How do you import a car from Japan to Somalia, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
This page explains the rules, documents, import taxes, shipping and typical landed cost for a used car imported from Japan to Somalia.
Somalia has a genuine appetite for used Japanese vehicles, particularly rugged workhorses like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Hilux and Probox that can handle a variety of road conditions. Japanese cars are prized for their reliability, straightforward maintenance and strong resale across the country.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Somalia?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
How do you import a car from Japan to Somalia, step by step?
Check the import rules
Somalia accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
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 Somalia.
Ship the car
The car travels from Japan by sea. 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 duty and taxes on the declared value.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Somalia's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Somalia charge?
Somalia's import duty and tax framework depends on the point of entry and the applicable regional authority.
Which Japanese cars are popular in Somalia?
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A dependable, widely-serviced family sedan with a reputation for longevity that makes it a consistent choice across East Africa.
- Models and prices
Toyota Probox
Tough and practical, the Probox is valued by traders and small businesses for its load capacity and low running costs on varied road surfaces.
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
A fuel-efficient city hatchback with a practical cabin and hybrid options that keep daily running costs to a minimum.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Low running costs and easy maintenance make the Swift an accessible and resaleable import for budget-focused buyers.
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 car from Japan to Somalia?
- Yes. Used Japanese vehicles are regularly imported into Somalia and are popular for their reliability.
- How much does it cost in total to import a car from Japan to Somalia?
- Import duties, taxes and logistics costs depend on your specific car and entry point.
Car import duty calculator for Somalia
There is no instant calculator for Somalia yet, because its tax model or freight route is not in the dataset. The rules and steps above still apply. Contact