How do you import a car from Japan to Ivory Coast, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Ivory Coast (WAEMU) charges 20% customs duty, ~2.5% in community levies and 18% VAT — roughly 50% of CIF all-in (the widely-quoted ~53% is the aggregate). Cars must be under 5 years old and it drives on the right.
Car import duty calculator for Ivory Coast
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Ivory Coast 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.
Ivory Coast is one of West Africa's most important vehicle import hubs: the Port of Abidjan handles direct Japanese car shipments for Ivorian buyers and serves as a transit gateway for landlocked neighbours. Import regulations, duty rates and age rules need broker confirmation before any order is placed.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Ivory Coast?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Used passenger cars must generally be under 5 years old for permanent registration (strictly enforced). Ivory Coast drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction.
- Restrictions
- Ivory Coast drives on the right; RHD Japanese cars may not be registrable.
- Entry ports
- Port of Abidjan
How do you import a car from Japan to Ivory Coast, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used passenger cars must generally be under 5 years old for permanent registration (strictly enforced). Ivory Coast drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast.
Ship to Port of Abidjan
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Abidjan. Sea transit is about 30–45 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, Statistical & community levies 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 Ivory Coast's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Ivory Coast charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty (WAEMU CET) | 20% | CIF value |
| Statistical & community levies | 2.5% | CIF value |
| VAT (TVA) | 18% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs duty (WAEMU CET)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
Statistical & community levies
Rate: 2.5%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (TVA)
Rate: 18%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Ivory Coast (WAEMU) charges 20% customs duty, ~2.5% in community levies and 18% VAT — roughly 50% of CIF all-in (the widely-quoted ~53% is the aggregate). Cars must be under 5 years old and it drives on the right.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Ivory Coast?
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 Abidjan | RoRo or container | 30–45 | US$1,600 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Ivory Coast?
- 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 Ivory Coast?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abidjan | Port of Abidjan | US$80 | US$110 | 1 |
| Yamoussoukro | Port of Abidjan | US$300 | US$380 | 2 |
| Bouaké | Port of Abidjan | US$420 | US$530 | 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 the Port of Abidjan a good entry point for Japanese cars?
- Yes. Abidjan is one of West Africa's most active container ports and receives Japanese vehicle shipments regularly. It also serves as a transit hub for landlocked countries in the Sahel.
- What duty and tax will I pay to import a car to Ivory Coast?
- Duty, VAT and registration fee rates require broker confirmation for an accurate figure — these vary by vehicle category, engine size and age.
- Does Ivory Coast allow right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
- Ivory Coast follows the francophone West African driving convention.
Car import duty calculator for Ivory Coast
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.