How do you import a car from Japan to Gambia, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
The Gambia charges 25% customs duty, a 20% excise, a 2.25% Import Development Fee and 15% VAT — about 65-75% of CIF, the highest in this group. Cars must be under 8 years old and it drives on the right (RHD restriction).
Car import duty calculator for Gambia
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Gambia 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.
Gambia is a small English-speaking country almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, with its own port at Banjul on the Atlantic coast. Import duty, VAT and any age restrictions require broker confirmation.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Gambia?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Used cars must be under 8 years old. The Gambia drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction. A pre-import inspection certificate is required.
- Restrictions
- The Gambia drives on the right; RHD Japanese cars may not be registrable.
- Entry ports
- Port of Banjul
How do you import a car from Japan to Gambia, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used cars must be under 8 years old. The Gambia drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction. A pre-import inspection certificate is required. Gambia 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 Gambia.
Ship to Port of Banjul
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Banjul. Sea transit is about 32–48 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 Customs duty, Excise duty, Import Development Fee and VAT; 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 Gambia's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Gambia charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty | 25% | CIF value |
| Excise duty | 20% | CIF + import duty |
| Import Development Fee | 2.25% | CIF value |
| VAT | 15% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs duty
Rate: 25%. Charged on: CIF value.
Excise duty
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
Import Development Fee
Rate: 2.25%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
The Gambia charges 25% customs duty, a 20% excise, a 2.25% Import Development Fee and 15% VAT — about 65-75% of CIF, the highest in this group. Cars must be under 8 years old and it drives on the right (RHD restriction).
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Gambia?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Banjul | RoRo or container | 32–48 | US$1,950 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Gambia?
- 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 Gambia?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banjul | Port of Banjul | US$60 | US$90 | 1 |
| Serekunda | Port of Banjul | US$90 | US$120 | 1 |
| Brikama | Port of Banjul | US$120 | US$160 | 1 |
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 Gambia have its own port for Japanese car imports?
- Yes. The Port of Banjul on the Atlantic coast receives ocean shipments directly, so no landlocked transit is needed.
- What duty and tax will I pay to import a car to Gambia?
- Duty, VAT and registration charges at Banjul vary by vehicle type and age, and require a broker quote for an accurate figure.
Car import duty calculator for Gambia
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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.