How do you import a car from Japan to Gabon, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Approx. duty 30%, VAT 18% on the imported value. Indicative CEMAC-style duty baseline only.
Car import duty calculator for Gabon
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Gabon 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.
Gabon is an oil-rich Central African country with a relatively compact road network centred on the capital Libreville, which is also the country's main port. Like its CEMAC neighbours, Gabon drives on the right and requires left-hand-drive vehicles for registration, so buyers need LHD-export Japanese stock rather than the standard Japanese domestic RHD models. The indicative duty framework is approximately 30% customs duty plus 18% VAT, consistent with CEMAC tariff baseline practice, though exact rates by HS code and vehicle category must be confirmed with a local broker.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Gabon?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- No reliable simple age cap confirmed; CEMAC tariff/VAT and registration rules must be verified.
- Inspection
- Customs clearance, registration
- Entry ports
- Libreville
How do you import a car from Japan to Gabon, step by step?
Check the import rules
No reliable simple age cap confirmed; CEMAC tariff/VAT and registration rules must be verified. Gabon 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 Gabon.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Gabon: Customs clearance, registration.
Ship to Libreville
Cars from Japan arrive at Libreville. Sea transit is about 34–46 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 and VAT / GST; 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 Gabon's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Gabon charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 30% | CIF value |
| VAT / GST | 18% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import duty
Rate: 30%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT / GST
Rate: 18%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Gabon applies an indicative CEMAC customs duty of approximately 30% on the CIF value of the vehicle, plus 18% VAT. The exact rate depends on HS tariff classification and the vehicle category — rates can vary across CEMAC bands, and local broker fees and port charges add to the final bill.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Gabon?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libreville | RoRo or container | 34–46 | US$3,100 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Gabon?
- 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 Gabon?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libreville | Libreville | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Port-Gentil | Libreville | US$180 | US$220 | 2 |
| Franceville | Libreville | US$370 | US$460 | 3 |
| Oyem | Libreville | US$240 | US$300 | 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
- Does Gabon accept right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
- No — Gabon drives on the right so only left-hand-drive vehicles can be registered.
- Which port does the car arrive at in Gabon?
- Vehicles enter through the Port of Libreville, Gabon's main Atlantic coast gateway.
- How much is import duty on a car in Gabon?
- The CEMAC-baseline indicative rate is approximately 30% customs duty plus 18% VAT on the CIF value. Exact rates vary by HS code and vehicle category.
Car import duty calculator for Gabon
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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.