What is the age limit to import a car from Japan to Uganda?

Uganda allows cars up to 15 years old. However, cars eight years old attract a 20% environmental levy, and cars nine to fifteen years old are hit with a 50% levy on CIF. We recommend buying under eight years old to avoid the steep surcharge.

Does Uganda require right-hand drive?

Yes. Uganda drives on the left, so RHD is required. Japan's auction stock is almost entirely right-hand drive, which is why it is such a well-matched supply source.

How much does it cost in total to import a car from Japan to Uganda?

The core taxes are 25% duty, 20% excise, an environmental levy of 20-50% depending on the car's age, 18% VAT and a 1.5% infrastructure levy. Together these can exceed the car's purchase price on older stock. We calculate the full landed cost before you commit.

How does the car get from Japan to Uganda?

The car ships by sea from Japan to the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, then travels by road to the Kampala Inland Container Depot in Uganda. We manage the entire transit, cross-border paperwork and clearing.

Do you handle customs clearing in Uganda?

Yes. Our team handles valuation at Kampala ICD, pays all duties and levies, clears the car, and arranges inland delivery to your city — you do not need to deal with the port or depot yourself.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Uganda

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Uganda is a strong and growing market for used Japanese cars, with a 15-year import age limit and a well-established route through the Kampala Inland Container Depot — which is supplied via Mombasa, Kenya. The country drives on the left, so Japan's right-hand-drive stock is a perfect match, and Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Suzuki are the dominant brands in Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara and beyond because parts and mechanics are everywhere. When you import a car from Japan to Uganda, the headline number to know is the environmental levy. Cars eight years old attract a 20% levy on CIF; from nine to fifteen years that climbs to 50%. Combined with 25% import duty, 20% excise, 18% VAT and a 1.5% infrastructure levy, the tax stack on an older car can exceed the car's purchase price. Our licensed team calculates the full landed cost against your exact car and age before you commit, sources the right vehicle at Japanese auction, arranges inspection, ships to Mombasa, and transits inland to Kampala ICD — so nothing surprises you at clearing.

Main ports: Kampala ICD (via Mombasa, Kenya)
Import age rule: 15-year limit; older vehicles pay a steep environmental levy.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Uganda charges 25% import duty, an excise of 10% only on engines above 2000cc (0% at or below), a 1.5% infrastructure levy, 18% VAT, a 6% advance income (withholding) tax, and an environmental levy that rises with age (20% at 8 years, 50% for 9-15 years). Total runs ~55% of CIF for a small newer car to ~80% for an older mid-size. RHD market, 15-year age cap.

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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 Uganda

Pick a car within Uganda's 15-year limit
We only shortlist RHD cars up to 15 years old — and we strongly recommend staying under eight years to avoid the steep 50% environmental levy that applies from year nine onward.
We source it at Japan's auctions
With licensed USS auction access, our team finds the car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and confirms condition before you commit a shilling.
Pre-shipment inspection in Japan
We arrange JEVIC or JAAI roadworthiness inspection in Japan and include the certificate with your shipping documents — Uganda customs expects it.
Ocean freight to Mombasa, then transit to Kampala ICD
The car sails to the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, then travels by road or rail to the Kampala Inland Container Depot. We handle the cross-border paperwork and transit throughout.
Duty and clearing at Kampala ICD
Our team handles customs valuation at Kampala ICD, pays the import duty, excise, environmental levy, infrastructure levy and VAT, then releases the car for delivery.
Inland delivery to your city
From Kampala ICD the car is delivered to Kampala, Mbarara, Entebbe, Jinja, Gulu, Mbale or wherever you are, at a price we confirm upfront.

Import duties & taxes in Uganda explained

Uganda's import tax structure for passenger cars has several layers. You pay 25% import duty on the CIF value, then 20% excise duty on top. The most significant variable is the environmental levy: cars exactly eight years old attract 20% of CIF; cars nine to fifteen years old are hit with 50% of CIF — a surcharge that can dwarf the car's auction price on older stock. On the cumulative total you then pay 18% VAT and a 1.5% infrastructure levy. A car bought young enough to avoid the environmental levy can cost tens of thousands of shillings less in tax than a similar car just a year or two older. Because Uganda's customs values depend on the specific model and year, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Uganda

Toyota Corolla Axio
Uganda's default family car — abundant parts and mechanics nationwide, RHD, and a frugal 1.5L engine that keeps excise duty in the lower band.
See prices
Toyota Probox
The workhorse of Ugandan commerce — a robust wagon that handles Kampala traffic and upcountry roads while holding strong resale value for businesses.
See prices
Honda Fit
A compact hatchback with petrol and hybrid versions that delivers excellent fuel economy in Kampala's heavy traffic, at a competitive auction price.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A budget-friendly hatchback with a nicer cabin and fresher design than its price suggests, and a small engine in the lowest excise bracket.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Very low running costs and easy resale make it a safe first import for Ugandan buyers watching their budget carefully.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Uganda

Kampala — Delivery from Kampala ICD to central Kampala adds roughly $50 for a sedan.
Mbarara — Delivery from Kampala ICD to Mbarara adds roughly $120 for a sedan.
Mbale — Delivery from Mombasa to Mbale adds roughly $690 for a sedan.
Jinja — Delivery from Mombasa to Jinja adds roughly $710 for a sedan.
Entebbe — Delivery from Mombasa to Entebbe adds roughly $730 for a sedan.
Gulu — Delivery from Mombasa to Gulu adds roughly $830 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the age limit to import a car from Japan to Uganda?: Uganda allows cars up to 15 years old. However, cars eight years old attract a 20% environmental levy, and cars nine to fifteen years old are hit with a 50% levy on CIF. We recommend buying under eight years old to avoid the steep surcharge.
Does Uganda require right-hand drive?: Yes. Uganda drives on the left, so RHD is required. Japan's auction stock is almost entirely right-hand drive, which is why it is such a well-matched supply source.
How much does it cost in total to import a car from Japan to Uganda?: The core taxes are 25% duty, 20% excise, an environmental levy of 20-50% depending on the car's age, 18% VAT and a 1.5% infrastructure levy. Together these can exceed the car's purchase price on older stock. We calculate the full landed cost before you commit.
How does the car get from Japan to Uganda?: The car ships by sea from Japan to the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, then travels by road to the Kampala Inland Container Depot in Uganda. We manage the entire transit, cross-border paperwork and clearing.
Do you handle customs clearing in Uganda?: Yes. Our team handles valuation at Kampala ICD, pays all duties and levies, clears the car, and arranges inland delivery to your city — you do not need to deal with the port or depot yourself.