year of manufacture. In 2026 that means a 2021 model or newer. Trucks have a separate 15-year limit.
- What taxes do I pay to import a car to the Dominican Republic?
- 20% customs duty on CIF, 18% ITBIS (VAT), a 17% first-registration tax, and roughly 1% CO2 surcharge under Law 253-12. Together these add significantly to the landed cost.
Car import duty calculator for Dominican Republic
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.