How do you import a car from Japan to Singapore, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Singapore charges 20% excise duty on the Open Market Value (OMV) and 9% GST on CIF plus excise. At registration it adds the Additional Registration Fee (100% of the first S$20,000 of OMV, rising to 320%), a S$10,000 used-car surcharge, a VES rebate or surcharge and a COE from the open bidding. Used cars must be under 3 years old at registration and right-hand drive; diesel cars cannot be registered.
Worked example: a 2024 Toyota Yaris 1.5 L hybrid costs about 50,500 to 51,000 SGD (US$39,500 to US$39,900) delivered to Singapore, at exchange rates of 14 October 2026.
Car import duty calculator for Singapore
Singapore drives on the left and registers right-hand-drive cars only, so Japanese domestic cars fit. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) allows used cars to be imported if they are not more than 3 years old at the time of registration, counted from first registration abroad. Since 1 January 2025 new registrations of diesel and diesel-natural gas cars, including imported used cars, are not permitted. The import taxes are only part of the cost. Singapore Customs charges excise duty of 20% of the OMV, which it assesses from the purchase price, freight, insurance and other charges, plus 9% GST. LTA then charges the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) on a progressive scale, a S$10,000 surcharge for each imported used car, and a rebate or surcharge under the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) based on the car's worst pollutant. Every car also needs a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), bought at open bidding held twice a month and valid for 10 years. Each imported used car goes through LTA vehicle approval in VITAS, an emission test and an inspection at an LTA-authorised centre before it can be registered.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Singapore?
- Steering
- Right-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Used cars must be less than 3 years old at registration; S$10,000 used-vehicle surcharge; COE/ARF/VES apply.
- Inspection
- LTA vehicle approval, customs, VITAS, inspection
- Entry ports
- Singapore
How do you import a car from Japan to Singapore, step by step?
Check the age and technical rules
The car must not be more than 3 years old at registration, counted from its first registration in Japan, and must be right-hand drive and not diesel. Its exhaust and noise must meet the Singapore standards.
Collect the technical documents in Japan
LTA needs the original foreign registration documents, proof of emission and noise compliance, CO2 and fuel consumption data tested to WLTP-Japan or WLTP-Europe, and the manufacturer's technical specifications. Engine and chassis numbers must match the registration papers.
Ship to Singapore
A shipping agent ships the car. Used cars tested at a recognised foreign laboratory must arrive within 3 months of the emission test report.
Obtain the inward cargo clearance permit
The agent applies to Singapore Customs through TradeNet. Customs assesses the OMV, and excise duty of 20% of OMV plus 9% GST are paid by GIRO.
Apply for LTA vehicle approval in VITAS
Submit the vehicle approval application in VITAS, with an application fee of S$274.68. LTA advises submitting it at least 3 months before the car reaches 3 years old.
Emission test and inspection
The car takes an emission test, at the VICOM laboratory or a recognised foreign laboratory, which sets its VES band. It is then inspected at an LTA-authorised inspection centre and receives a Vehicle Approval Code.
Bid for a COE and register the car
Secure a COE at the open bidding and arrange motor insurance. Registration with LTA then requires the registration fee, ARF, the S$10,000 used-car surcharge, any VES surcharge and road tax.
Documents checklist
- Original Japanese registration and export documents
- Manufacturer or purchase invoice, freight and insurance papers
- Exhaust and noise emission compliance documents
- CO2 and fuel consumption test data (WLTP-Japan or WLTP-Europe)
- Manufacturer technical specifications
- Bill of lading
- Inward Cargo Clearance Permit from Singapore Customs
- LTA Letter of No Objection for on-board unit compliance
- VITAS vehicle approval and Vehicle Approval Code
- Certificate of Entitlement and motor insurance
What import duties and taxes does Singapore charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 20% | CIF value |
| Excise / surcharge | 100% | CIF + import duty |
| VAT / GST | 9% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import duty
Rate: 20%. Charged on: CIF value.
Excise / surcharge
Rate: 100%. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
VAT / GST
Rate: 9%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Singapore Customs charges excise duty at 20% of the Open Market Value, which it assesses from the purchase price, freight, insurance, handling and other charges up to delivery in Singapore; the 20% line in the duty table is this excise. GST of 9% is charged on CIF plus excise. The Additional Registration Fee is a separate registration tax set by LTA on a progressive scale of OMV: 100% on the first S$20,000, 140% on the next S$20,000, 190% on the next S$20,000, 250% on the next S$20,000 and 320% above S$80,000; the 100% line in the duty table stands in for it, so check the actual ARF against the LTA scale. LTA also charges a S$10,000 surcharge on each imported used car, a VES rebate or surcharge (for 2026, from a S$22,500 rebate to a S$35,000 surcharge, with a minimum ARF of S$5,000) and the COE, priced by open bidding.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Singapore?
| Car (year, engine) | FOB Japan | CIF Singapore | Duties & taxes | Door-to-door, low to high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Yaris 1.5 L hybrid | US$14,200 | US$14,800 | US$24,000162% of CIF | SGD 50,500 – 51,000US$39,500 – US$39,900 |
| 2024 Honda Vezel 1.5 L hybrid | US$24,100 | US$24,800 | US$40,100162% of CIF | SGD 83,900 – 84,400US$65,600 – US$65,900 |
| 2024 Toyota Alphard 2.5 L hybrid | US$51,100 | US$51,800 | US$83,700162% of CIF | SGD 174,000 – 175,000US$136,000 – US$137,000 |
Assumptions: typical auction price for the model and year plus ¥70,000 export costs (FOB), route freight from −12% to +15%, port and clearing charges from the dataset, inland delivery to Singapore. Customs assesses the final duty, sometimes on its own valuation.
Singapore has complex or fast-changing import taxes, so this is an indicative range only. Customs may assess a different amount.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | RoRo or container | 9–16 | US$650 |
Singapore is a major transhipment hub with frequent sailings from Japan; cars travel by RoRo or in containers.
Which Japanese cars are popular in Singapore?
- Models and prices
Toyota Alphard
A large hybrid MPV and one of the most common parallel imports. Its high OMV pushes the ARF into the upper bands.
- Models and prices
Toyota Vellfire
The Alphard's twin, with similar OMV, ARF and VES position.
- Models and prices
Honda Vezel
A compact hybrid SUV. A lower OMV keeps more of its ARF in the 100% and 140% bands.
- Models and prices
Toyota Prius
A hybrid hatchback whose low CO2 output can help its VES band, which is set by the worst of five pollutants.
- Models and prices
Toyota Yaris
A small hybrid hatchback. Low OMV and emissions keep ARF and VES charges down, though the COE cost is the same as for larger cars in its category.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Singapore?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Singapore | US$150 | US$190 | 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
- Can I import a used car from Japan to Singapore?
- Yes, if it is not more than 3 years old at registration, right-hand drive and not diesel, and it meets Singapore emission and noise standards. A S$10,000 surcharge applies to each imported used car.
- How is the age of an imported used car counted in Singapore?
- From its first registration abroad. If that date cannot be confirmed, LTA counts from 1 January of the year of manufacture. Apply in VITAS at least 3 months before the car turns 3.
- What is the excise duty on an imported car in Singapore?
- 20% of the Open Market Value, collected by Singapore Customs. GST of 9% is then charged on CIF plus the excise duty.
- How is the ARF calculated in Singapore?
- On OMV at progressive rates: 100% of the first S$20,000, 140% of the next S$20,000, 190% of the next S$20,000, 250% of the next S$20,000 and 320% above S$80,000.
- Do I need a COE for an imported car in Singapore?
- Yes. Every car needs a Certificate of Entitlement, bought at open bidding held twice a month. It lets the car be used for 10 years.
- Can I import a diesel car to Singapore?
- No. Since 1 January 2025 new registrations of diesel and diesel-natural gas cars, including imported used cars, are not permitted. Diesel-electric hybrids can still be registered.
- What is the VES surcharge on an imported car?
- For cars registered in 2026 it ranges from a S$22,500 rebate (band A) to a S$35,000 surcharge (band C3). The band is set by the worst of five pollutants measured in the emission test.
- Is there a used-car surcharge in Singapore?
- Yes. LTA charges S$10,000 for registering each imported used car, on top of the ARF, VES and COE.
- What is VITAS?
- The LTA Vehicle Inspection and Type Approval System, where importers apply for vehicle approval. The application fee is S$274.68, and approval leads to an inspection and a Vehicle Approval Code.
Sources
- LTA OneMotoring — Vehicle import and registration (excise 20% of OMV, GST 9%) — checked 15 October 2026
- LTA OneMotoring — Vehicle tax structure (ARF, used car surcharge, diesel rule) — checked 15 October 2026
- LTA — Procedures on importation and registration of a car in Singapore (PDF) — checked 15 October 2026
- LTA OneMotoring — Certificate of Entitlement (COE) — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Singapore
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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.