Country-Specific Guide
How to Import a Japanese Used Car to Hong Kong
Hong Kong has no 8-year ban and no general Customs duty on private cars. First Registration Tax and Transport Department examination are the real cost. Declare to C&ED within 14 days.
Rules reference:
Hong Kong year limits, inspection, and taxes are maintained on the regulation page.
Open Hong Kong regulations
FRT is the tax — not East African duty. Transport Department: vehicles imported into Hong Kong are not subject to Customs tax, but you must lodge a complete declaration with C&ED within 14 days, file Import Return CED336 within 30 days, then TD examination and First Registration Tax. Official: TD guidelines for importation and registration. KMC notes: Hong Kong import regulation page.
Who this guide is for
Parallel importers of right-hand-drive Japanese used cars into Hong Kong. Sea time from Japan is short. Cost is dominated by First Registration Tax, not a 25% CIF duty.
C&ED then Transport Department
- Import declaration to Customs and Excise within 14 days of importation.
- Import Return CED336 (+ CED336A) within 30 days — also required if you import for your own use.
- C&ED issues a Notification of Motor Vehicle Provisional Taxable Value.
- TD22 first registration with supporting documents, vehicle examination, FRT, registration fee, licence fee, and TAVA levy.
First Registration Tax (private cars)
Under the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance (Cap. 330), private-car FRT is progressive on taxable value. TD’s published bands:
| Taxable value band | Rate |
|---|---|
| First HK$150,000 | 46% |
| Next HK$150,000 | 86% |
| Next HK$200,000 | 115% |
| Remainder | 132% |
Confirm live rates on TD/C&ED before you bid. Auction grade does not replace TD examination. EV/PHEV concessions are separate TD schemes.
Mistakes
- Budgeting Kenya/Tanzania duty instead of FRT.
- Missing the 14-day C&ED declaration.
- Assuming there is an 8-year import ban — there is not.
Hong Kong import FAQs
Transport Department states imported vehicles are not subject to Customs tax. You still declare to C&ED and pay First Registration Tax at TD first registration. See TD guidelines for importation and registration.
Ready to import from Japan?
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