How do you import a car from Japan to Lebanon, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Roughly a 5% customs fee, a ~45% consumption/excise fee, and 11% VAT stacked on the CIF value — an effective burden of about 65-70% for a petrol car, though battery EVs are exempt from duty. All of it is assessed at a volatile 'customs dollar' exchange rate, so the local-currency total moves with the rate. LHD only; vehicles must be ≤8 years old.
Car import duty calculator for Lebanon
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Lebanon 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.
Lebanon has a long-standing used-car import tradition, and Japanese vehicles are well-regarded in the Lebanese market for their reliability and the breadth of independent workshop expertise available across Beirut and the regions. Lebanon drives on the right, so Japan's right-hand-drive domestic stock is not registrable for standard use. Beirut Port is Lebanon's primary vehicle import gateway. Lebanon's economic environment has been volatile in recent years, and payment, banking and logistics arrangements may require additional coordination.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Lebanon?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Used cars must be ≤8 years old (legislation is pending to lower this to 5). Lebanon drives on the right — LHD only.
- Inspection
- Mécanique (vehicle inspection) and registration via the Nafaa/traffic authority after clearance.
- Permits
- Local customs broker required; duties are assessed on a 'customs dollar' exchange rate that has been revised repeatedly since 2023.
- Restrictions
- RHD not registrable. Cash-heavy economy and volatile customs-dollar rate make landed cost unstable.
- Special rules
- Battery EVs are fully exempt from import duty, PHEVs get an ~80% reduction, and registration/inspection fees are reduced ~70% for electrified vehicles.
- Entry ports
- Port of Beirut
How do you import a car from Japan to Lebanon, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used cars must be ≤8 years old (legislation is pending to lower this to 5). Lebanon drives on the right — LHD only. Lebanon requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
Obtain the import permit
Local customs broker required; duties are assessed on a 'customs dollar' exchange rate that has been revised repeatedly since 2023.
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 Lebanon.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Lebanon: Mécanique (vehicle inspection) and registration via the Nafaa/traffic authority after clearance.
Ship to Port of Beirut
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Beirut. Sea transit is about 32–45 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, Consumption / excise fee 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 Lebanon's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Lebanon charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty | 5% | CIF value |
| Consumption / excise fee | 45% | CIF + import duty |
| VAT | 11% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs Duty
Rate: 5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Consumption / excise fee
Rate: 45%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
VAT
Rate: 11%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Lebanon applies import duties on vehicles that depend on the car's engine size, value and category; excise taxes and value-added tax also apply on top of the base customs duty. Lebanon is not part of the GCC, so it sets its own tariff schedule independently. Given Lebanon's currency and economic situation, the customs valuation method and effective cost in USD can vary.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Lebanon?
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 Beirut | RoRo or container | 32–45 | US$1,400 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Lebanon?
- 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 Lebanon?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beirut | Port of Beirut | US$90 | US$120 | 1 |
| Tripoli | Port of Beirut | US$160 | US$200 | 1 |
| Sidon | Port of Beirut | US$130 | US$170 | 1 |
| Zahle | Port of Beirut | US$170 | US$210 | 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
- Can I import a right-hand-drive car from Japan to Lebanon?
- Lebanon drives on the right and LHD is the standard for registration. Right-hand-drive Japanese domestic cars are generally not registrable.
- Is it still feasible to import a car to Lebanon given the economic situation?
- Yes, it remains feasible, though it requires careful handling of payment channels, banking arrangements and logistics coordination.
- Which port does a Japanese car arrive at in Lebanon?
- Beirut Port is Lebanon's primary gateway for imported vehicles.
Car import duty calculator for Lebanon
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.