How do you import a car from Japan to Sweden, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Sweden charges 0% customs duty on cars from Japan under the EU-Japan agreement and 25% import VAT, about 25% of CIF before registration costs. There is no age limit, but the car must pass conformity, emissions and roadworthiness checks before registration.
Car import duty calculator for Sweden
Sweden is an EU member, which means the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EU-EPA) applies: import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% when valid origin proof accompanies the shipment, otherwise standard TARIC/MFN duty for passenger cars may apply. Swedish VAT is 25% on the imported value. Beyond the import stage, Sweden charges a national CO2-based registration tax at first registration — the exact amount depends on the car's fuel type and emissions.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Sweden?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration.
- Inspection
- Customs declaration; conformity/roadworthiness; local registration tax/CO2 rules
- Entry ports
- Gothenburg
How do you import a car from Japan to Sweden, step by step?
Check the import rules
No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration. Sweden 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 Sweden.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Sweden: Customs declaration; conformity/roadworthiness; local registration tax/CO2 rules.
Ship to Gothenburg
Cars from Japan arrive at Gothenburg. Sea transit is about 36–46 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 and VAT / GST; 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 Sweden's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Sweden charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 0% | CIF value |
| VAT / GST | 25% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import duty
Rate: 0%. Charged on: CIF value.
VAT / GST
Rate: 25%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, import duty on a Japan-origin car can be 0% with valid origin proof. Without it, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty may apply instead. Swedish VAT is 25% on the imported value (customs value plus any duty). At first Swedish registration, a national CO2-based charge is assessed separately — this varies by the car's emissions and fuel type.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Sweden?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gothenburg | RoRo or container | 36–46 | US$1,350 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Sweden?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
Compact, fuel-efficient and with low CO2 output — the Fit suits Sweden's national registration tax structure well, and the hybrid version is especially advantageous.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
A light, low-emission hatchback that keeps the CO2-based registration tax minimal. Easy to run in Swedish cities and straightforward to service.
- Models and prices
Mazda Demio
A compact hatchback with a well-designed cabin and modest CO2 rating — a sensible choice for Sweden where lower emissions mean lower registration costs.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A dependable family sedan available in recent years with modest fuel consumption. Toyota's service network across Sweden keeps long-term costs predictable.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Sweden?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gothenburg | Gothenburg | US$150 | US$190 | 1 |
| Stockholm | Gothenburg | US$360 | US$450 | 3 |
| Malmo | Gothenburg | US$280 | US$350 | 2 |
| Uppsala | Gothenburg | US$370 | US$460 | 3 |
| Vasteras | Gothenburg | US$330 | US$410 | 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
- Is import duty 0% for Japanese cars in Sweden?
- Under the EU-Japan EPA, duty can be 0% when valid Japan-origin proof accompanies the shipment. Without that documentation, standard TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty may apply.
- Is there an age limit on importing a car to Sweden from Japan?
- No — there is no EU-wide or Swedish age cap on private car imports. The car must pass conformity and roadworthiness checks and meet Swedish registration requirements.
- Where does the car arrive in Sweden?
- The main vehicle import port is Gothenburg. Inland delivery from Gothenburg to Stockholm adds roughly $360 for a sedan; to Malmo roughly $280.
- Does Sweden accept right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
- Yes. Both right- and left-hand-drive cars can be registered in Sweden, although traffic drives on the right.
Sources
- European Commission — EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement — checked 15 October 2026
- European Commission — VAT rates — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Sweden
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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.