How do you import a car from Japan to Liberia, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Liberia charges 20% import duty, a 0.5% ECOWAS levy and only 7% GST — about 28-33% of CIF, the lowest in this group. It drives on the right, so RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction.
Car import duty calculator for Liberia
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Liberia 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.
The Port of Monrovia provides direct access for ocean shipments from Japan, avoiding the transit costs that landlocked countries face. Import duty, VAT and any age restrictions require broker confirmation before an order is placed.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Liberia?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- No enforced age limit. Liberia drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction. Prices and duties are commonly denominated in US dollars.
- Restrictions
- Liberia drives on the right; RHD Japanese cars may not be registrable.
- Entry ports
- Freeport of Monrovia
How do you import a car from Japan to Liberia, step by step?
Check the import rules
No enforced age limit. Liberia drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction. Prices and duties are commonly denominated in US dollars. Liberia 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 Liberia.
Ship to Freeport of Monrovia
Cars from Japan arrive at Freeport of Monrovia. Sea transit is about 32–48 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 Import duty, ECOWAS Tax Levy and Goods & Services 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 Liberia's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Liberia charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (ECOWAS CET) | 20% | CIF value |
| ECOWAS Tax Levy | 0.5% | CIF value |
| Goods & Services Tax | 7% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import duty (ECOWAS CET)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
ECOWAS Tax Levy
Rate: 0.5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Goods & Services Tax
Rate: 7%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Liberia charges 20% import duty, a 0.5% ECOWAS levy and only 7% GST — about 28-33% of CIF, the lowest in this group. It drives on the right, so RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Liberia?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeport of Monrovia | RoRo or container | 32–48 | US$1,900 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Liberia?
- 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 Liberia?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monrovia | Freeport of Monrovia | US$80 | US$110 | 1 |
| Gbarnga | Freeport of Monrovia | US$300 | US$380 | 2 |
| Buchanan | Freeport of Monrovia | US$180 | US$230 | 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
- Does Liberia have a direct port for Japanese imports?
- Yes. The Port of Monrovia receives ocean vessels directly, so Japanese vehicles arrive without needing a landlocked transit route.
- What duty and tax will I pay to import a car to Liberia?
- Duty, VAT and registration charges at Monrovia vary by vehicle type and age, and require a broker quote for accuracy.
Car import duty calculator for Liberia
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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.