How do you import a car from Japan to Paraguay, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Paraguay charges a 6% import duty, an ISC excise on used cars that is age-progressive (roughly 16% to over 50% — older cars pay more), 10% IVA and a ~0.5% customs service fee. For a typical 7-10-year-old import the total lands around 45-50% of CIF.
Car import duty calculator for Paraguay
Paraguay is one of the more accessible South American markets for Japanese used cars. Used vehicle imports are common, with an age cap of approximately ten years, and the country accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles — a degree of flexibility unusual for the region. The combined tax load is around 35–37% on the customs value: approximately 10% import duty, 15% excise or surcharge, 10% VAT and other levies of around 2%. Most vehicles are routed through Iquique in Chile before being trucked to Asunción.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Paraguay?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- Used vehicle imports are common (via Ciudad del Este). Cars up to ~10 years old; the ISC excise rises with age, so an older car pays more. Confirm current age/steering requirements with a local broker.
- Inspection
- Customs clearance, nationalization, registration
- Special rules
- ISC (excise) is age-progressive — a 5-year car pays much less than a 15-year car.
- Entry ports
- Iquique + inland to Asunción
How do you import a car from Japan to Paraguay, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used vehicle imports are common (via Ciudad del Este). Cars up to ~10 years old; the ISC excise rises with age, so an older car pays more. Confirm current age/steering requirements with a local broker. Paraguay accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
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 Paraguay.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Paraguay: Customs clearance, nationalization, registration.
Ship to Iquique + inland to Asunción
Cars from Japan arrive at Iquique + inland to Asunción. Sea transit is about 34–55 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, ISC, IVA and Customs service fee; 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 Paraguay's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Paraguay charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (DAI) | 6% | CIF value |
| ISC (Impuesto Selectivo al Consumo) | 25% | CIF + import duty |
| IVA (VAT 10%) | 10% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| Customs service fee | 0.5% | CIF value |
Import duty (DAI)
Rate: 6%. Charged on: CIF value.
ISC (Impuesto Selectivo al Consumo)
Rate: 25%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
IVA (VAT 10%)
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Customs service fee
Rate: 0.5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Paraguay applies approximately 10% import duty, 15% excise or surcharge, 10% VAT and other levies of around 2% on the customs value — a combined burden broadly cited at 35–37%. This is lower than most South American neighbours, which partly explains Paraguay's active used-car import trade.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Paraguay?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iquique + inland to Asunción | RoRo or container | 34–55 | US$1,950 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Paraguay?
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
Very low running cost — and Paraguay's acceptance of both LHD and RHD means kei cars from Japan's domestic market land with no steering-conversion cost.
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Practical and fuel-efficient, popular across South America — hybrid and petrol options suit a range of Paraguayan buyers from city commuters to regional traders.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, economical and easy to resell — a reliable first import for buyers who want low maintenance and a predictable running cost in the Paraguayan market.
- Models and prices
Toyota Probox
A durable commercial wagon that handles Paraguay's varied road conditions and doubles as a fleet workhorse — popular with small businesses and traders.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Paraguay?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asuncion | iquique | US$1,070 | US$1,340 | 9 |
| Ciudad del Este | iquique | US$1,240 | US$1,550 | 9 |
| Encarnacion | iquique | US$1,220 | US$1,520 | 9 |
| San Lorenzo | iquique | US$1,230 | US$1,540 | 9 |
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
- Can I import a right-hand-drive car to Paraguay?
- Paraguay accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, which makes it one of the few South American countries where Japan's RHD domestic stock can be imported without conversion.
- What is the age limit for importing a car to Paraguay?
- The used-vehicle age cap is approximately 10 years.
- How much is the total import duty in Paraguay?
- Approximately 10% import duty, 15% excise, 10% VAT and 2% other levies — broadly 35–37% of the customs value.
Car import duty calculator for Paraguay
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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.