How old can a car be to import from Japan to Singapore?

Used cars must be less than 3 years old at the time of registration in Singapore. In practical terms this means the car must have been manufactured in 2024 or 2025 for a 2026 registration. A SGD 10,000 used-vehicle surcharge also applies.

Do I need a COE to import a Japanese car to Singapore?

Yes — every car registered in Singapore requires a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which is auctioned fortnightly by LTA and priced by market demand. COE can add SGD 80,000–100,000 or more to the total cost depending on the bidding round, making it often the largest single cost item in a Singapore car import.

What is the import duty on a Japanese car in Singapore?

Import duty is approximately 20% of OMV, excise duty approximately 100% of OMV, and GST 9% on the cumulative total. On top of this the ARF (Additional Registration Fee) is applied as a percentage of OMV based on engine size. The exact LTA-assessed OMV for your specific car determines the final duty bill — our team confirms this before you commit.

What is LTA VITAS and why does it matter?

VITAS is the LTA's Vehicle Import and Transfer Approval System — the pre-clearance process that must be completed before a used car can be shipped to Singapore. We handle the VITAS submission and all supporting documentation before the car leaves Japan.

Can right-hand-drive Japanese cars be registered in Singapore?

Yes — Singapore drives on the left so right-hand-drive Japanese cars are standard. LTA permits RHD registration provided the car passes the full inspection and all duty and COE requirements are met.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Singapore

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Singapore is one of the most demand-constrained car markets in the world — owning a car here requires a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which is auctioned fortnightly and can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost before any import duty is considered. The country drives on the left, so Japan's right-hand-drive stock fits, and used Japanese cars can be imported, but the combination of COE, Additional Registration Fee (ARF), Vehicle Emission Scheme (VES) surcharges and the import duty stack makes the total cost of car ownership in Singapore among the highest anywhere. The age gate is strict: used cars must be less than 3 years old at the time of registration, and a SGD 10,000 used-vehicle surcharge applies on top. The import duty itself is layered: approximately 20% import duty plus 100% excise duty on the Open Market Value (OMV), plus 9% GST. These figures are indicative and band-based — the exact LTA assessment is confirmed by our team. What matters most to Singapore buyers is understanding the total cost including COE, ARF (calculated as a percentage of OMV based on engine capacity) and any VES adjustments. Our licensed team navigates the full LTA process and quotes the complete landed and registration cost before you commit.

Main ports: Singapore
Import age rule: Used cars must be less than 3 years old at registration; S$10,000 used-vehicle surcharge; COE/ARF/VES apply.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Approx. duty 20%, excise 100%, VAT 9% on the imported value. Excise/duty varies by engine size and age (band-based) — exact figure confirmed by our team. LTA states excise duty 20% of OMV.

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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 Singapore

Understand the full Singapore cost picture
Before sourcing any car we brief you on the full cost: Japan auction price + freight + import duty (20% + 100% excise on OMV) + GST 9% + ARF + COE + used-vehicle surcharge + VES. The COE and ARF are often the largest components. We give you realistic total numbers first.
We source a Singapore-eligible car
Only used cars less than 3 years old from manufacture can be registered in Singapore. Our licensed USS auction team finds right-hand-drive cars in that window, reads the auction sheet and grade, and verifies condition.
LTA vehicle approval and VITAS documentation
Before shipping, the car's specifications are submitted through the LTA's VITAS (Vehicle Import and Transfer Approval System) for pre-clearance. We handle this submission and all the required supporting documents.
Ocean shipping to Singapore
The car ships to Singapore's port. We provide full tracking throughout the voyage, and our agent handles all Singapore Customs formalities on arrival.
LTA inspection, COE, ARF and registration
On arrival the car undergoes LTA inspection. Our agent coordinates COE bidding, pays ARF and import duty/excise/GST, manages any VES adjustments, and completes the full registration process so the car is road-legal in your name.

Import duties & taxes in Singapore explained

Singapore's import duty structure includes approximately 20% import duty on OMV and 100% excise duty (LTA states excise at 20% of OMV under one band-based framework — the exact assessed figure depends on the car's OMV as determined by LTA), plus 9% GST on the cumulative total. However, the import duty itself is only part of the cost: the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) is applied as a percentage of OMV based on the car's engine capacity and can be substantial, and the COE — auctioned in competitive bidding rounds — is capped in supply and can add SGD 80,000–100,000 or more to the total cost depending on category and market conditions. A SGD 10,000 used-vehicle surcharge also applies for cars under 3 years. Because these figures change with each COE round and each car's LTA-assessed OMV, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Singapore

Honda Fit
A 1.3L Fit has a relatively low OMV, which keeps ARF and the OMV-based components of the duty bill as small as possible — the most cost-efficient path into Singapore's notoriously expensive car ownership structure.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Singapore's most dependable family sedan option from Japan — a 1.5L engine, exceptional reliability record and modest OMV that minimises the ARF component of the total registration cost.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
One of the lowest OMV Japanese hatchbacks available, keeping every OMV-linked charge (ARF, excise, GST) at their minimum — ideal for buyers who want the smallest total registered cost.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished compact with a modest 1.3L engine and a low Japan auction price — the option for buyers who want a premium-feeling interior while keeping the OMV-driven Singapore cost structure manageable.
See prices
Daihatsu Mira
The lowest possible OMV entry: a kei car with a 660cc engine that minimises every OMV-linked charge in Singapore — the absolute floor of the Japanese import cost spectrum for a registered car.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Singapore

Singapore — Local delivery from Singapore port adds roughly $150 for a sedan — you are already at the destination city.

Frequently asked questions

How old can a car be to import from Japan to Singapore?: Used cars must be less than 3 years old at the time of registration in Singapore. In practical terms this means the car must have been manufactured in 2024 or 2025 for a 2026 registration. A SGD 10,000 used-vehicle surcharge also applies.
Do I need a COE to import a Japanese car to Singapore?: Yes — every car registered in Singapore requires a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which is auctioned fortnightly by LTA and priced by market demand. COE can add SGD 80,000–100,000 or more to the total cost depending on the bidding round, making it often the largest single cost item in a Singapore car import.
What is the import duty on a Japanese car in Singapore?: Import duty is approximately 20% of OMV, excise duty approximately 100% of OMV, and GST 9% on the cumulative total. On top of this the ARF (Additional Registration Fee) is applied as a percentage of OMV based on engine size. The exact LTA-assessed OMV for your specific car determines the final duty bill — our team confirms this before you commit.
What is LTA VITAS and why does it matter?: VITAS is the LTA's Vehicle Import and Transfer Approval System — the pre-clearance process that must be completed before a used car can be shipped to Singapore. We handle the VITAS submission and all supporting documentation before the car leaves Japan.
Can right-hand-drive Japanese cars be registered in Singapore?: Yes — Singapore drives on the left so right-hand-drive Japanese cars are standard. LTA permits RHD registration provided the car passes the full inspection and all duty and COE requirements are met.