How do you import a car from Japan to Vanuatu, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
This page explains the rules, documents, import taxes, shipping and typical landed cost for a used car imported from Japan to Vanuatu.
Japan's auction stock is right-hand drive. We do not convert steering. For Vanuatu 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.
Vanuatu is a Pacific island nation with a growing demand for affordable, reliable vehicles, and Japan's domestic used-car market is a well-established source for the region.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Vanuatu?
- Steering
- Left-hand drive only
How do you import a car from Japan to Vanuatu, step by step?
Check the import rules
Vanuatu 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 Vanuatu.
Ship the car
The car travels from Japan by sea. 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 duty and taxes on the declared value.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Vanuatu's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Vanuatu charge?
Import duty and any other applicable levies on a vehicle imported to Vanuatu depend on the vehicle type and current tariff schedule.
Which cars from Japanese auctions can be registered in Vanuatu?
- 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 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?
Car import duty calculator for Vanuatu
There is no instant calculator for Vanuatu yet, because its tax model or freight route is not in the dataset. The rules and steps above still apply. Contact