How do you import a car from Japan to Indonesia, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Indonesia restricts used-car imports to permit holders, so most private buyers cannot import one. Where an import is allowed, it pays 50% import duty, a 15–125% luxury goods tax (PPnBM) by engine size and 12% VAT, about 85% of CIF for a 1.5-litre petrol car.
Car import duty calculator for Indonesia
Indonesia drives on the left and uses right-hand-drive vehicles — the same standard as Japan — and Toyota, Honda, Suzuki and Daihatsu are everywhere because they are locally assembled, not imported as used CBUs. The distinction matters enormously: importing a used CBU (Completely Built Up) passenger car is not lawful for ordinary private buyers in Indonesia under the Ministry of Trade's Permendag regulations. The framework is designed to protect the local automotive assembly industry, and enforcement is serious. A Surveyor Report (LS) from a government-designated surveyor (Sucofindo or Surveyor Indonesia) is required for any lawful CBU import that does take place. Where a legal channel exists — commercial importers with specific approvals — the duty structure is formidable: 50% import duty on CIF, a PPnBM Luxury Goods Tax of 15% at 1,500cc rising to 125% above 3,000cc, and 12% VAT stacked on the cumulative total. The combined burden can exceed 180% of CIF.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Indonesia?
- Steering
- Right-hand drive only
- Age limit
- No formal published age limit. Restriction is categorical (permit-based); not age-based.
- Inspection
- Surveyor Report (LS) from a designated Indonesian surveyor (Sucofindo or Surveyor Indonesia) required for any lawful CBU import.
- Permits
- Used CBU passenger-car imports prohibited for general buyers under Permendag. Only diplomats, returning residents, and specific government programs qualify. National Single Window (INSW / LNSW) clearance required for all imports.
- Restrictions
- Importing a used CBU passenger car is not lawful for ordinary private importers in Indonesia. Enforcement via trade ministry regulations (Permendag). Indonesia drives on the left (RHD vehicles used).
- Special rules
- IJEPA (Indonesia-Japan EPA) covers new vehicles and some components but does NOT extend preferential duty to used CBU passenger cars from Japan. ASEAN-origin vehicles may attract lower ATIGA rates. Used CBU is categorically restricted regardless of origin.
- Entry ports
- Tanjung Priok, Jakarta
How do you import a car from Japan to Indonesia, step by step?
Check the import rules
No formal published age limit. Restriction is categorical (permit-based); not age-based. Indonesia registers right-hand-drive vehicles, so Japanese domestic stock meets the steering rule.
Obtain the import permit
Used CBU passenger-car imports prohibited for general buyers under Permendag. Only diplomats, returning residents, and specific government programs qualify. National Single Window (INSW / LNSW) clearance required for all imports.
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 Indonesia.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Indonesia: Surveyor Report (LS) from a designated Indonesian surveyor (Sucofindo or Surveyor Indonesia) required for any lawful CBU import.
Ship to Tanjung Priok, Jakarta
Cars from Japan arrive at Tanjung Priok, Jakarta and Jakarta. Sea transit is about 11–23 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, PPnBM Luxury Goods Tax 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 Indonesia's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Indonesia charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (Bea Masuk / BM) | 50% | CIF value |
| PPnBM Luxury Goods Tax | 15%–125% by engine size | CIF value |
| VAT (PPN) | 12% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import Duty (Bea Masuk / BM)
Rate: 50%. Charged on: CIF value.
PPnBM Luxury Goods Tax
Rate: 15% up to 1,500 cc; 40% up to 2,500 cc; 60% up to 3,000 cc; 125% above 3,000 cc. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (PPN)
Rate: 12%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
For lawful CBU imports where an import approval exists, Indonesia applies: Import Duty (Bea Masuk) at 50% of CIF, followed by the PPnBM Luxury Goods Tax by engine capacity — 15% up to 1,500cc, 40% up to 2,500cc, 60% up to 3,000cc, and 125% above 3,000cc — and then 12% VAT (PPN) on the cumulative total. The combined burden can exceed 180% of CIF on a typical 1,500cc car. For most ordinary buyers the import approval itself is the insurmountable barrier rather than the duty rate.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Indonesia?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanjung Priok, Jakarta | RoRo or container | 11–23 | US$900 |
| Jakarta | RoRo or container | 11–23 | US$1,250 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Indonesia?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
For eligible importers, the Fit's 1.3L engine attracts the lowest PPnBM band (15%), minimising the luxury tax while providing a practical, fuel-efficient hatchback that suits Jakarta's daily traffic.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Indonesia's most widely serviced Japanese family sedan — a 1.5L engine that keeps it in the 15% PPnBM band, with Toyota's vast local service network making maintenance easy anywhere in the archipelago.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
A compact, affordable Japanese hatchback with a small engine that sits at the lower end of the PPnBM scale — low Japan auction price and minimal luxury-tax exposure for eligible importers.
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
The kei Mira's 660cc engine falls in the lowest possible PPnBM bracket, making it the most tax-efficient Japanese car for eligible importers who need a simple, economical urban vehicle.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Indonesia?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta | Jakarta | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Surabaya | Jakarta | US$420 | US$520 | 3 |
| Bandung | Jakarta | US$160 | US$200 | 2 |
| Medan | Jakarta | US$790 | US$990 | 5 |
| Semarang | Jakarta | US$300 | US$380 | 3 |
| Denpasar | Jakarta | US$570 | US$710 | 5 |
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
- Can I import a used Japanese car to Indonesia as a private buyer?
- Generally no. Importing a used CBU passenger car is prohibited for ordinary private buyers under Indonesia's Ministry of Trade regulations (Permendag). Legal channels exist for diplomats, returning expatriates and licensed commercial importers.
- What is the PPnBM luxury tax on cars in Indonesia?
- PPnBM is applied after import duty and is the main variable tax: 15% up to 1,500cc, 40% up to 2,500cc, 60% up to 3,000cc, and 125% above 3,000cc — applied on CIF plus the 50% import duty already paid. Then 12% VAT applies on the cumulative total.
- What is a Surveyor Report (LS) and why is it required?
- An LS (Laporan Surveyor) is a certificate from a government-designated Indonesian surveyor — Sucofindo or Surveyor Indonesia — confirming the car's condition, value and specifications before it leaves Japan. Any lawful CBU import must have this document.
Sources
- Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Bea Cukai) — checked 15 October 2026
- Directorate General of Taxes — 2025 VAT rate change — checked 15 October 2026
- Baker McKenzie — Indonesia VAT 12% for luxury goods — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Indonesia
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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.