How do you import a car from Japan to Netherlands, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
The Netherlands charges 0% duty on Japanese cars under the EU-Japan agreement, 21% VAT and BPM registration tax, modelled here at 7–36% by engine size and reduced for older cars, about 38% of CIF for a 1.5-litre petrol car. There is no maximum age.
Car import duty calculator for Netherlands
The Netherlands has no fixed age cap on used-car imports, and both left- and right-hand drive vehicles can be registered, which means the full range of Japanese domestic stock is available to Dutch buyers. Import duty is 0% under the EU-Japan EPA with valid origin proof, and 21% Dutch VAT (btw) applies on the imported value. The registration tax to budget for is the BPM (belasting van personenauto's en motorrijwielen), which is based on the car's CO2 emissions and reduced by an age-based depreciation factor for used vehicles — for a typical mid-size petrol car it still runs several thousand euros. Cars arrive at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest port and just minutes from Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Netherlands?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No fixed maximum age. For used cars the BPM is reduced by an age-based depreciation factor, so older cars pay less. Port: Rotterdam.
- Inspection
- RDW approval/registration inspection and a BPM declaration are required before plates are issued.
- Permits
- EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; BPM declaration to the Belastingdienst.
- Special rules
- BPM is CO2-based; zero-emission cars pay little or no BPM, while higher-CO2 petrol cars pay more. The fixed part of the BPM rate rose in 2025.
- Entry ports
- Rotterdam
How do you import a car from Japan to Netherlands, step by step?
Check the import rules
No fixed maximum age. For used cars the BPM is reduced by an age-based depreciation factor, so older cars pay less. Port: Rotterdam. Netherlands accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
Obtain the import permit
EU-Japan EPA origin proof for 0% duty; BPM declaration to the Belastingdienst.
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 Netherlands.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Netherlands: RDW approval/registration inspection and a BPM declaration are required before plates are issued.
Ship to Rotterdam
Cars from Japan arrive at Rotterdam. Sea transit is about 35–42 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 Import duty, VAT and Registration 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 Netherlands's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Netherlands charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (EU-Japan EPA) | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT (btw) | 21% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| Registration tax (BPM, estimated from engine size) | 7%–36% by engine size | CIF + import duty |
Import duty (EU-Japan EPA)
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (btw)
Rate: 21%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Registration tax (BPM, estimated from engine size)
Rate: 7% up to 1,000 cc; 17% up to 1,600 cc; 26% up to 2,000 cc; 31% up to 2,500 cc; 36% above 2,500 cc. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car is 0% with valid origin proof; without it, standard TARIC/MFN duty can apply. On top of duty comes 21% Dutch btw (VAT) on the imported value. The most significant national charge is the BPM registration tax, which is CO2-based — for a mid-size petrol car it is commonly several thousand euros even after the age-based depreciation factor for used vehicles is applied. Low-CO2 cars pay substantially less, while hybrids can benefit from reduced BPM rates.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Netherlands?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | RoRo or container | 35–42 | US$1,550 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Netherlands?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Hybrid variants deliver low CO2 output that cuts the BPM bill meaningfully — a popular combination of practicality and tax efficiency in the Netherlands.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback with a small, efficient engine — sits in a lower CO2 band and keeps both BPM and running costs reasonable.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical — easy to park in Dutch cities and among the more BPM-friendly options from Japan's domestic market.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable and widely maintained — a straightforward choice for buyers who want a proven model with no surprises.
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
Ultra-low CO2 kei car — the lowest BPM band available among Japanese imports, making it the most tax-efficient choice.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Netherlands?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | Rotterdam | US$150 | US$190 | 1 |
| Amsterdam | Rotterdam | US$170 | US$210 | 2 |
| The Hague | Rotterdam | US$150 | US$190 | 1 |
| Utrecht | Rotterdam | US$170 | US$210 | 2 |
| Eindhoven | Rotterdam | US$190 | US$240 | 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
- Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to the Netherlands?
- No — there is no fixed age cap. For used cars the BPM registration tax is reduced by an age depreciation factor, so older vehicles pay less BPM than newer equivalents. The car must pass RDW registration inspection.
- What is the BPM and how much will I pay?
- The BPM is a CO2-based registration tax applied when a car is first registered in the Netherlands. For a used import it is reduced by an age depreciation factor, but a typical mid-size petrol car still pays several thousand euros. Low-CO2 cars and hybrids pay substantially less.
- Do I pay import duty on a Japanese car in the Netherlands?
- Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty is 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. You also pay 21% btw (VAT) on the imported value, plus the BPM at registration.
Sources
- Belastingdienst — Calculate and pay BPM — checked 15 October 2026
- Business.gov.nl — Private vehicle and motorcycle tax (BPM) — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Netherlands
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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.