How do you import a car from Japan to Jordan, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Jordan reformed vehicle taxes in mid-2025: the special (excise) tax is now about 51% for gasoline cars, 39% for hybrids and 27% for EVs on the customs-assessed value, plus 16% General Sales Tax on top. Fuel type is the biggest driver, so the total varies widely — the operator must confirm the exact rate for the specific car. LHD only; cleared through the Zarqa Free Zone.
Car import duty calculator for Jordan
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Jordan 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.
Jordan has a well-established used-car import market, and Japanese vehicles — particularly Toyota — are trusted for their durability and the availability of parts and servicing across Amman and the rest of the country. Jordan drives on the right, following regional LHD conventions, which means Japan's standard RHD domestic stock is not directly registrable. Aqaba on the Red Sea is Jordan's primary port for vehicle imports, feeding the main road network north to Amman and beyond.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Jordan?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Personal imported vehicles cannot be more than ~10 years old. From Nov 2025 new rules ban salvage/junk (fire/flood) cars and EVs more than 3 years old. Jordan drives on the right — LHD only.
- Inspection
- Used vehicles are routed to the Zarqa Free Zone and tested by the Jordanian Bureau of Motor Vehicles for specification compliance; an Interpol clearance is also obtained before entry.
- Permits
- Cleared via Aqaba then the Zarqa Free Zone; a local customs agent handles the free-zone bond and testing.
- Restrictions
- RHD not registrable. From Nov 2025: salvage/fire/flood-damaged vehicles banned and EVs older than 3 years banned.
- Special rules
- Major June/July 2025 tax reform: the special tax on gasoline cars was cut to ~51% (from 71%), hybrids to ~39% (from 60%) and EVs unified at ~27%. Policy strongly favours hybrids/EVs.
- Entry ports
- Port of Aqaba
How do you import a car from Japan to Jordan, step by step?
Check the import rules
Personal imported vehicles cannot be more than ~10 years old. From Nov 2025 new rules ban salvage/junk (fire/flood) cars and EVs more than 3 years old. Jordan drives on the right — LHD only. Jordan requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
Obtain the import permit
Cleared via Aqaba then the Zarqa Free Zone; a local customs agent handles the free-zone bond and testing.
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 Jordan.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Jordan: Used vehicles are routed to the Zarqa Free Zone and tested by the Jordanian Bureau of Motor Vehicles for specification compliance; an Interpol clearance is also obtained before entry.
Ship to Port of Aqaba
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Aqaba. Sea transit is about 30–42 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 Special Tax by fuel type and General Sales 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 Jordan's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Jordan charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Special (excise) Tax by fuel type | 51% | CIF value |
| General Sales Tax | 16% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Special (excise) Tax by fuel type
Rate: 51% above that. Charged on: CIF value.
General Sales Tax
Rate: 16%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Jordan applies customs duties on imported vehicles that vary by engine size, vehicle age and the car's customs-assessed value — Jordan is not part of the GCC customs union, so it sets its own tariff schedule. Excise taxes and general sales tax (GST) also apply on top of the base customs duty. The total tax burden on an imported Japanese car in Jordan can be significant, and the precise amount depends on your car's engine displacement, age and CIF value.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Jordan?
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 Aqaba | RoRo or container | 30–42 | US$1,300 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Jordan?
- 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 Jordan?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amman | Port of Aqaba | US$320 | US$400 | 2 |
| Zarqa | Port of Aqaba | US$350 | US$430 | 2 |
| Irbid | Port of Aqaba | US$400 | US$490 | 2 |
| Aqaba | Port of Aqaba | US$90 | US$120 | 1 |
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
- Does Jordan allow right-hand-drive cars from Japan?
- Jordan drives on the right and generally requires LHD vehicles for registration.
- How much is the import duty on a car in Jordan?
- Jordan sets its own tariff schedule outside the GCC framework. Duties vary by engine size, vehicle age and customs-assessed value, and excise taxes and GST also apply on top. The total burden can be significant.
- Which port does a Japanese car arrive at in Jordan?
- Aqaba Port on the Red Sea is Jordan's primary port for imported vehicles. From Aqaba, vehicles are transported north along the Desert Highway to Amman and other destinations across the country.
Car import duty calculator for Jordan
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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.