How do you import a car from Japan to Sierra Leone, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Sierra Leone charges 20% import duty, a 5% import withholding tax and 15% GST — about 42-48% of CIF. No age limit, but it drives on the right so RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction.
Car import duty calculator for Sierra Leone
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Sierra Leone we can only source the limited left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions, mostly European and American imports, so choice is narrow and prices are higher than for ordinary Japanese stock.
Sierra Leone is an English-speaking West African country with direct port access at Freetown — a practical entry point for Japanese vehicles without the landlocked transit costs that affect many neighbours. The exact duty, VAT and age rule requirements need broker confirmation before any order is placed.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Sierra Leone?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- No compulsory age limit or inspection. Sierra Leone drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction.
- Restrictions
- Sierra Leone drives on the right; RHD Japanese cars may not be registrable.
- Entry ports
- Port of Freetown (Queen Elizabeth II Quay)
How do you import a car from Japan to Sierra Leone, step by step?
Check the import rules
No compulsory age limit or inspection. Sierra Leone drives on the right (LHD); RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction. Sierra Leone requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
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 Sierra Leone.
Ship to Port of Freetown (Queen Elizabeth II Quay)
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Freetown (Queen Elizabeth II Quay). Sea transit is about 32–48 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, Withholding tax and Goods & Services 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 Sierra Leone's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Sierra Leone charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (ECOWAS CET) | 20% | CIF value |
| Withholding tax | 5% | CIF value |
| Goods & Services Tax | 15% | CIF + import duty |
Import duty (ECOWAS CET)
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
Withholding tax
Rate: 5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Goods & Services Tax
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
Sierra Leone charges 20% import duty, a 5% import withholding tax and 15% GST — about 42-48% of CIF. No age limit, but it drives on the right so RHD Japanese cars face a steering restriction.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Sierra Leone?
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 Freetown (Queen Elizabeth II Quay) | RoRo or container | 32–48 | US$1,900 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Sierra Leone?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Sierra Leone?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freetown | Port of Freetown (Queen Elizabeth II Quay) | US$80 | US$110 | 1 |
| Bo | Port of Freetown (Queen Elizabeth II Quay) | US$300 | US$380 | 2 |
| Kenema | Port of Freetown (Queen Elizabeth II Quay) | US$360 | US$450 | 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
- Does Sierra Leone have a direct port for Japanese car imports?
- Yes. Freetown has its own port that receives ocean vessels directly, so Japanese vehicles arrive without a landlocked transit leg.
- What duty and tax will I pay to import a car to Sierra Leone?
- Duty, VAT and registration charges vary by vehicle category and require broker confirmation for a precise figure.
Car import duty calculator for Sierra Leone
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.