What is the age limit for importing a second-hand car from Japan to Mauritius?

Many second-hand import concessions require the car to be not more than 4 years old from the year of manufacture — so generally a 2022 model or newer in 2026. Exact permit conditions are confirmed case by case; our team checks this before sourcing.

How much is excise duty on a Japanese car imported to Mauritius?

Excise duty is approximately 55% of the imported value, with 0% customs duty and 15% VAT on top. Together excise and VAT can add over 70% to the CIF value. Exact bands depend on engine size and fuel type — we confirm before you commit.

Which port does a Japanese car arrive at in Mauritius?

All sea freight enters through the Port of Louis, Mauritius's only commercial seaport. From there we arrange island-wide delivery to any city.

Is right-hand drive required in Mauritius?

Yes. Mauritius drives on the left, so right-hand-drive Japanese stock is the appropriate and standard choice for the local market.

How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to Mauritius?

Ocean transit to the Port of Louis typically takes several weeks from Japan. Our team provides the exact sailing schedule and an estimated delivery timeline once the car is booked at auction.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Mauritius

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Mauritius drives on the left, making Japan's right-hand-drive stock a natural fit for the island. The country has a relatively open duty structure on the customs-duty side — passenger cars typically attract 0% customs duty — but the excise duty at around 55% on the imported value is substantial, and 15% VAT applies on top, making the total tax burden significant. Age rules apply: many import concessions for second-hand vehicles require the car to be not more than 4 years old, so for 2026 that generally means a 2022 model or newer, though exact permit conditions are confirmed at import. All cars arrive through the Port of Louis, Mauritius's sole commercial sea port, and once cleared the island is compact enough that inland delivery to any city — Port Louis, Quatre Bornes, Curepipe, Vacoas or Mahebourg — adds only a modest amount to the landed cost. Our licensed team sources at Japan auction, arranges the JEVIC documentation, books the sailing, manages MRA valuation and permit requirements, and delivers island-wide from a single upfront quote.

Main ports: Port Louis
Import age rule: Second-hand vehicle rules depend on category and import permit. Many concessions refer to cars not more than 4 years old.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Mauritius charges no customs duty but a steep engine-based excise: 45% up to 1000cc, 55% for 1001-1600cc, 75% for 1601-2000cc and 100% above 2000cc, plus 15% VAT. Used cars must also be under 4 years old at import.

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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 Mauritius

Choose an age-eligible car
Many Mauritius second-hand import concessions require the car to be not more than 4 years old — a 2022 model or newer in 2026. We verify MRA permit conditions for your specific import before shortlisting.
Auction sourcing in Japan
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the right car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and confirms its real condition before you commit any funds.
Documentation and MRA permit preparation
We prepare the shipping and import documentation required by the Mauritius Revenue Authority, including valuation paperwork and any import permit application.
Ocean freight to Port Louis
The car sails to the Port of Louis, Mauritius's main and only commercial sea port. We share the sailing schedule and tracking link once booked.
MRA valuation, excise and duty payment
On arrival we handle MRA customs valuation, pay the 0% customs duty (nil), 55% excise duty, and 15% VAT on the taxable value, then clear the car through the port.
Island-wide delivery
Once cleared, your car is delivered to Port Louis, Quatre Bornes, Curepipe, Vacoas, Mahebourg or wherever you are on the island — included in your upfront quote.

Import duties & taxes in Mauritius explained

Mauritius charges 0% customs duty on most passenger-car imports from Japan, but makes up for it with excise duty of approximately 55% on the imported (CIF) value — one of the higher excise rates in the region. VAT at 15% is then applied on the cumulative value. Together, excise and VAT alone can add 70%+ to the CIF value of the car, so the total landed cost can be substantially above the Japan purchase price even without any customs duty. A 4-year age limit commonly applies to second-hand import concessions. Because exact excise bands vary by engine size and fuel type under MRA's schedule, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Mauritius

Toyota Corolla Axio
The Corolla Axio's 1.5L engine keeps it in the lower excise sub-bands, parts are available on the island, and it holds its value better than most in the Mauritius second-hand market.
See prices
Honda Fit
Compact and easy to park on Port Louis's busy streets; the hybrid version's low fuel consumption is appreciated on an island where fuel costs are high.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished hatchback with a small engine — the lower engine cc can help reduce excise exposure under MRA's band-based schedule.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical, the Swift is popular in Mauritius for its low running costs and a purchase price from Japan that keeps the total landed cost manageable.
See prices
Daihatsu Mira
A kei car with minimal engine size and a very low Japan auction price — for buyers who want the smallest possible excise bill on the island.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Mauritius

Port Louis — Delivery from the port to central Port Louis adds roughly $110 for a sedan.
Quatre Bornes — Delivery from Port Louis port to Quatre Bornes adds roughly $110 for a sedan.
Curepipe — Delivery from Port Louis port to Curepipe adds roughly $110 for a sedan.
Vacoas — Delivery from Port Louis port to Vacoas adds roughly $110 for a sedan.
Mahebourg — Delivery from Port Louis port to Mahebourg adds roughly $120 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the age limit for importing a second-hand car from Japan to Mauritius?: Many second-hand import concessions require the car to be not more than 4 years old from the year of manufacture — so generally a 2022 model or newer in 2026. Exact permit conditions are confirmed case by case; our team checks this before sourcing.
How much is excise duty on a Japanese car imported to Mauritius?: Excise duty is approximately 55% of the imported value, with 0% customs duty and 15% VAT on top. Together excise and VAT can add over 70% to the CIF value. Exact bands depend on engine size and fuel type — we confirm before you commit.
Which port does a Japanese car arrive at in Mauritius?: All sea freight enters through the Port of Louis, Mauritius's only commercial seaport. From there we arrange island-wide delivery to any city.
Is right-hand drive required in Mauritius?: Yes. Mauritius drives on the left, so right-hand-drive Japanese stock is the appropriate and standard choice for the local market.
How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to Mauritius?: Ocean transit to the Port of Louis typically takes several weeks from Japan. Our team provides the exact sailing schedule and an estimated delivery timeline once the car is booked at auction.