Cost to import a car from Japan to Mozambique
Rates & rules last reviewed
Mozambique has no age restriction on used vehicle imports, making it one of the more open markets in Southern Africa for Japanese cars. Right-hand-drive stock is the obvious fit given the country drives on the left, and Toyota, Honda, Suzuki and Mazda models are all well-represented on Mozambican roads. The main tax levers are import duty — typically 25% for engines up to 1,500cc, rising to around 40% for larger engines — a 3% excise surcharge, and 17% VAT on the taxable value. An Intertek inspection and MOZ number process is commonly required before a car can be cleared. The Port of Maputo is the primary entry point, making the capital and southern cities the most cost-effective places to receive a delivery. Northern cities like Nampula and Nacala involve a long road haul of 800–900 dollars for a typical sedan, so buyers there should factor that into their budget. Our licensed team manages the full process — auction sourcing, JEVIC preparation, shipping to Maputo, Intertek clearance and inland delivery — with one upfront landed-cost quote.
- Main ports
- Maputo
- Import age rule
- No age restriction; Intertek/MOZ number process is commonly required; RHD allowed except certain special vehicles.
- Steering
- RHD
- Duties & taxes
- Mozambique customs duty is engine-split: 25% up to 1500cc and 40% above, plus a small ICE excise and 16% VAT (IVA). A mandatory pre-shipment inspection applies (10% CIF penalty if skipped).
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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 Mozambique
Choose your car
Mozambique has no age limit, so we can source older Japanese cars that might not qualify elsewhere. We brief you on which engine size triggers the higher duty band before you decide.
Auction sourcing in Japan
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and verifies its real condition before any money is committed.
Intertek/MOZ inspection preparation
The Mozambican process commonly requires an Intertek inspection and MOZ number. We prepare and coordinate the required documentation before the car is shipped.
Ocean freight to the Port of Maputo
The car sails to Maputo, Mozambique's primary import port. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking once the booking is confirmed.
Customs clearing and duty payment
On arrival our agent pays import duty (25–40% by engine cc), the 3% excise surcharge, and 17% VAT, then clears the car through Maputo port for delivery.
Inland delivery to your city
Once cleared, the car is delivered to Maputo, Matola, Beira, Tete, Nampula, Nacala or your preferred city — at the price quoted before you paid.
Import duties & taxes in Mozambique explained
Mozambique applies a two-band approach to passenger-car import duty: engines up to 1,500cc typically attract approximately 25% import duty, while larger engines are commonly cited at around 40%. On top of import duty, a 3% excise surcharge and 17% VAT are applied to the taxable value. The Intertek/MOZ number process is required as part of customs clearance. Because exact rates can be affected by engine capacity, vehicle age, and current AT (Autoridade Tributária) guidance, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.
Popular Japanese cars for Mozambique
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Toyota Corolla Axio
A 1.5L engine puts the Axio in Mozambique's lower 25% duty band, parts are readily available in Maputo, and it holds its value better than most alternatives in the market.
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Honda Fit
Compact and fuel-efficient with hybrid and petrol options; the sub-1,500cc engine keeps the duty band low, and it handles Maputo's city streets well.
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Mazda Demio
A tidy hatchback with a small engine that sits in the lower duty band — a good entry-level import for buyers who want a newer-feel car without a heavy tax bill.
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Suzuki Swift
Light and cheap to run, the Swift is a popular budget choice in Maputo, and the low purchase price from Japan auction keeps the overall landed cost accessible.
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Toyota Probox
The workhorse of Mozambican business — a tough wagon that survives the country's mixed roads, popular with traders running between Maputo and Beira.
Shipping cost to major cities in Mozambique
- Maputo — Delivery within Maputo from the port adds roughly $100 for a sedan.
- Matola — Delivery from Maputo port to Matola adds roughly $100 for a sedan.
- Beira — Delivery from Maputo to Beira adds roughly $480 for a sedan.
- Tete — Delivery from Maputo to Tete adds roughly $680 for a sedan.
- Nampula — Delivery from Maputo to Nampula adds roughly $830 for a sedan.
- Nacala — Delivery from Maputo to Nacala adds roughly $900 for a sedan.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Mozambique?
- No. Mozambique has no age restriction on used vehicle imports, which makes it one of the more accessible Southern African markets for older Japanese cars.
- How much is import duty when bringing a car from Japan to Mozambique?
- Approximately 25% for engines up to 1,500cc, rising to roughly 40% for larger engines. A 3% excise surcharge and 17% VAT are added on top. Exact figures depend on your specific car — our team confirms before you commit.
- Which port does my Japanese car arrive at in Mozambique?
- The Port of Maputo is the main entry point for Japanese vehicle imports. From there we arrange inland delivery to Beira, Nampula, Tete, Nacala or any other city.
- What is the Intertek/MOZ number process for Mozambique?
- An Intertek inspection and MOZ number is commonly required as part of Mozambique's customs clearance process. We coordinate this documentation as part of our full-service import.
- How much does it cost to deliver a Japanese car to Beira from Maputo?
- Inland delivery from Maputo to Beira adds roughly $480 for a standard sedan. Destinations further north like Nampula or Nacala add $830–$900 — we include the full inland cost in your upfront quote.