Cost to import a car from Japan to Romania

Rates & rules last reviewed

Romania is an EU member, meaning the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement applies and import duty on Japan-origin cars can be 0% with valid origin proof. Romanian VAT is 19% on the imported value, one of the lower rates in the EU. There is no age cap on private car imports, and both LHD and RHD are accepted, though Romania drives on the right so LHD is the practical choice for daily use. Romania's geographic advantage for Japanese car imports is the Port of Constanta on the Black Sea — one of Europe's largest seaports, well-positioned to receive RoRo vehicles and with good inland connections to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi and beyond. Constanta is also the natural entry point for cars destined for Ukraine, which makes it a regional logistics hub. Our licensed team sources the car at USS auction, ships it to Constanta, handles EU customs and EPA documentation, and delivers to your Romanian city.

Main ports
  • Constanta
Import age rule
No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration.
Steering
both
Duties & taxes
Approx. duty 0%, VAT 19% on the imported value. Use 0% only where Japan-origin EPA proof is accepted; otherwise TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply.

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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 Romania

  1. Choose a car for Romania

    Romania has no age cap and accepts both LHD and RHD, so the full range of Japanese domestic and export stock is available. We shortlist options to your budget and confirm conformity requirements.

  2. We source at USS auction

    Our licensed USS team reads the auction sheet, verifies the grade and condition, and bids on your behalf. You review the full report before committing.

  3. Pre-shipment and EPA origin documentation

    We prepare the Romanian/EU customs declaration and the Japan-origin certificate for 0% EU-EPA duty. Roadworthiness checks happen in Japan before loading.

  4. Ocean freight to Constanta and delivery

    The car sails to the Port of Constanta on the Black Sea. Inland delivery to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi or Dnipro is arranged from the port. We send tracking throughout.

Import duties & taxes in Romania explained

Under the EU-Japan EPA, import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof; otherwise standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty may apply. Romanian VAT is 19% on the imported value (customs value plus any duty). Romania does not currently levy a separate registration tax equivalent to the Nordic or Irish systems, but conformity and registration fees apply. Because the EPA preference depends on your specific car's origin documentation, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Romania

  • Honda Fit

    Compact, fuel-efficient and easy to service — the Fit suits Romanian urban traffic well and LHD export versions from Japanese auction arrive ready for Romanian roads.

    See prices
  • Suzuki Swift

    A low-cost, low-maintenance hatchback that is practical across Romania's city and inter-city roads. Easy to insure and cheap to run.

    See prices
  • Mazda Demio

    A well-finished compact hatchback at an accessible price. Popular with Romanian buyers who want a quality import at a budget that undercuts the local used-car market.

    See prices
  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    Reliable and backed by Toyota's service network in Romania. A solid family sedan for buyers who prioritise long-term dependability and easy parts access.

    See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Romania

  • ConstantaYou are at the port — inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $100.
  • BucharestDelivery from Constanta to Bucharest adds roughly $210 for a sedan.
  • IasiDelivery from Constanta to Iasi adds roughly $280 for a sedan.
  • Cluj-NapocaDelivery from Constanta to Cluj-Napoca adds roughly $350 for a sedan.
  • TimisoaraDelivery from Constanta to Timisoara adds roughly $410 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Romania?
Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty can be 0% with valid Japan-origin proof. Without it, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty applies. Our team prepares the origin certificate to claim the EU-EPA preference.
Is there an age limit on importing a car to Romania from Japan?
No — there is no fixed age cap. The car must meet Romanian conformity and roadworthiness standards and pass registration checks, but age alone does not bar the import.
Where does the car arrive in Romania?
The Port of Constanta on the Black Sea is the main vehicle-import point. Delivery to Bucharest adds roughly $210 for a sedan; to Cluj-Napoca roughly $350; to Timisoara roughly $410. We quote all Romanian city costs upfront.
Does Romania accept both LHD and RHD cars from Japan?
Yes — both are legally permitted, though Romania drives on the right so most buyers choose LHD Japanese export-spec cars for daily use. Our team sources both from Japanese auction.

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