How do you import a car from Japan to Greece, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Greece charges 0% duty under the EU-Japan agreement, 24% VAT and a classification (registration) tax modelled at 3–28% by engine size, about 29% of CIF for a 1.5-litre petrol car. There is no age limit, but the classification tax rises for older cars and lower emission classes.
Car import duty calculator for Greece
Greece has no EU-wide age cap on private car imports, and both left- and right-hand drive vehicles are registerable, so Japanese domestic stock is a realistic option for Greek buyers. Import duty is 0% under the EU-Japan EPA when valid origin proof is supplied, and 24% Greek VAT applies on the imported value. Cars arrive at the Port of Piraeus — one of the largest container and roll-on/roll-off ports in the Mediterranean — and Athens is just minutes away, making delivery particularly efficient for the capital.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Greece?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No age cap, but the registration tax rises for older/dirtier cars: it is a progressive % of the DEPRECIATED Greek retail value, increased for sub-Euro-6 emission classes, plus an environmental fee (€1,000 Euro 5 / €3,000 Euro 4).
- Inspection
- Customs declaration; KTEO roadworthiness; classification-tax (τέλος ταξινόμησης) settlement before registration.
- Permits
- EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty.
- Special rules
- Hybrids get a 50% classification-tax reduction; EVs are exempt.
- Entry ports
- Piraeus
How do you import a car from Japan to Greece, step by step?
Check the import rules
No age cap, but the registration tax rises for older/dirtier cars: it is a progressive % of the DEPRECIATED Greek retail value, increased for sub-Euro-6 emission classes, plus an environmental fee (€1,000 Euro 5 / €3,000 Euro 4). Greece 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.
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 Greece.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Greece: Customs declaration; KTEO roadworthiness; classification-tax (τέλος ταξινόμησης) settlement before registration.
Ship to Piraeus
Cars from Japan arrive at Piraeus. Sea transit is about 29–42 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 Classification tax; 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 Greece's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Greece charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (EU-Japan EPA) | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT (ΦΠΑ 24%) | 24% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| Classification tax (τέλος ταξινόμησης, estimated from engine size) | 3%–28% by engine size | CIF value |
Import duty (EU-Japan EPA)
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (ΦΠΑ 24%)
Rate: 24%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Classification tax (τέλος ταξινόμησης, estimated from engine size)
Rate: 3% up to 1,000 cc; 5% up to 1,500 cc; 12% up to 2,000 cc; 28% above 2,000 cc. Charged on: CIF value.
Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% when valid origin documentation accompanies the shipment; without it, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply. On top of duty comes 24% Greek VAT on the imported value. National registration taxes and any emissions-based levies apply separately at the time of first registration — the right figure depends on the specific car's engine and emissions rating.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Greece?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | RoRo or container | 29–42 | US$1,250 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Greece?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Practical and fuel-efficient with hybrid and petrol options — ideal for Greek urban traffic and a good balance of cabin space and running cost.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished compact hatchback with a small engine that keeps registration and fuel costs low — popular across southern Europe.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with low maintenance demands and easy resale — a sensible first import for budget-conscious buyers.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable compact sedan from Japan's domestic range, well-suited to everyday Greek driving and straightforward to register.
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
Ultra-compact kei car with minimal running costs — easy to park on narrow island streets and very affordable to own.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Greece?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Piraeus | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Athens | Piraeus | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Thessaloniki | Piraeus | US$260 | US$320 | 2 |
| Patras | Piraeus | US$190 | US$240 | 2 |
| Heraklion | Piraeus | US$270 | US$340 | 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
- Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Greece?
- No — there is no EU-wide age cap for private imports. The car must clear customs and pass conformity, roadworthiness, emissions and local registration requirements before it can be driven in Greece.
- Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in Greece?
- Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty is 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. You also pay 24% Greek VAT on the imported value, plus national registration charges that vary by the car's engine and emissions.
- Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in Greece?
- Yes. Greece accepts both left- and right-hand drive for private imports. A right-hand-drive Japanese car can be registered after conformity and roadworthiness checks.
Sources
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — Greece — checked 15 October 2026
- trade.gov — Greece Import Tariffs — checked 15 October 2026
- European Commission — EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Greece
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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.