Can I import a car from Japan to Eritrea?

Yes. Used Japanese vehicles can be imported into Eritrea. The country has Red Sea port access, which avoids the long overland transit required by landlocked neighbours.

How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Eritrea?

Import duties and taxes apply and vary by vehicle type and engine.

How do you import a car from Japan to Eritrea, 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 Eritrea.

Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Eritrea 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.

Eritrea has its own Red Sea coastline, giving it direct maritime access without the overland transit that landlocked neighbours must rely on. Used Japanese vehicles are valued in Asmara and across the country for their durability and the regional availability of spare parts. The import environment — duty rates, registration requirements and applicable age rules — requires local verification, and the process is best handled with experienced in-country support.

Can you import a used car from Japan to Eritrea?

Steering: Left-hand drive only

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

Check the import rules
Eritrea 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 Eritrea.
Ship the car
Eritrea's import rules and duty rates need to be verified for your specific vehicle.
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 Eritrea's vehicle registration authority.

What import duties and taxes does Eritrea charge?

Eritrea applies import duties and taxes on imported vehicles. The applicable rates depend on the vehicle type, engine size and current customs schedules, and require confirmation for your specific car.

Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Eritrea?

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.
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 car from Japan to Eritrea?: Yes. Used Japanese vehicles can be imported into Eritrea. The country has Red Sea port access, which avoids the long overland transit required by landlocked neighbours.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Eritrea?: Import duties and taxes apply and vary by vehicle type and engine.

Car import duty calculator for Eritrea

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