How do you import a car from Japan to Madagascar, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Madagascar charges about 20% customs duty and 20% VAT (TVA) on the CIF value. Right-hand-drive Japanese cars are widely imported despite the country driving on the right; a rough 5-year age expectation applies.
Car import duty calculator for Madagascar
Madagascar lists right-hand-drive cars among prohibited vehicle imports (Malagasy Customs). Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive and we do not convert steering, so only the few left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions can be sourced for Madagascar.
Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean with strong demand for affordable used Japanese cars — Toyota, Suzuki and Honda are among the most common vehicles on Malagasy roads. The main sea port is Toamasina (Tamatave) on the eastern coast, with the capital Antananarivo reached by road inland. Duty, VAT and other import charges apply and vary by vehicle category and value.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Madagascar?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- Used passenger cars are generally expected to be under ~5 years old (enforced variably). Madagascar drives on the right, but right-hand-drive Japanese used cars are commonly imported and tolerated — confirm per shipment.
- Entry ports
- Port of Toamasina (Tamatave)
How do you import a car from Japan to Madagascar, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used passenger cars are generally expected to be under ~5 years old (enforced variably). Madagascar drives on the right, but right-hand-drive Japanese used cars are commonly imported and tolerated — confirm per shipment. Madagascar lists right-hand-drive cars among prohibited vehicle imports (Malagasy Customs).
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 Madagascar.
Ship to Port of Toamasina (Tamatave)
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Toamasina (Tamatave). Sea transit is about 28–42 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 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 Madagascar's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Madagascar charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty | 20% | CIF value |
| VAT (TVA) | 20% | CIF + import duty |
Customs duty
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (TVA)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
Madagascar applies customs duty, VAT and applicable import levies on vehicle imports, with rates determined by the vehicle's tariff classification and CIF value.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Madagascar?
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 Toamasina (Tamatave) | RoRo or container | 28–42 | US$1,700 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Madagascar?
- 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 Madagascar?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toamasina | Port of Toamasina (Tamatave) | US$80 | US$110 | 1 |
| Antananarivo | Port of Toamasina (Tamatave) | US$380 | US$480 | 2 |
| Antsirabe | Port of Toamasina (Tamatave) | US$480 | US$600 | 7 |
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
- Which port does a Japanese car arrive at for Madagascar?
- The Port of Toamasina (Tamatave) on Madagascar's east coast is the main entry point for vehicle imports. From there cars are transported by road to Antananarivo and other cities.
- What duty applies when importing a car from Japan to Madagascar?
- Madagascar charges customs duty, VAT and import levies on vehicle imports based on the car's CIF value and tariff classification.
Car import duty calculator for Madagascar
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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.