How do you import a car from Japan to Suriname, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Suriname charges import duty of 25% or 40% of the CIF value depending on the car's value, 10% VAT (BTW) on the running total and 2% statistical and consent fees, roughly 40% of CIF on a typical car. Used cars must be no more than 8 years old, and right-hand drive is standard because Suriname drives on the left.
Car import duty calculator for Suriname
Suriname is the other left-hand-drive country in South America, which makes it a natural home for right-hand-drive Japanese imports. The rules are straightforward: used cars must be no more than eight years old (buses up to fifteen, trucks unrestricted), and RHD vehicles are explicitly permitted. The age cap is the critical filter: in 2026 that means a 2018 model or newer.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Suriname?
- Steering
- Right-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Suriname drives on the left, so RHD Japanese stock fits. Used cars must be no more than 8 years old (buses 15 years; trucks no limit).
- Inspection
- No specific pre-shipment inspection commonly required; customs clearance and registration
- Entry ports
- Paramaribo
How do you import a car from Japan to Suriname, step by step?
Check the import rules
Suriname drives on the left, so RHD Japanese stock fits. Used cars must be no more than 8 years old (buses 15 years; trucks no limit). Suriname 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 Suriname.
Ship to Paramaribo
Cars from Japan arrive at Paramaribo. Sea transit is about 39–46 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, VAT / BTW and Statistical + Consent fees; 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 Suriname's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Suriname charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty (tiered by CIF value) | 25%–40% by CIF value | CIF value |
| VAT / BTW (10%) | 10% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
| Statistical + Consent fees | 2% | CIF value |
Import duty (tiered by CIF value)
Rate: 25% up to US$25,000; 40% above US$25,000. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT / BTW (10%)
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Statistical + Consent fees
Rate: 2%. Charged on: CIF value.
Suriname's car import duty depends on the CIF value: 25% when CIF is under US$25,000 and 40% at US$25,000 or more. VAT (BTW) of 10% is charged on CIF plus duty; Suriname replaced its turnover tax with 10% BTW in 2023. A statistical fee of 0.5% and a consent-right fee of 1.5% add 2% of CIF.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Suriname?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paramaribo | RoRo or container | 39–46 | US$1,750 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Suriname?
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
Very low running cost in a kei car that fits Suriname's urban streets — a small engine keeps the duty base lean and fuel costs minimal day to day.
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Practical and versatile, with hybrid and petrol options — a well-rounded choice for Paramaribo city driving that balances fuel economy and cabin space.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
Good interior quality and design for the budget — a compact hatchback that gives buyers a nicer experience than the price suggests.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, economical and easy to resell — low maintenance makes it a sensible first import, especially for buyers who want to keep running costs predictable.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
The conservative family choice across the Caribbean rim — reliable right-hand drive, affordable parts, and a market that understands the model well.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Suriname?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramaribo | Paramaribo | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Nieuw Nickerie | Paramaribo | US$270 | US$340 | 2 |
| Lelydorp | Paramaribo | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Moengo | Paramaribo | US$200 | US$250 | 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 Suriname allow right-hand-drive cars?
- Yes. Suriname drives on the left and RHD vehicles are permitted, making Japanese used cars a direct fit without any steering conversion.
- What is the maximum age for a car imported to Suriname?
- Used passenger cars must be no more than 8 years old. In 2026 that means a 2018 model or newer. Buses are capped at 15 years; trucks have no age restriction.
- Which port does the car arrive at in Suriname?
- Vehicles arrive at Paramaribo, Suriname's main port.
- How much import duty is due on a car in Suriname?
- 25% of CIF for cars under US$25,000 and 40% above, plus 10% VAT (BTW) on CIF plus duty and 2% in statistical and consent fees.
Sources
- trade.gov — Suriname Import Tariffs — checked 15 October 2026
- trade.gov — Suriname Import Requirements and Documentation — checked 15 October 2026
- Douane Suriname — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Suriname
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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.