Cost to import a car from Japan to Netherlands

Rates & rules last reviewed

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. When you import a car from Japan to the Netherlands, our licensed team handles the full chain from auction sourcing to RDW registration.

Main ports
  • Rotterdam
Import age rule
No fixed maximum age. For used cars the BPM is reduced by an age-based depreciation factor, so older cars pay less. Port: Rotterdam.
Steering
both
Duties & taxes
The Netherlands charges 21% VAT on the import value, plus the registration tax BPM, which is based on the car’s CO2 emissions. For used cars an age-based depreciation factor lowers the BPM, but the CO2 shape still dominates: a small low-CO2 car pays only a few percent, a mid-size petrol car roughly 17–26%, and a large petrol SUV around 36% of the import value even after depreciation. Because BPM tracks CO2 and the car’s age, this is an estimate our team confirms against the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) tariff before quoting — low-CO2 cars pay much less.

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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 Netherlands

  1. Choose the car you want

    Tell us your budget and use case. We shortlist Japan-origin cars and flag the CO2 figure so we can model the BPM before you commit — low-CO2 cars pay substantially less.

  2. We source it from Japan's auctions

    Our licensed USS auction access lets us find the right car, read the auction sheet and grade, and verify actual condition before any bid is placed.

  3. Pre-shipment origin documentation

    We prepare the Japan-origin proof needed to claim 0% EPA duty at Dutch customs, alongside all export formalities in Japan.

  4. Ocean shipping to Rotterdam

    The car sails to the Port of Rotterdam. We provide the sailing schedule and tracking once the vessel is booked.

  5. Customs, btw and BPM declaration

    Our team files the customs declaration, pays 21% btw and submits the BPM declaration to the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) based on your car's confirmed CO2 figure.

  6. RDW approval and delivery

    The car goes through the RDW registration inspection, and on approval we complete plating and deliver to Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven or your address.

Import duties & taxes in Netherlands explained

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. Because the exact BPM depends on your car's confirmed CO2 emissions and age, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Netherlands

  • 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.

    See 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.

    See prices

  • Suzuki Swift

    Light and economical — easy to park in Dutch cities and among the more BPM-friendly options from Japan's domestic market.

    See prices

  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    Reliable and widely maintained — a straightforward choice for buyers who want a proven model with no surprises.

    See prices

  • Daihatsu Mira

    Ultra-low CO2 kei car — the lowest BPM band available among Japanese imports, making it the most tax-efficient choice.

    See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Netherlands

  • Rotterdam — You are at the port, so inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
  • The Hague — Delivery from Rotterdam to The Hague adds roughly $150 for a sedan.
  • Amsterdam — Delivery from Rotterdam to Amsterdam adds roughly $170 for a sedan.
  • Utrecht — Delivery from Rotterdam to Utrecht adds roughly $170 for a sedan.
  • Eindhoven — Delivery from Rotterdam to Eindhoven adds roughly $190 for a sedan.

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. Our team models the exact figure before you commit.
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.

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