How do you import a car from Japan to Libya, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Approx. duty 5% on the imported value. Indicative baseline for cars; some sources indicate 10% for 4WD/SUV.
Car import duty calculator for Libya
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Libya 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.
Libya has a relatively low customs duty on imported vehicles — approximately 5% on standard passenger cars and around 10% for SUVs and 4WD models — which makes it one of the more affordable markets in North Africa purely on the duty side. The country drives on the right and requires left-hand-drive vehicles; the age limit for used passenger cars is commonly cited at five years from manufacture. Vehicles enter through the Port of Tripoli or, less commonly, the Port of Benghazi.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Libya?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Passenger used cars commonly limited to 5 years; heavy vehicles around 7 years; LHD required.
- Inspection
- Customs clearance and local registration; security/logistics check
- Entry ports
- Tripoli / Benghazi
How do you import a car from Japan to Libya, step by step?
Check the import rules
Passenger used cars commonly limited to 5 years; heavy vehicles around 7 years; LHD required. Libya 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 Libya.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Libya: Customs clearance and local registration; security/logistics check.
Ship to Tripoli / Benghazi
Cars from Japan arrive at Tripoli / Benghazi. Sea transit is about 34–50 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; 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 Libya's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Libya charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 5% | CIF value |
Import duty
Rate: 5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Libya's customs duty on imported passenger cars is approximately 5% of the CIF value, with some sources indicating approximately 10% for SUVs and 4WD vehicles. There is no VAT figure confirmed in the current packet. The actual duty depends on the vehicle's tariff classification and body type.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Libya?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tripoli / Benghazi | RoRo or container | 34–50 | US$1,700 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Libya?
- 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 Libya?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripoli | tripoli | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Benghazi | tripoli | US$440 | US$550 | 3 |
| Misrata | tripoli | US$200 | US$250 | 2 |
| Sebha | tripoli | US$450 | US$560 | 3 |
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 Libya accept right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
- No — Libya drives on the right and requires left-hand-drive vehicles for registration.
- What is the age limit for importing a car to Libya?
- Used passenger cars are commonly limited to approximately 5 years from manufacture; heavy vehicles may be allowed up to around 7 years.
- How much is import duty on a car in Libya?
- Duty is approximately 5% on standard passenger cars and approximately 10% on SUVs and 4WD vehicles. This is among the lowest duty rates in North Africa.
Car import duty calculator for Libya
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.