How do you import a car from Japan to Solomon Islands, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Solomon Islands charges 15% import duty and 15% goods tax on the CIF value, about 30% of CIF in total. There is no maximum age for used imports, and the country drives on the left, so right-hand-drive Japanese cars are standard.
Car import duty calculator for Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands drives on the left, so right-hand-drive Japanese cars meet the steering rule as they are. There is no maximum age limit for used imports, which keeps older, cheaper cars in reach. Two taxes apply, both on the CIF value: import duty and goods tax. Cars arrive at the Port of Honiara, where Solomon Islands Customs and Excise values them before release. There is no separate VAT or GST on top.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Solomon Islands?
- Steering
- Right-hand drive only
- Age limit
- No maximum age limit for used imports. Solomon Islands drives on the left, so Japanese RHD stock fits.
- Inspection
- Solomon Islands Customs & Excise valuation on arrival.
- Entry ports
- Port of Honiara
How do you import a car from Japan to Solomon Islands, step by step?
Check the import rules
No maximum age limit for used imports. Solomon Islands drives on the left, so Japanese RHD stock fits. Solomon Islands 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 Solomon Islands.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Solomon Islands: Solomon Islands Customs & Excise valuation on arrival.
Ship to Port of Honiara
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Honiara. Sea transit is about 14–24 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 and Goods 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 Solomon Islands's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Solomon Islands charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 15% | CIF value |
| Goods Tax | 15% | CIF value |
Import Duty
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF value.
Goods Tax
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF value.
Solomon Islands import duty is set in bands of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%; used passenger cars sit in the 10–15% band, and 15% of CIF is used here as the working figure. Goods Tax of 15% is also charged on the CIF value, per the Inland Revenue Division (some exporter guides quote 19%; the official 15% is used). There is no separate VAT or GST. Customs values the car on arrival in Honiara.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Solomon Islands?
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 Honiara | RoRo or container | 14–24 | US$2,300 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Solomon Islands?
- Models and prices
Toyota Probox
One of the most practical Japanese imports across Pacific island markets — tough, cheap to run and available right-hand drive direct from Japan's domestic fleet auction.
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
A compact, fuel-efficient hatchback well-suited to urban roads in Honiara — petrol and hybrid options, right-hand drive, and well-known parts availability.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and low-maintenance, the Swift is a sensible budget import for Solomon Islands buyers seeking economical city transport sourced direct from Japan.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A reliable family sedan with a strong track record in Pacific island markets — easy to service, holds its value and arrives in right-hand drive from Japan's domestic market.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Solomon Islands?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honiara | Port of Honiara | 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 to Solomon Islands?
- No. Solomon Islands has no maximum age limit for used vehicle imports.
- Does Solomon Islands accept right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
- Yes. The country drives on the left, so right-hand-drive Japanese cars qualify as they are.
- What taxes apply to a car imported to Solomon Islands?
- Import duty of 10–15% (15% used here) and 15% goods tax, both on the CIF value. There is no separate VAT or GST.
- Which port do cars from Japan arrive at?
- The Port of Honiara, where customs values the car before release.
Sources
- Solomon Islands Business Registry — Duty and tax — checked 15 October 2026
- Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Solomon Islands
Loading calculator…
Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.