Cost to import a car from Japan to Fiji
Rates & rules last reviewed
Fiji is a left-hand-traffic country, and right-hand-drive Japanese stock fits the market perfectly — Japan's domestic cars arrive road-legal and familiar without any steering-side conversion. Used imported vehicles are subject to age and emissions rules in Fiji, and the packet data shows a maximum vehicle age of approximately 5 years, meaning you should plan to source a recent model to stay comfortably inside the threshold; our licensed team confirms the exact current rule before sourcing begins. Customs is administered by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Land Transport Authority (LTA) handles registration, and a biosecurity check applies on arrival at the Port of Suva. On the cost side, the packet data shows an approximate import duty of 32% and VAT of 15% applied to the imported value — these figures can vary by vehicle type, fuel type and engine capacity as the FRCS applies tariffs by HS code, so the exact total depends on your specific car. Our licensed team sources the right age-compliant vehicle at Japanese auction, arranges the pre-export checks, books the vessel to Suva, and handles customs clearing so there are no surprises at the port.
- Main ports
- Suva
- Import age rule
- Per the FRCS notice: petrol/diesel passenger vehicles, minivans and dual-purpose twin cabs generally ≤8 years from year of manufacture; hybrids ≤5 years; Euro 4 emissions required. Fiji drives on the left — RHD fits. LHD is prohibited; written-off vehicles prohibited; JEVIC inspection required.
- Steering
- RHD
- Duties & taxes
- Fiji's fiscal duty on a USED petrol car is the greater of 15% of CIF or a fixed FJ$ per-unit amount banded by engine size (FJ$2,750 ≤1000cc, FJ$3,875 1000–1500cc, FJ$5,000 1500–2500cc, FJ$6,750 2500–3000cc, FJ$8,125 >3000cc) — the fixed floor binds for typical used-car values. Import excise is FREE on used vehicles. Add the 5% Environment & Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL) and 15% VAT on the duty-inclusive value. Effective load is ~75–80% of CIF on a cheap 1300cc car and ~50–55% on a 2700cc car.
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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 Fiji
Confirm age compliance
Fiji imposes an age cap on imported used vehicles — the packet data indicates approximately 5 years. We confirm the current rule with FRCS before sourcing, and only shortlist cars that will clear the border cleanly.
We source it from Japan's auctions
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the right car, reads the auction sheet and condition grade, and verifies the odometer before you commit. Right-hand drive is the only viable option for Fiji registration.
Pre-shipment inspection and documentation
We arrange a pre-export inspection in Japan and compile the customs package — commercial invoice, Bill of Lading, and the documents FRCS needs for tariff classification and duty calculation.
Ocean shipping to the Port of Suva
The car is booked onto a vessel bound for Suva, Fiji's main entry port. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking link throughout the voyage.
FRCS customs clearing and biosecurity
On arrival we handle FRCS customs valuation and duty payment — approximately 32% duty and 15% VAT on the imported value, subject to HS classification — plus the mandatory biosecurity inspection before the car leaves the port.
LTA registration and delivery
Once cleared we coordinate LTA registration and delivery to Suva, Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa or wherever you are based across the islands.
Import duties & taxes in Fiji explained
Fiji's FRCS applies import duty at approximately 32% and VAT at 15% on the imported value, but the precise rate can vary by vehicle type, fuel type and engine capacity as the tariff is applied by HS code. An age cap also applies to imported used vehicles, so the condition and year of manufacture affect both eligibility and the duty base. Because FRCS tariff rates are set by classification that depends on your specific car, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.
Popular Japanese cars for Fiji
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Honda Fit
The Honda Fit's compact dimensions and petrol or hybrid powertrain make it ideal for Fiji's urban roads — fuel-efficient, easy to park and widely known among local mechanics.
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Toyota Corolla Axio
A trusted family sedan with a proven 1.5L engine and strong parts availability across Fiji — one of the most popular Japanese-sourced cars on the islands for good reason.
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Suzuki Swift
Light, economical and simple to maintain — the Swift's low running costs suit Fiji's fuel prices and island distances, and it holds its value well in the local resale market.
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Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback with a better-finished interior than its budget price suggests — a smart choice for buyers who want comfort without stepping up to a larger car and higher duty bill.
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Toyota Probox
The go-to workhorse for Fijian businesses and tradespeople — tough, reliable and cheap to run, with a load capacity that handles tools, stock and island errands without complaint.
Shipping cost to major cities in Fiji
- Suva — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $110.
- Lautoka — Delivery from Suva to Lautoka adds roughly $200 for a sedan.
- Nadi — Delivery from Suva to Nadi adds roughly $200 for a sedan.
- Labasa — Delivery from Suva to Labasa adds roughly $260 for a sedan.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there an age limit for importing a car from Japan to Fiji?
- Yes — the packet data indicates approximately 5 years from manufacture. Our team verifies the current FRCS rule before sourcing begins, and we only shortlist cars that comply so the vehicle clears the border without issue.
- Does Fiji accept right-hand-drive cars from Japan?
- Yes — Fiji is a left-hand-traffic country, so right-hand-drive vehicles are the standard. Japan's domestic fleet is almost entirely right-hand drive, making it a natural source market for Fiji.
- How much duty and tax do I pay when importing to Fiji?
- The packet data shows approximately 32% import duty and 15% VAT on the imported value, but the exact rate depends on your vehicle's HS classification by FRCS. We quote the full figure — including duty, VAT, shipping and our sourcing fee — before you commit.
- Which port does my car arrive at in Fiji?
- The Port of Suva is Fiji's main entry point for vehicle imports. From Suva we arrange onward delivery to other locations including Lautoka, Nadi and Labasa.
- How long does shipping from Japan to Fiji take?
- Sea freight from Japan to Suva typically takes several weeks, plus biosecurity inspection and customs clearing on arrival. Our team provides the sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked.