Importing Japanese Vehicles to Ireland

Q: How is VRT calculated on a Japanese import?

Vehicle Registration Tax is based on CO2 emissions and the Open Market Selling Price. Lower-emission cars pay less, and hybrids/EVs get significant reductions — we provide VRT estimates for cars you’re considering.

Q: Do Japanese cars need IVA in Ireland?

Vehicles without EU type approval typically need Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), testing safety, emissions, and lighting. Some categories, including certain classics, are exempt.

Q: What does importing a car from Japan to Ireland cost?

Beyond the purchase price: shipping (€1,500–3,000), 10% duty, 23% VAT, VRT by emissions, IVA if required (€300–600), and NCT (€55). Irish taxes mean total extra cost is often 50–70% of the vehicle value.

Q: Can I import a Japanese motorcycle to Ireland?

Yes — Japanese bikes are popular imports following a similar process with different VRT rates. Classic Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha models have strong collector interest.

Ireland drives on the left, so Japan’s right-hand-drive cars fit straight in. The cost story is dominated by Irish taxes: 10% customs duty, 23% VAT, and VRT based on CO2 emissions — which is why low-emission and hybrid imports are especially attractive.

Browse Vehicles Full Ireland import guide

Shipping time

6–7 weeks

Main ports

Dublin, Cork

Eligibility

IVA may apply (some classics exempt); NCT roadworthiness; VRT at registration

Taxes

10% duty + 23% VAT + VRT (CO2-based)

Best Japanese vehicles to import to Ireland

Nissan Silvia / Skyline

Sought-after JDM with a committed Irish enthusiast base.

Toyota / Honda hybrids

Low CO2 means lower VRT — the most cost-effective imports.

Classic Japanese cars (40+ yrs)

Often IVA-exempt and prized by collectors.

Mazda MX-5

Affordable, plentiful, and easy to register.

What goes into the landed cost

Vehicle purchase + inland transport in Japan
Shipping (€1,500–3,000)
Customs duty 10% + VAT 23%
VRT (varies by CO2 emissions)
IVA if required (€300–600) + NCT (€55)

Why import through Japan Convoy

Right-hand drive — ready for Irish roads with no conversion
Documentation prepared for VRT registration
Vehicles inspected to meet NCT roadworthiness standards

The import process, step by step

1
Browse & request a quote
Find matching listings on the marketplace and contact verified sellers for pricing, photos, and inspection reports — no on-site checkout, wholesale "contact for pricing".
2
Inspection & confirmation
Our team inspects the item in Japan, verifies condition and documentation, and confirms the final landed-cost estimate for your country.
3
Export documentation
We prepare the export certificate, invoice, bill of lading, and any destination-specific paperwork required for clearance.
4
Shipping
RoRo or container shipping from the nearest Japanese port to your destination port, with tracking the whole way.
5
Clearance & delivery
We hand off to your customs broker with a complete document pack, and coordinate final delivery or collection.

Ireland Vehicles import FAQ

How is VRT calculated on a Japanese import?

Do Japanese cars need IVA in Ireland?

What does importing a car from Japan to Ireland cost?

Can I import a Japanese motorcycle to Ireland?

Related import guides

Ready to import Japanese vehicles to Ireland?

Browse verified listings and request a quote — quality inspection and managed export included.

Browse Vehicles How it works