How do you import a car from Japan to Samoa, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Samoa charges 20% customs duty on the CIF value and 15% VAGST on CIF plus duty, plus an engine-size excise on petrol and diesel cars (5% for hybrids, 0% for electric cars). Used passenger cars should generally be no more than 8 years old, and right-hand drive is standard because Samoa has driven on the left since 2009.
Car import duty calculator for Samoa
Samoa switched to driving on the left in 2009, and since then used Japanese cars have become the main source of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles on the islands. Right-hand drive is standard. Used passenger cars should generally be no more than 8 years old from the year of manufacture, so in 2026 that means a 2018 model or newer; check the current customs notice before buying. Every car is valued by customs on arrival at Apia and must pass a roadworthiness check and a biosecurity treatment (a water blast to remove soil and pests) before it is released. Tax depends on the fuel type: petrol and diesel cars pay customs duty plus an engine-size excise, hybrids pay no duty and a 5% excise, and electric cars pay neither. All of them pay 15% VAGST.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Samoa?
- Steering
- Right-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Used passenger cars generally ≤8 years from year of manufacture (confirm the current customs notice). Samoa switched to left-side driving in 2009 specifically to use Japanese RHD stock, so RHD fits. Arrival inspection + biosecurity water-blast treatment required.
- Inspection
- Customs valuation + roadworthiness + biosecurity treatment on arrival.
- Special rules
- EVs 0% duty / 0% excise, hybrids 0% duty / 5% excise (both 15% VAGST). Conventional petrol/diesel cars carry duty + an engine-size excise (not fully modelled below).
- Entry ports
- Port of Apia
How do you import a car from Japan to Samoa, step by step?
Check the import rules
Used passenger cars generally ≤8 years from year of manufacture (confirm the current customs notice). Samoa switched to left-side driving in 2009 specifically to use Japanese RHD stock, so RHD fits. Arrival inspection + biosecurity water-blast treatment required. Samoa registers right-hand-drive vehicles, so Japanese domestic stock meets the steering rule.
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 Samoa.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Samoa: Customs valuation + roadworthiness + biosecurity treatment on arrival.
Ship to Port of Apia
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Apia. Sea transit is about 30–42 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 Customs Duty and VAGST; 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 Samoa's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Samoa charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty | 20% | CIF value |
| VAGST | 15% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs Duty
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAGST
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Passenger cars fall in the 20% band of Samoa's ad valorem duty schedule (the bands are 5%, 8% and 20%), charged on the CIF value. Value Added Goods and Services Tax (VAGST) of 15% is then charged on CIF plus duty. Petrol and diesel cars also pay an excise set by engine size, which the duty table on this page does not include, so treat the table as a minimum for those cars. Hybrids pay 0% duty and 5% excise, and fully electric cars pay 0% duty and 0% excise; both still pay 15% VAGST. Rates are from the Samoa Ministry for Revenue.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Samoa?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Apia | RoRo or container | 30–42 | US$2,100 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Samoa?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a popular choice across Pacific island markets — compact, fuel-efficient, right-hand drive from Japan, and available in hybrid to reduce running costs on Samoan fuel prices.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A dependable family sedan well-known to Samoan mechanics, with a proven 1.5L engine and strong resale value across the islands.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, easy to drive and economical — ideal for the roads around Apia, with low maintenance costs that make it a sensible first import for budget buyers.
- Models and prices
Toyota Probox
The workhorse choice for Samoan businesses — tough, practical and cheap to run, with right-hand drive sourced direct from Japan's domestic fleet market.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Samoa?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apia | Port of Apia | US$110 | US$150 | 1 |
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 Samoa?
- Yes. Used passenger cars should generally be no more than 8 years old from the year of manufacture, which means 2018 or newer in 2026. Check the current customs notice before you buy.
- Does Samoa accept right-hand-drive cars from Japan?
- Yes. Samoa has driven on the left since 2009, and right-hand-drive vehicles are standard on Samoan roads.
- What taxes apply when importing a car to Samoa?
- 20% customs duty on CIF and 15% VAGST on CIF plus duty. Petrol and diesel cars also pay an engine-size excise; hybrids pay 0% duty and 5% excise, electric cars 0% duty and 0% excise.
- What happens when the car arrives in Apia?
- Customs values the car, and it must pass a roadworthiness check and a biosecurity treatment before release.
Sources
- Samoa Ministry for Revenue — Rates — checked 15 October 2026
- Samoa Ministry for Revenue — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Samoa
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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.