Cost to import a car from Japan to Sweden
Rates & rules last reviewed
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. There is no age cap on private car imports, and both RHD and LHD are accepted — though left-hand drive is standard on Swedish roads, so LHD Japanese export-spec cars are the natural choice for most buyers. 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. Our licensed team sources the car at Japanese auction, ships it to the Port of Gothenburg and handles customs, EPA origin paperwork and inland delivery to Stockholm, Malmo, Uppsala, Vasteras or wherever you are.
- Main ports
- Gothenburg
- Import age rule
- No EU-wide age cap for private imports, but vehicle must pass customs, conformity/roadworthiness, emissions/type-approval and local registration.
- Steering
- both
- Duties & taxes
- Approx. duty 0%, VAT 25% on the imported value. Use 0% only where Japan-origin EPA proof is accepted; otherwise TARIC/MFN passenger-car duty can apply.
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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 Sweden
Choose a car suited to Swedish registration rules
Sweden has no age cap, but national CO2-based charges apply at first registration. We advise on low-emission models that minimise the registration tax and shortlist options to your budget in both LHD and RHD.
We source at USS auction
Our licensed USS team reads the auction sheet, confirms the car's CO2 and fuel spec, and bids on your behalf. You see the full condition report before committing.
Pre-shipment and EPA origin documentation
We prepare the Swedish customs declaration and the Japan-origin certificate needed to claim 0% EPA duty. Roadworthiness checks happen in Japan before loading.
Ocean freight to Gothenburg
The car sails to the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden's main vehicle import port. We send the sailing schedule and tracking once booked.
Import duties & taxes in Sweden explained
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. Because the EPA preference and the registration tax depend on your specific car and its documentation, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.
Popular Japanese cars for Sweden
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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. Export-spec LHD versions are available for Swedish roads.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Shipping cost to major cities in Sweden
- Gothenburg — You are at the port — inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $150.
- Malmo — Delivery from Gothenburg to Malmo adds roughly $280 for a sedan.
- Vasteras — Delivery from Gothenburg to Vasteras adds roughly $330 for a sedan.
- Stockholm — Delivery from Gothenburg to Stockholm adds roughly $360 for a sedan.
- Uppsala — Delivery from Gothenburg to Uppsala adds roughly $370 for a sedan.
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. Our team prepares the origin documentation to claim the preference.
- 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.
- Does Sweden accept right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
- Yes — both RHD and LHD are legally permitted. However, Sweden drives on the right, so most buyers prefer LHD Japanese export-spec cars for daily use. Our team sources both from Japanese auction.
- 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. We quote all city costs upfront.