Cost to import a car from Japan to Lebanon

Rates & rules last reviewed

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; we source LHD Japanese export cars and confirm steering eligibility before any commitment. 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 — our licensed team navigates this on your behalf and confirms feasibility before you proceed. When you import a car from Japan to Lebanon, our team handles auction sourcing in Japan, ocean freight, customs clearance at Beirut, and delivery to your destination.

Main ports
  • Port of Beirut
Import age rule
Used cars must be ≤8 years old (legislation is pending to lower this to 5). Lebanon drives on the right — LHD only.
Steering
LHD
Duties & taxes
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.

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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 Lebanon

  1. Confirm eligibility and logistics

    Given Lebanon's current economic and banking environment, we start by confirming the logistics route, payment channel and import eligibility for your chosen model before sourcing begins.

  2. Auction sourcing in Japan

    Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the right car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and verifies condition and title before presenting it to you. LHD availability is confirmed per model.

  3. Ocean freight to Beirut Port

    We handle Japanese export documentation, book the vehicle onto a vessel for Beirut Port, and provide sailing schedule and container tracking.

  4. Customs clearance and delivery

    On arrival our team manages Lebanese customs, pays applicable duty and taxes, arranges inspection if required, and delivers to your location in Beirut or across Lebanon at a price disclosed upfront.

Import duties & taxes in Lebanon explained

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; our team coordinates with local licensed agents to confirm current, accurate figures. Because all relevant amounts depend on your specific car and current Lebanese customs practice, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Lebanon

  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    Toyota's reputation for reliability resonates strongly with Lebanese buyers who value low maintenance cost and the ability to source parts easily anywhere in the country. The Axio's compact size suits Beirut's narrow streets.

    See prices

  • Honda Fit

    An efficient, practical city car well-suited to Lebanese urban driving. The Fit's competitive auction price and strong fuel economy make it a popular choice for buyers looking for maximum value from a Japanese import.

    See prices

  • Mazda Demio

    A stylish compact hatchback at a budget price point, offering a well-finished cabin and reliable Japanese engineering that appeals to younger Lebanese buyers and urban drivers in Beirut and Tripoli.

    See prices

  • Suzuki Swift

    The Swift is a practical budget choice for Lebanese buyers watching running costs — a small, efficient engine and low maintenance demands suit the local driving environment well.

    See prices

  • Toyota Probox

    A durable commercial-use wagon popular with Lebanese traders and small businesses who need a reliable, high-payload vehicle at a competitive import price.

    See prices

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. We source LHD Japanese export examples and confirm steering availability for your chosen model before proceeding.
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. Our licensed team confirms the current feasibility, route and payment options for your specific situation before any commitment is made.
Which port does a Japanese car arrive at in Lebanon?
Beirut Port is Lebanon's primary gateway for imported vehicles. Our team handles customs clearance there and arranges onward delivery across Lebanon once the car is cleared.

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