Can I register a right-hand-drive Japanese car in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic drives on the right and registration strongly favours left-hand-drive vehicles. RHD imports are sometimes tolerated in practice, but registrability is a real risk. Our team confirms the current position for your chosen car before we source anything.

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. Our team confirms the exact figure for your specific car.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Dominican Republic

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

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. When you import a car from Japan to the Dominican Republic, our licensed team quotes the full landed cost and advises on compliance before any money moves.

Main ports: Santo Domingo
Import age rule: Used passenger cars must be 5 years old or newer from manufacture (Law 04-07). Trucks up to 15 years. Port: Santo Domingo.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: 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.

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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 Dominican Republic

Understand the LHD and age requirements
The Dominican Republic drives on the right and registration strongly favours LHD. RHD vehicles from Japan are sometimes imported but carry real registrability risk. Our team clarifies the current rule for your chosen car type before sourcing begins.
Source a compliant car at Japanese auction
Using our licensed USS auction access, we find a car that meets the 5-year age cap and prepare the documentation needed for Dominican customs. We confirm the car's full condition from the auction sheet before you commit.
Export documentation
We prepare export paperwork, age verification documents, marine insurance, and any origin certificates needed before the car leaves Japan.
Ocean shipping to Santo Domingo
The car is booked onto a vessel bound for the Port of Santo Domingo. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking once the booking is confirmed.

Import duties & taxes in Dominican Republic explained

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. Because valuation and the CO2 band depend on your specific car, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Dominican Republic

Honda Fit
A compact, fuel-efficient hatchback popular across the Caribbean — petrol and hybrid options available, low running costs, and a tight turning radius for Santo Domingo traffic.
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Toyota Corolla Axio
A practical sedan with a 1.5L engine that keeps CO2 emissions and surcharges low — reliable, parts-accessible, and a proven performer in hot-climate markets.
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Suzuki Swift
One of the lowest-cost Japanese imports for the Dominican market — the small engine minimises the CO2 surcharge and keeps fuel bills down on Dominican roads.
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Mazda Demio
A well-finished compact at a budget auction price — the efficient 1.3L or 1.5L engines sit comfortably within the lower CO2 brackets and the cabin feels a cut above its price.
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Shipping cost to major cities in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo — You are at the port — inland delivery within Santo Domingo runs about $110 for a sedan.
La Romana — Delivery from Santo Domingo to La Romana adds roughly $150 for a sedan.
Santiago de los Caballeros — Delivery from Santo Domingo to Santiago adds roughly $170 for a sedan.
Puerto Plata — Delivery from Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata adds roughly $180 for a sedan.

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.
Can I register a right-hand-drive Japanese car in the Dominican Republic?: The Dominican Republic drives on the right and registration strongly favours left-hand-drive vehicles. RHD imports are sometimes tolerated in practice, but registrability is a real risk. Our team confirms the current position for your chosen car before we source anything.
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. Our team confirms the exact figure for your specific car.