How do you import a car from Japan to France, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Cars imported from Japan to France pay 0% customs duty under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and 20% VAT, plus the CO2 malus and registration fee at first French registration, modelled here at 2–12% by engine size. There is no maximum age; the malus is reduced by an age coefficient.
Car import duty calculator for France
France has no fixed age limit on used-car imports, so a well-maintained Japanese car can clear customs regardless of its year — but the country drives on the right, and Japanese stock is right-hand drive, which French registration permits. The number that surprises most buyers is not the duty. Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% with valid origin proof, and VAT stands at 20%. The decisive variable is the CO2 malus écologique, which since March 2025 also applies to imported used cars at first French registration. It starts at 113 g/km and scales steeply — a mid-size petrol car at 170 g/km can attract €3,300–14,300, while anything near 180 g/km triggers roughly €33,000, capped at €70,000. An age-based depreciation coefficient reduces the charge for older cars.
Can you import a used car from Japan to France?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No fixed maximum age. Since 1 March 2025 imported used cars pay the CO2 malus at first French registration, reduced by an age-based depreciation coefficient. Port: Le Havre.
- Inspection
- Controle technique (roadworthiness) plus first-registration formalities (carte grise) are required.
- Permits
- EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; quitus fiscal / TVA clearance and carte grise application.
- Special rules
- The CO2 malus rises steeply with emissions (cap €70,000 in 2025) and is depreciated for used cars; a separate weight malus and regional carte grise fee also apply. Low-CO2 cars pay little or no malus.
- Entry ports
- Le Havre
How do you import a car from Japan to France, step by step?
Check the import rules
No fixed maximum age. Since 1 March 2025 imported used cars pay the CO2 malus at first French registration, reduced by an age-based depreciation coefficient. Port: Le Havre. France accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
Obtain the import permit
EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; quitus fiscal / TVA clearance and carte grise application.
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 France.
Complete the required inspection
Required for France: Controle technique (roadworthiness) plus first-registration formalities (carte grise) are required.
Ship to Le Havre
Cars from Japan arrive at Le Havre. Sea transit is about 45–50 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, VAT and CO2 malus + carte grise; 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 France's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does France charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (EU-Japan EPA) | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT (TVA) | 20% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| CO2 malus + carte grise (estimated from engine size) | 2%–12% by engine size | CIF + import duty |
Import duty (EU-Japan EPA)
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (TVA)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
CO2 malus + carte grise (estimated from engine size)
Rate: 2% up to 1,000 cc; 3% up to 1,500 cc; 6% up to 2,000 cc; 12% above 2,000 cc. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% when valid origin proof accompanies the shipment; without it, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply instead. On top of duty comes 20% French VAT (TVA) on the imported value. The decisive extra cost is the CO2 malus écologique, applied since March 2025 to imported used cars at first French registration: it starts at 113 g/km, runs roughly €900–3,100 at 150 g/km, €3,300–14,300 at 170 g/km and about €33,000 at 180 g/km (capped at €70,000), with an age-based depreciation coefficient reducing it for older vehicles. A regional carte grise fee also applies.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to France?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Havre | RoRo or container | 45–50 | US$2,500 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in France?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Petrol and hybrid options with low CO2 output keep the malus modest, and the practical cabin works well as an everyday city car.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback (Japanese-market Mazda2) with a well-finished cabin and a small engine that sits below the steepest malus bands.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, efficient and easy to keep — a sensible choice for buyers watching both the malus and ongoing running costs.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable compact sedan from Japan's domestic range — straightforward to register and a conservative pick for family use.
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
An ultra-compact kei car with very low CO2 — good for buyers wanting the cheapest possible malus bill and minimal running costs.
How much is inland delivery to cities in France?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Havre | Le Havre | US$150 | US$190 | 1 |
| Paris | Le Havre | US$240 | US$300 | 2 |
| Marseille | Le Havre | US$580 | US$720 | 3 |
| Lyon | Le Havre | US$450 | US$560 | 3 |
| Toulouse | Le Havre | US$510 | US$640 | 3 |
| Nice | Le Havre | US$610 | US$760 | 3 |
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 there an age limit to import a car from Japan to France?
- No — France has no fixed maximum age cap for private car imports. The car must clear customs, pass a roadworthiness inspection (contrôle technique), and meet first-registration formalities for the carte grise.
- What is the CO2 malus and how much will I pay?
- Since March 2025, the CO2 malus écologique applies to imported used cars at first French registration. It starts at 113 g/km and scales steeply — roughly €900–3,100 at 150 g/km, up to €33,000 near 180 g/km, capped at €70,000. An age depreciation coefficient reduces it for older vehicles.
- Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in France?
- Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% with valid origin proof. You also pay 20% TVA (VAT) on the imported value, plus the CO2 malus and carte grise fee at registration.
- Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in France?
- Yes. French registration accepts both left- and right-hand drive, so a right-hand-drive Japanese import can be put on the road once it passes the contrôle technique and first-registration process.
- Which port does the car arrive at?
- Japan-to-France imports typically arrive at the Port of Le Havre.
Sources
- Service-Public — CO2 malus on passenger vehicles — checked 15 October 2026
- Service-Public — Malus changes from 1 March 2025 — checked 15 October 2026
- European Commission — EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for France
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.