Can I import a used Japanese car to Uruguay?

Not through the general import route. Uruguay restricts standard used-car imports for private individuals. Special regimes, returning-resident provisions or sector authorisations are required. Speak to our team to check your eligibility first.

What duty applies to car imports in Uruguay?

For eligible or new-vehicle imports, approximately 23% import duty and 22% VAT apply, plus IMESI excise that varies by vehicle type. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Does Uruguay accept right-hand-drive cars?

Uruguay drives on the right, so LHD vehicles are required. Japan's domestic stock is RHD, so a LHD configuration must be sourced — our team confirms the specification before any bid.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Uruguay

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Uruguay restricts the normal private import of used vehicles. Under standard Mercosur rules and domestic policy, an individual buyer cannot simply order a used car from Japan and clear it through Montevideo — special regimes, returning-resident provisions or sector-specific authorisations are required. For new vehicles or eligible cases, the Mercosur common external tariff is around 23% duty, plus 22% VAT, plus an IMESI internal excise that varies by vehicle type. When a qualifying buyer wants to import a car from Japan to Uruguay, AskJapanCars can source the right vehicle at licensed USS auction, handle shipping to Montevideo and co-ordinate with a Uruguayan customs broker for clearance — but we confirm eligibility as the very first step.

Main ports: Montevideo
Import age rule: Uruguay drives on the right (LHD). Ordinary individual used-car import is restricted (new cars via authorized importers, or the returning-resident franchise), and Japanese domestic stock is RHD — so our sourcing model rarely fits.
Steering: LHD
Duties & taxes: Uruguay's decisive vehicle tax is IMESI (a specific excise that rises with engine size — roughly 23% on a small petrol car up to ~46% on a large one), on top of the ~23% extra-Mercosur import duty and 22% IVA. Stacked, that puts landed tax well above 80% of CIF for most cars. Ordinary used-car import is restricted, so the figure is a reference our team confirms before quoting.

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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 Uruguay

Confirm your eligibility
Uruguay restricts standard used-car imports. We first establish whether you qualify under a returning-resident provision, special regime or exemption before any sourcing is considered.
Source the vehicle in Japan
For qualifying buyers we search licensed USS auctions, read the full auction sheet and grade, and select a vehicle that fits your budget and Uruguay's LHD requirement.
Export documentation
We prepare the export certificate, title and packing list required by Uruguayan customs (DNA — Dirección Nacional de Aduanas) and any supporting papers for your exemption category.
Ocean shipping to Montevideo
The car sails to the Port of Montevideo. We provide the vessel schedule and tracking throughout.
Customs clearance, duty and IMESI
Our team handles DNA clearance, paying approximately 23% duty, 22% VAT and applicable IMESI excise, and arranges delivery to your city.

Import duties & taxes in Uruguay explained

Uruguay generally restricts used-car imports for private individuals — the applicable regime depends on your eligibility. For eligible or new-vehicle imports the Mercosur common external tariff is approximately 23% import duty, plus 22% VAT and an IMESI internal excise that varies by vehicle type. The exact combined figure depends on the car's value, type and the applicable trade regime. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Uruguay

Honda Fit
For eligible buyers, a compact and fuel-efficient hatchback with a low CIF value keeps the 23% duty and 22% VAT bill as manageable as possible in a high-tax regime.
See prices
Mazda Demio
Good interior quality at a budget price — for qualifying buyers who want a pleasant daily driver without maximising the import duty base.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Low maintenance, economical running costs and easy resale — practical attributes that matter in a market where import costs are already significant.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A conservative and reliable choice for a qualifying buyer who wants a family sedan with predictable maintenance and a known market value in Uruguay.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Uruguay

Montevideo — You are at the port — sedan delivery runs about $100.
Punta del Este — Delivery from Montevideo to Punta del Este adds roughly $210 for a sedan.
Paysandu — Delivery from Montevideo to Paysandú adds roughly $360 for a sedan.
Salto — Delivery from Montevideo to Salto adds roughly $420 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a used Japanese car to Uruguay?: Not through the general import route. Uruguay restricts standard used-car imports for private individuals. Special regimes, returning-resident provisions or sector authorisations are required. Speak to our team to check your eligibility first.
What duty applies to car imports in Uruguay?: For eligible or new-vehicle imports, approximately 23% import duty and 22% VAT apply, plus IMESI excise that varies by vehicle type. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.
Does Uruguay accept right-hand-drive cars?: Uruguay drives on the right, so LHD vehicles are required. Japan's domestic stock is RHD, so a LHD configuration must be sourced — our team confirms the specification before any bid.