Does Iraq allow right-hand-drive cars from Japan?

Iraq requires left-hand-drive vehicles. Japan's standard domestic stock is right-hand drive and is not registrable in Iraq. We source LHD Japanese export cars and confirm steering availability for your model before any commitment.

How much is the import duty and VAT in Iraq?

The indicative baseline is approximately 10% duty plus 5% VAT on the imported vehicle value, but actual rates vary by destination region, vehicle category and the customs authority involved — some sources cite 5% to 15%+ depending on the case. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your specific car and destination.

Which port do cars arrive at in Iraq?

Umm Qasr Port in Basra Governorate is Iraq's primary vehicle import port. Vessels often route via a Jebel Ali feeder. From Umm Qasr, vehicles are transported by road to Basra, Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, Mosul and other destinations.

Does import duty differ between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region?

Yes — Iraq's regional customs variation means the duty treatment and rates can differ depending on whether your destination is in central Iraq, the south or the Kurdistan Region. Our team confirms the correct figure for your destination before you commit.

Do you handle delivery to Kurdistan / Erbil?

Yes. We deliver from Umm Qasr to Erbil, Mosul and other Kurdistan Region destinations. Delivery to Erbil from Umm Qasr runs approximately $580 for a sedan, and to Mosul approximately $610. Our team coordinates with licensed local partners for the full inland leg.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Iraq

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Iraq is one of the Middle East's largest vehicle markets by population, and Japanese cars — particularly Toyota — are deeply embedded in the country's transport culture from Baghdad to the Kurdistan Region. Iraq requires left-hand-drive vehicles, which aligns with the need to source LHD Japanese export cars rather than Japan's standard RHD domestic stock; we confirm steering eligibility and LHD availability for every model before sourcing begins. Umm Qasr Port in Basra Governorate, often handling vessels via a feeder from Jebel Ali, is the primary entry point for imported vehicles in Iraq. Customs duties and VAT rates in Iraq vary by region and vehicle category — the indicative baseline is approximately 10% duty and 5% VAT, but regional differences and the specific customs authority involved can shift the actual figure. Our licensed team navigates this complexity case by case and confirms the accurate total for your car before you commit.

Main ports: Umm Qasr / Jebel Ali feeder
Import age rule: Iraq drives on the right (LHD). Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region (KRG) apply different customs procedures, and used-passenger-car rules favour LHD Gulf/US-spec cars — RHD Japanese-domestic stock is effectively not registrable, so our RHD sourcing model rarely fits.
Steering: LHD
Duties & taxes: Iraq has no general VAT. Imported passenger cars pay a customs duty that runs roughly 8-15% of the CIF value, graduated by engine size and model year and higher for large/luxury cars (rates rose under Cabinet Decision No. 957). Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region clear cars differently, so the figure is indicative and our team confirms the exact charge before any quote.

Loading calculator…

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 Iraq

Confirm LHD eligibility and destination region
Iraq's LHD requirement and its regional customs variations mean we start by confirming steering eligibility, your destination (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, etc.) and which customs authority applies, before approaching Japan's auctions.
Auction sourcing in Japan
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the right car, reads its auction sheet and grade, and verifies condition — mileage, history and specification — before presenting it. We do not source salvage or ex-government units.
Export and ocean freight to Umm Qasr
We handle Japanese export customs, book the vehicle onto a vessel for Umm Qasr Port (often via a Jebel Ali feeder), and provide sailing schedule and tracking.
Customs clearance — confirmed per region
Iraqi customs and duty handling varies by destination region. Our team coordinates with licensed local partners at Umm Qasr to manage the clearance, conformity/statistical report if required, and customs valuation — all figures confirmed for your specific case before you pay.
Inland delivery to your city
Once cleared, the vehicle is delivered from Umm Qasr to Basra, Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, Mosul or your destination at a price confirmed upfront.

Import duties & taxes in Iraq explained

Iraq applies an import duty of approximately 10% on the imported vehicle value, plus VAT of approximately 5% — giving an indicative combined burden of around 15% of the imported value. However, these figures are a broad baseline: actual duty rates vary by region, vehicle category and the specific customs authority in the destination governorate, with some sources citing rates from 5% to 15% or more depending on the transaction. A conformity or statistical report may also be required at customs. Because Iraq's regional customs variation means the correct figure cannot be stated without knowing your destination and vehicle, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Iraq

Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is the prestige and practical choice across Iraq — from Baghdad government use to Kurdistan mountain roads and southern desert routes. GCC-spec or LHD Japanese export Land Cruisers are in consistent demand across all regions.
See prices
Toyota Hilux
Iraq's most trusted pickup for commercial operators, tribal transport and rural areas. The Hilux's proven durability in harsh conditions and the wide availability of parts across Iraqi markets make it the natural workhorse choice.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable and affordable daily sedan for Iraqi urban buyers in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil. Toyota's dominant parts and service network across Iraq makes the Corolla Axio one of the safest budget import choices.
See prices
Honda Fit
An efficient compact for urban Iraqi drivers seeking a practical, low-running-cost Japanese car at an accessible auction price. LHD availability is confirmed per unit before sourcing.
See prices
Toyota Prado
A popular mid-size SUV choice for Iraqi families who need a capable, comfortable vehicle for longer journeys between governorates. The Prado's Toyota reliability and parts availability across Iraq make it a strong choice for buyers stepping up from a sedan.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Iraq

Umm Qasr — Collection at Umm Qasr Port costs approximately $100 for a sedan.
Basra — Delivery from Umm Qasr Port to Basra runs approximately $160 for a sedan.
Najaf — Delivery from Umm Qasr Port to Najaf runs approximately $360 for a sedan.
Baghdad — Delivery from Umm Qasr Port to Baghdad runs approximately $420 for a sedan.
Erbil — Delivery from Umm Qasr Port to Erbil runs approximately $580 for a sedan.
Mosul — Delivery from Umm Qasr Port to Mosul runs approximately $610 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Iraq allow right-hand-drive cars from Japan?: Iraq requires left-hand-drive vehicles. Japan's standard domestic stock is right-hand drive and is not registrable in Iraq. We source LHD Japanese export cars and confirm steering availability for your model before any commitment.
How much is the import duty and VAT in Iraq?: The indicative baseline is approximately 10% duty plus 5% VAT on the imported vehicle value, but actual rates vary by destination region, vehicle category and the customs authority involved — some sources cite 5% to 15%+ depending on the case. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your specific car and destination.
Which port do cars arrive at in Iraq?: Umm Qasr Port in Basra Governorate is Iraq's primary vehicle import port. Vessels often route via a Jebel Ali feeder. From Umm Qasr, vehicles are transported by road to Basra, Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, Mosul and other destinations.
Does import duty differ between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region?: Yes — Iraq's regional customs variation means the duty treatment and rates can differ depending on whether your destination is in central Iraq, the south or the Kurdistan Region. Our team confirms the correct figure for your destination before you commit.
Do you handle delivery to Kurdistan / Erbil?: Yes. We deliver from Umm Qasr to Erbil, Mosul and other Kurdistan Region destinations. Delivery to Erbil from Umm Qasr runs approximately $580 for a sedan, and to Mosul approximately $610. Our team coordinates with licensed local partners for the full inland leg.