Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Germany?

No — there is no EU-wide age cap for private imports. The car must, however, clear customs and pass conformity, roadworthiness, emissions and local registration before it can be driven.

Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in Germany?

Often not. Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof; otherwise standard TARIC duty may apply. Either way you pay 19% German VAT on the imported value.

Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in Germany?

Yes. Germany permits both left- and right-hand drive, so right-hand-drive Japanese imports can be registered once they pass conformity, emissions and the local registration process — which our team handles.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Germany

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Germany has no EU-wide age cap on private car imports, but every car must clear customs, prove conformity and roadworthiness, meet emissions and type-approval rules, and pass local registration before it can drive. The cost story is friendlier than most: under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof, with 19% VAT charged on the imported value. When you import a car from Japan to Germany, our licensed team handles the auction sourcing, shipping to Hamburg and the customs and conformity paperwork so the process stays simple.

Main ports: Hamburg
Import age rule: No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: Approx. duty 0%, VAT 19% on the imported value. Use 0% only where Japan-origin EPA proof is accepted; otherwise TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply.

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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 Germany

Choose the car you want
Germany has no age limit and accepts both left- and right-hand drive, so we shortlist cars to your budget and confirm they can meet German conformity and emissions rules.
We source it from Japan's auctions
With our licensed auction access we find the car, read its auction sheet and grade, and verify condition before you commit a single euro.
Pre-shipment inspection and origin proof
We prepare the customs declaration and the Japan-origin documentation needed to claim 0% EPA duty, alongside conformity and roadworthiness checks.
Shipping to Hamburg and clearing
The car sails to the Port of Hamburg, where we handle customs, VAT and the paperwork for local registration, then arrange inland delivery to your city.

Import duties & taxes in Germany explained

For a Japan-origin car, the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement means import duty can be 0% when valid origin proof is accepted; without that proof, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply instead. On top of duty you pay 19% German VAT on the imported value. Note that national registration and CO2-based motor taxes are separate and vary by the car's engine and emissions — these are not part of the import duty itself. Because the right treatment depends on your specific car and its origin paperwork, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Germany

Honda Fit
A frugal, practical hatchback with hybrid and petrol options — note Japanese-market cars are right-hand drive, which German registration permits.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with low running costs, a tidy city car for buyers who do not mind a right-hand-drive Japanese import.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback (the Japanese-market Mazda2) with a well-finished cabin and a small, efficient engine.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable, low-cost compact sedan from Japan's domestic range — straightforward to keep on the road and a right-hand-drive model.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Germany

Hamburg — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
Bremerhaven — Delivery from Hamburg to Bremerhaven adds roughly $190 for a sedan.
Berlin — Delivery from Hamburg to Berlin adds roughly $280 for a sedan.
Cologne — Delivery from Hamburg to Cologne adds roughly $340 for a sedan.
Frankfurt — Delivery from Hamburg to Frankfurt adds roughly $360 for a sedan.
Munich — Delivery from Hamburg to Munich adds roughly $480 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Germany?: No — there is no EU-wide age cap for private imports. The car must, however, clear customs and pass conformity, roadworthiness, emissions and local registration before it can be driven.
Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in Germany?: Often not. Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof; otherwise standard TARIC duty may apply. Either way you pay 19% German VAT on the imported value.
Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in Germany?: Yes. Germany permits both left- and right-hand drive, so right-hand-drive Japanese imports can be registered once they pass conformity, emissions and the local registration process — which our team handles.