Cost to import a car from Japan to Thailand

Rates & rules last reviewed

Thailand drives on the left and uses right-hand-drive vehicles, making Japanese cars a natural fit technically — and Thailand is in fact one of the largest Japanese-car markets in Asia, but primarily through local assembly, not direct import. Used CBU (Completely Built Up) passenger car imports are effectively prohibited for general private buyers through a mandatory DFT (Department of Foreign Trade) permit system that is simply not issued to ordinary purchasers. The few legal channels that exist — diplomats, certain returning nationals, commercial entities with approved import licences — face a tax burden that reaches 200–328% of CIF depending on engine size, making the economics work in very few cases. Import duty alone is 80% of CIF, before CO2-based excise (from January 2026: 13% at up to 1,500cc, up to 50% above 3,000cc), a 10% interior tax on excise, and 7% VAT compounding on top. For most people researching how to import a car from Japan to Thailand, the realistic path is the official Toyota, Honda or Mazda distribution networks inside Thailand. However, if you are a diplomat, a returning national under a specific scheme, or a business entity with an approved import licence, our licensed team can manage the full sourcing and shipping process for you. Speak to us on WhatsApp to confirm whether your situation qualifies.

Main ports
  • Laem Chabang
Import age rule
No formal age cutoff. Restriction is categorical (permit-based), not age-based. Ministry of Commerce permits required for used CBU imports are not available to general private buyers.
Steering
RHD
Duties & taxes
Effectively prohibited for general buyers. Import duty 80% CIF + CO2-based excise 13–50% (from Jan 2026) + interior tax (10% of excise) + VAT 7% cumulative. Total burden 200–328% of CIF for ICE cars. Permits required; not issued to general buyers.

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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 Thailand

  1. Confirm your import eligibility

    Used CBU passenger-car imports into Thailand require a DFT permit that is not available to general private buyers. We confirm whether your situation (diplomat, returning national, licensed commercial entity) qualifies before any other step.

  2. We source the car at Japan's auctions

    For eligible importers, our licensed USS auction team sources the right-hand-drive car you need, reads the auction sheet and grade, and verifies condition — all before committing any money.

  3. Pre-shipment documentation and DFT permit

    The DFT import permit must be in place before the car leaves Japan. We prepare all required documentation and coordinate with our Thai customs partner on the permit application and export certificates.

  4. Ocean shipping to Laem Chabang and clearing

    The car ships to the Port of Laem Chabang — Thailand's main deep-water vehicle port near Bangkok. Our agent handles Thai customs, pays the full duty stack, and arranges inland delivery once cleared.

Import duties & taxes in Thailand explained

Thailand's import tax on a used CBU passenger car is among the highest in Southeast Asia. Import duty is 80% of CIF. From January 2026 the excise tax shifted to a CO2-based structure: approximately 13% at up to 1,500cc, 22% at up to 2,000cc, 29% at up to 3,000cc, and 50% above. An interior (local) tax of 10% of the excise amount is then applied, followed by 7% VAT on the cumulative total. The combined burden for a typical 1,500cc car is around 200% of CIF; for a larger engine it can reach 328%. DFT permits are the absolute gate — the duty structure is largely academic for buyers who cannot obtain one. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Thailand

  • Honda Fit

    For eligible importers, the 1.3–1.5L Fit lands in the lowest CO2-excise band (13%) — keeping the tax burden at its minimum among full-size Japanese hatchbacks in Thailand's import cost structure.

    See prices

  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    A 1.5L engine, excellent reliability and straightforward parts availability across Thailand — the sensible choice for eligible importers who need a car that will cost little to maintain in-country.

    See prices

  • Suzuki Swift

    A compact hatchback with a small 1.2–1.3L engine that sits in the minimum excise band — low auction price in Japan and minimal excise make it the most affordable compliant import for eligible buyers.

    See prices

  • Mazda Demio

    For eligible importers who want a nicer interior at a budget price, the Demio's 1.3L engine keeps it in the lowest CO2-excise band while delivering a premium feel relative to its Japan auction cost.

    See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Thailand

  • Bangkok — Delivery from Laem Chabang port to Bangkok adds roughly $70 for a sedan.
  • Chiang Mai — Delivery from Laem Chabang port to Chiang Mai adds roughly $220 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a used car from Japan to Thailand as a private buyer?
Generally no. Used CBU passenger-car imports require a DFT (Department of Foreign Trade) permit that is not issued to ordinary private buyers. Eligible categories include diplomats, certain returning nationals and licensed commercial importers. Contact our team on WhatsApp — we confirm whether your situation qualifies.
What taxes apply if I can legally import a car to Thailand?
Import duty 80% of CIF, then CO2-based excise from January 2026 (13% at ≤1,500cc, 22% at ≤2,000cc, 29% at ≤3,000cc, 50% above), plus a 10% interior tax on the excise amount, plus 7% VAT on the cumulative total. The combined burden is 200–328% of CIF depending on engine size.
Does Thailand allow right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
Yes — Thailand drives on the left and uses right-hand-drive vehicles, so Japanese RHD cars are fully road-legal. The restriction is not on drive side but on the permit requirement for used CBU imports.

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