Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to South Korea?

There is no blanket statutory age ban for private imports, but the car must pass Korea's safety and emissions compliance checks and complete registration. Our team checks that your chosen car can clear those requirements before sourcing.

How much is the import duty on a Japanese car in South Korea?

Korea Customs applies approximately 8% import duty on the CIF value for passenger cars. On top of that you pay an Individual Consumption Tax of about 5% and 10% VAT. Local acquisition taxes also apply at registration and vary by engine size — our team quotes the full amount before you commit.

Which port does the car arrive at in South Korea?

Most used Japanese car imports enter through the Port of Busan, South Korea's main ro-ro terminal. From Busan we arrange inland delivery to your city, whether that is Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu or Incheon.

Cost to import a car from Japan to South Korea

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

South Korea has no blanket age limit on used car imports, but every vehicle must clear Korea Customs, pass a safety and emissions compliance check, and complete the registration process before it can be driven on public roads. The import tax stack is straightforward: 8% customs duty on the CIF value, then an Individual Consumption Tax of 5%, and 10% VAT — with the exact totals depending on engine size and registration age, which attract their own local acquisition taxes at the registration stage. When you import a car from Japan to South Korea, the car arrives at the Port of Busan, South Korea's main ro-ro terminal, and our licensed team handles the auction sourcing, shipping and customs paperwork end to end.

Main ports: Busan
Import age rule: No simple age ban found; imported vehicles must clear customs and pass registration/safety/emissions process.
Steering: both
Duties & taxes: Approx. duty 8%, excise 5%, VAT 10% on the imported value. Excise/duty varies by engine size and age (band-based) — exact figure confirmed by our team. Korea Customs public tariff info shows 8% current duty for passenger cars where no preferential rate applies.

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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 South Korea

Choose the car you want
Tell us your budget and use case. South Korea accepts both left- and right-hand drive with no mandatory age ceiling, so we shortlist cars that can clear Korean safety, emissions and registration requirements.
We source it from Japan's auctions
With our licensed USS auction access we find the car, read its auction sheet and grade, and confirm condition before you commit a single won.
Pre-shipment inspection and documentation
We arrange a pre-export inspection in Japan and prepare the Korea Customs entry documents, including origin proof and compliance declarations needed for the Korean registration process.
Shipping to Busan and customs clearing
The car sails to the Port of Busan. On arrival our team handles the Korea Customs declaration, pays duty, Individual Consumption Tax and VAT, and clears the vehicle through the port.

Import duties & taxes in South Korea explained

Korea Customs applies an 8% import duty on the CIF value of passenger cars where no preferential rate is in force. On top of that you pay an Individual Consumption Tax of approximately 5% and VAT at 10%, both calculated on the customs-cleared value. At the registration stage, local acquisition taxes also apply and vary by engine displacement. The combined tax burden depends on your specific car — our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for South Korea

Honda Fit
A compact hatchback with hybrid and petrol options that sips fuel in Korean city traffic; the small engine helps keep Individual Consumption Tax and acquisition tax on the lower side.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable compact sedan from Japan's domestic lineup, straightforward to service and well suited to buyers who want a proven, low-cost daily driver.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A stylish small hatchback with a refined cabin for its class — the Japanese domestic Mazda2 version, which offers a design and feel above what the price suggests.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with low running costs; an accessible first import for buyers who want simplicity and easy resale.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in South Korea

Busan — You are at the entry port — inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
Daegu — Delivery from Busan to Daegu adds roughly $150 for a sedan.
Gwangju — Delivery from Busan to Gwangju adds roughly $200 for a sedan.
Daejeon — Delivery from Busan to Daejeon adds roughly $200 for a sedan.
Seoul — Delivery from Busan to Seoul adds roughly $260 for a sedan.
Incheon — Delivery from Busan to Incheon adds roughly $260 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to South Korea?: There is no blanket statutory age ban for private imports, but the car must pass Korea's safety and emissions compliance checks and complete registration. Our team checks that your chosen car can clear those requirements before sourcing.
How much is the import duty on a Japanese car in South Korea?: Korea Customs applies approximately 8% import duty on the CIF value for passenger cars. On top of that you pay an Individual Consumption Tax of about 5% and 10% VAT. Local acquisition taxes also apply at registration and vary by engine size — our team quotes the full amount before you commit.
Which port does the car arrive at in South Korea?: Most used Japanese car imports enter through the Port of Busan, South Korea's main ro-ro terminal. From Busan we arrange inland delivery to your city, whether that is Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu or Incheon.