How do you import a car from Japan to Norway, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Norway charges 0% duty on Japanese cars, 25% VAT and a one-off registration tax modelled at 30–100% by engine size, about 80% of CIF for a 1.5-litre petrol car. There is no maximum age, and older cars get a larger deduction for use that lowers the registration tax.
Car import duty calculator for Norway
Norway is not an EU member but belongs to the EEA and the EFTA-Japan Free Trade Agreement area, which means import duty on Japan-origin cars can be 0% with valid origin proof — a real advantage. The catch is Norway's one-off registration tax, the engangsavgift, which is one of the most significant vehicle taxes in Europe. Unlike a flat percentage, it is calculated on the car's kerb weight and CO2 emissions, with an age-based "deduction for use" (bruksfradrag) that reduces it for older cars. For a typical mid-size petrol car the registration tax alone can be substantial. EVs are treated far more lightly, which explains Norway's world-leading EV uptake.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Norway?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No fixed maximum age. Older used cars qualify for a larger "deduction for use" (bruksfradrag) that lowers the one-off registration tax. Port: Drammen.
- Inspection
- Statens vegvesen technical approval / registration inspection plus customs clearance are required.
- Permits
- EFTA/EEA-Japan origin documentation for 0% duty; Skatteetaten one-off tax calculation.
- Special rules
- Battery EVs are heavily favoured (long VAT/registration-tax exemption history); petrol/diesel ICE cars pay the full weight+CO2 engangsavgift. NOx component removed from 1 Jan 2026.
- Entry ports
- Drammen
How do you import a car from Japan to Norway, step by step?
Check the import rules
No fixed maximum age. Older used cars qualify for a larger "deduction for use" (bruksfradrag) that lowers the one-off registration tax. Port: Drammen. Norway accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
Obtain the import permit
EFTA/EEA-Japan origin documentation for 0% duty; Skatteetaten one-off tax calculation.
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 Norway.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Norway: Statens vegvesen technical approval / registration inspection plus customs clearance are required.
Ship to Drammen
Cars from Japan arrive at Drammen. Sea transit is about 45–50 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 One-off 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 Norway's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Norway charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (EFTA/EEA-Japan) | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT (merverdiavgift) | 25% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| One-off registration tax (engangsavgift, estimated from engine size) | 30%–100% by engine size | CIF + import duty |
Import duty (EFTA/EEA-Japan)
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT (merverdiavgift)
Rate: 25%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
One-off registration tax (engangsavgift, estimated from engine size)
Rate: 30% up to 1,000 cc; 55% up to 1,800 cc; 80% up to 2,500 cc; 100% above 2,500 cc. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
Under the EFTA-Japan Free Trade Agreement, import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof — without that proof, an MFN rate may apply instead. On top of duty you pay 25% Norwegian VAT (merverdiavgift) on the imported value. The major cost, however, is the one-off registration tax (engangsavgift), calculated by Skatteetaten on the car's kerb weight and CO2 emissions, with CO2 surcharges that rise steeply for higher-emission cars. An age-based deduction (bruksfradrag) lowers it for older vehicles. For a typical mid-size petrol car this still runs high; EVs face a much lower burden.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Norway?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drammen | RoRo or container | 45–50 | US$1,750 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Norway?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
A small, low-emission hatchback — the Fit's modest CO2 output and low kerb weight keep Norway's engangsavgift as low as possible for a petrol car. Hybrid variants are even more favourable.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Compact and light with a small engine — both the weight and CO2 components of Norway's registration tax are minimised, making the Swift one of the more cost-effective Japanese imports for Norwegian buyers.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
A small, efficient hatchback with a modest CO2 rating. The Demio's low weight helps keep the engangsavgift in the lower bands for a petrol import.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable family sedan with a modest engine — reasonable CO2 output for a petrol car, and Toyota's broad parts and service network across Norway reduces long-term running costs.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Norway?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drammen | Drammen | US$150 | US$190 | 1 |
| Oslo | Drammen | US$160 | US$200 | 1 |
| Bergen | Drammen | US$300 | US$380 | 2 |
| Trondheim | Drammen | US$370 | US$460 | 3 |
| Stavanger | Drammen | US$290 | US$360 | 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
- What is the engangsavgift and how big is it?
- The engangsavgift is Norway's one-off vehicle registration tax, calculated by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) based on the car's kerb weight and CO2 emissions — not a flat percentage. For a typical mid-size petrol car it can be very large; for an older car the age deduction (bruksfradrag) reduces it; for an EV it is minimal.
- Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Norway?
- Under the EFTA-Japan Free Trade Agreement, duty can be 0% when valid Japan-origin proof accompanies the import. Without that proof, an MFN rate may apply.
- Does Norway have an age limit on imported cars?
- There is no fixed maximum age. In fact, older cars benefit from the age-based bruksfradrag deduction that lowers the engangsavgift — so importing an older low-mileage Japanese car can be very cost-effective.
- Where does the car arrive in Norway?
- The main vehicle import port is Drammen, near Oslo. Inland delivery from Drammen to Oslo is short; to Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim it adds more.
Sources
- Skatteetaten — One-off registration tax — checked 15 October 2026
- Skatteetaten — Calculate the cost of importing a car — checked 15 October 2026
- Norwegian Customs — Importing cars and other vehicles — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Norway
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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.