How do you import a car from Japan to Syria, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Since the 2025 reform Syria charges a FIXED customs fee set by the car's model year (roughly US$1,000 for 2010-or-older up to US$2,500 for 2021+), rather than a percentage of value — so on a typical used car the fee is a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
Car import duty calculator for Syria
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Syria we can only source the limited left-hand-drive cars that come up at Japanese auctions, mostly European and American imports, so choice is narrow and prices are higher than for ordinary Japanese stock.
Syria has significant demand for reliable, durable vehicles — particularly Toyota workhorses suited to the country's varied terrain and road infrastructure. However, importing a car from Japan to Syria involves navigating a complex set of constraints: international sanctions, banking restrictions, logistics routes and customs operations all require careful legal and compliance review before any transaction can proceed. Normal commercial online quotes are not available for Syria. Syria is a left-hand-drive country, and the packet notes that import duty is approximately 0% on the imported value — though this figure should not be relied upon without current legal and sanctions review. Ports of entry include Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean coast.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Syria?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
- Age limit
- Syria drives on the right (LHD). After the 2024 change of government the 2025 tariff reform reopened some car imports, but used passenger cars were re-restricted in June 2025 and sanctions/banking/logistics make normal commercial import highly uncertain.
- Inspection
- Customs/permit/sanctions screening required
- Restrictions
- Highly restricted / manual quote only; used passenger cars re-restricted June 2025.
- Entry ports
- Latakia / Tartus
How do you import a car from Japan to Syria, step by step?
Check the import rules
Syria drives on the right (LHD). After the 2024 change of government the 2025 tariff reform reopened some car imports, but used passenger cars were re-restricted in June 2025 and sanctions/banking/logistics make normal commercial import highly uncertain. Syria requires left-hand-drive vehicles, so ordinary right-hand-drive Japanese stock cannot be registered there.
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 Syria.
Complete the required inspection
Required for Syria: Customs/permit/sanctions screening required.
Ship to Latakia / Tartus
Cars from Japan arrive at Latakia / Tartus. Sea transit is about 45–75 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 Fixed customs fee; 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 Syria's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Syria charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed customs fee (by model year) | US$2,000–US$2,000 by engine size | Engine size (fixed amount) |
Fixed customs fee (by model year)
Rate: US$2,000 above that. Charged on: Engine size (fixed amount).
The packet indicates an import duty of approximately 0% on the imported value for Syria, but this figure must not be quoted or relied upon without a current sanctions and legal review — the applicable regime depends on the type of transaction, the legal route used and current Syrian customs practice, which changes with the political situation.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Syria?
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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latakia / Tartus | RoRo or container | 45–75 | US$3,600 |
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Syria?
- Models and prices
Ford Explorer
Sold new in Japan with left-hand drive, so used Explorers turn up in Japanese stock from time to time.
- Models and prices
Porsche Cayenne
Some Cayennes were sold new in Japan with left-hand drive and resurface in Japanese used stock in small numbers.
- Models and prices
Cadillac SRX
An American SUV sold new in Japan with left-hand drive; examples appear in Japanese used stock occasionally.
- Models and prices
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Left-hand-drive S-Class cars sold new in Japan appear in Japanese used stock, mostly older examples.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Syria?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latakia | latakia | US$100 | US$120 | 1 |
| Damascus | latakia | US$260 | US$320 | 2 |
| Aleppo | latakia | US$210 | US$260 | 2 |
| Homs | latakia | US$220 | US$280 | 2 |
| Hama | latakia | US$190 | US$240 | 2 |
| Tartus | latakia | US$170 | US$210 | 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 it currently possible to import a car from Japan to Syria?
- It is possible in specific circumstances, but every Syria case requires a full sanctions and legal compliance review before any action is taken.
- What import duty applies in Syria?
- The indicative duty figure for Syria is approximately 0% on the imported value, but this cannot be quoted without a current legal and sanctions review — the applicable regime depends on the transaction structure, legal route and current Syrian customs practice.
- Which Japanese cars are most suitable for Syria?
- Toyota vehicles — Land Cruiser, Hilux and Corolla Axio — are the most practical choices given Syria's road conditions and the wide availability of parts and workshop expertise across the country.
Car import duty calculator for Syria
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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.