Cost to import a car from Japan to Ukraine
Rates & rules last reviewed
Ukraine has a significant used-car import culture and Japan's auction system is a well-established source for Ukrainian buyers. The standard import duty is approximately 10% of the customs value, with 20% VAT, and an excise tax assessed at registration that depends on engine type, fuel type and vehicle age. Ukraine drives on the right and requires left-hand-drive vehicles for registration — Japanese LHD export-spec cars are the practical choice. The key caveat for Ukraine is logistics: ongoing war conditions mean that the standard entry via the Black Sea ports of Chornomorsk or Odesa may face restrictions, and alternative routing via Romanian Constanta as a feeder port is used where necessary. Our licensed team assesses the current best route at the time of import, manages all documentation, and confirms total costs — including excise and any wartime logistics premiums — before you commit to anything.
- Main ports
- Chornomorsk/Odesa or Constanta feeder
- Import age rule
- No age cap, but the excise grows with age: base rate × (engine cc / 1000) × age in full years (min 1, max 15). War conditions may affect ports and routing (commonly via EU ports).
- Steering
- LHD
- Duties & taxes
- Ukraine charges 10% import duty (Japan has no FTA with Ukraine), an excise (акциз) computed as €50 per 1000cc per year of age for petrol cars up to 3000cc (€100 above; diesel higher), and 20% VAT on the customs value + duty + excise. For a typical 7-8-year-old small/mid petrol car the excise adds a few percent of CIF, putting the total around 35-40%. A separate 3-5% Pension Fund levy applies at first registration.
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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 Ukraine
Consult our team on current logistics
War conditions in Ukraine mean that routes and port availability vary. We start with a consultation to confirm the current best entry route — Chornomorsk/Odesa or Constanta feeder — and give you a realistic timeline and cost.
We source an LHD car at USS auction
Ukraine requires LHD for registration. Our licensed team sources LHD Japanese export-spec cars, reads the auction sheet and grade, and bids on your behalf.
Pre-shipment documentation
We prepare the Ukrainian customs import declaration, invoice, and any origin documents. Engine type, fuel type and vehicle age are confirmed upfront as these determine the excise tax.
Ocean freight and port clearance
The car is routed to the current best-available port (Chornomorsk, Odesa or Constanta feeder). We send tracking and confirm the route before loading.
Import duties & taxes in Ukraine explained
Ukraine charges approximately 10% import duty on passenger cars, plus 20% VAT on the imported value. An excise tax is assessed at registration, calculated based on engine displacement, fuel type and vehicle age — the rates vary and must be confirmed for your specific car. War conditions may also introduce logistical surcharges and route changes. Current import duty suspension or preferential rules may apply in some cases, but these are subject to change — our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car before you commit.
Popular Japanese cars for Ukraine
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Honda Fit
A small-engine, fuel-efficient hatchback with low excise exposure. LHD Fit models from Japanese export stock suit Ukrainian urban roads well.
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Suzuki Swift
Compact, cheap to run and with a small engine that keeps excise costs manageable. A practical first Japanese import for Ukrainian buyers.
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Mazda Demio
A small-engine hatchback with a well-finished interior. The Demio's modest displacement limits excise exposure and keeps running costs low.
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Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable and widely serviced across Ukraine. A sensible family choice with predictable running costs and strong resale value on the Ukrainian used-car market.
Shipping cost to major cities in Ukraine
- Odesa — You are near the port — inland delivery for a sedan runs only about $100.
- Dnipro — Delivery from Odesa to Dnipro adds roughly $300 for a sedan.
- Kyiv — Delivery from Odesa to Kyiv adds roughly $330 for a sedan.
- Kharkiv — Delivery from Odesa to Kharkiv adds roughly $390 for a sedan.
- Lviv — Delivery from Odesa to Lviv adds roughly $420 for a sedan.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I still import a car to Ukraine given current conditions?
- Yes — imports to Ukraine continue, but logistics routes depend on current port availability. We assess the safest and most reliable route for your import at the time of order, whether via Chornomorsk/Odesa or a Constanta feeder, and confirm the timeline and any surcharges before you commit.
- What duty and VAT do I pay at the Ukrainian customs stage?
- Standard import duty is approximately 10% of the customs value, plus 20% VAT. An excise tax based on engine size, fuel type and vehicle age is assessed at registration. Preferential or suspended duty rules may apply in some cases — our team confirms the current applicable rates for your car.
- Does Ukraine accept right-hand-drive Japanese cars?
- Ukraine drives on the right and requires LHD vehicles for registration. We source LHD Japanese export-spec cars from auction — Japan produces LHD models for export markets.
- Where does the car arrive in Ukraine?
- The standard entry point is Chornomorsk or Odesa on the Black Sea coast, or Constanta (Romania) as a feeder option depending on current conditions. Our team confirms the route before loading.