Steps Involved in Importing Cars to Ireland from the Japan.

1. Find the car you want:

Generally cars in Japan are significantly cheaper than in Ireland. Without boring you with the details of why. The short answer is there is a strict version of the NCT (which can cost over €2000 to complete) on cars over 3 years and many other restrictions meaning that cars depreciate in Japan at a rapid rate and generally cars cover relatively low mileage.

The end result is there are many Japanese export car auctions which is typically where Japanese cars are sourced from.

The beauty about the auctions is all cars are graded. This ranges from 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 indicating 'as new' condition and 1.0 indicating 'very poor' condition. In reality, condition ratings seen at auction generally range from 3.0 for cars that are pretty rough to 4.5 for something in immaculate condition. The system of grading varies across Japan but the following table provides a rough guide to the system used. Often interior and exterior condition are graded separately, and sometimes an A, B, C, D system is used for interior grading, with 'A' being the best. Rated '0' cars are those that have been accident damaged and repaired.

Exterior Grading

  • Grade
  • 5
  • 4.5
  • 4
  • 3.5
  • 3
  • 2.5
  • 2
  • 0
  • Description
  • As new, immaculate condition
  • Very minor paint blemish to one panel
  • Minor paint blemishes to two panels
  • One or two panels affected by paint blemishes, minor work required
  • Rough all round condition, some work required
  • Rough panels all round
  • Some serious paint blemishes
  • Accident damage and repair

Interior Grading

  • Grade
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • Description
  • No faults
  • Slightly Dirty
  • Clean but with cigarette burn
  • Dirty Interior
2. Ship it to Dublin or the UK:

Why you might ask would you ship the car to the UK? There are 2 possible reasons:

Firstly VAT on goods (including cars) is payable at their entry point of the EU and the UK rate of VAT is 17.5% as opposed to 21% in Ireland.

Secondly there is a large selection of agents based in the UK that will provide an import service from Japan.

The car will then need to be transported to Ireland.

Do not register the car in the UK as it may be subjected to an MOT and you may have to install an ugly fog light on the back of the car.


3. Collect the car at the port:

When you collect the car in Dublin you need a number of documents to collect the car. You also need to pay customs duty and VAT.

In order to take delivery of your car, you'll need an original bill of lading document. This should have been sent from Japan once the car leaves Japan. You will present this to the company responsible for taking the car from the ship and parking it in the port. From then on you are responsible for its security. It's probably a good idea to take out insurance with an agent for piece of mind.

The car will be kept on the dock for customs to inspect the car. You need an invoice showing the cost of the car and the shipping costs and a deregistration certificate. You will then be charged VAT and customs. Customs is charged at 10% of cost car + shipping costs. VAT is charged at 21% of cost of car + shipping + customs. You have 7 days to complete these tasks, after that point you will be charged to keep the car in the dock.

4. Register the car:

Go to the tax office and pay your VRT. You will need to register the car before you drive the car on the road.

Calculate you VRT rate here....