Import Japanese Cars to Bangladesh

Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide

RHD, 5-year manufacture cap for typical used imports, very high NBR tax stacks, Chittagong main port. Not an open used-car market like East Africa....

Export to Bangladesh

Market access

Age-capped

Last verified: August 2026

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Year Rules

Ports

Inspection

Taxes

Documents

Official sources

Year Restriction

Maximum 5 years from manufacture

Shipping Time

6-8 weeks

Year Restrictions

Maximum 5 years from manufacture

Bangladesh is RHD; LHD passenger cars are not for normal import. Used cars must generally be within 5 years of manufacture. Commercial import of used cars is tightly controlled. Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) under transfer-of-residence rules often face a shorter age cap (commonly 3 years) and must meet ownership/residence tests. Always read the current NBR SRO / Import Policy Order before buying.

Destination Port & Shipping Information

Main Destination Port

Chittagong (Chattogram)

Alternative Ports:

Chittagong
Mongla

Chittagong handles most Japan used cars. Mongla is the alternative. Customs use Japanese Yellow Book / NBR valuation, not only the invoice.

Shipping Duration:

6-8 weeks

Japan–Chittagong is often 25–40 days at sea plus NBR/BRTA process.

Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines

Shipping Frequency:

Twice monthly / monthly (confirm)

Preferred Shipping Lines:

NYK
MOL
K Line
Hoegh Autoliners

Inspection Requirements

Inspection is Required

Inspection Type:

Pre-shipment inspection (JAAI / JEVIC or required PSI)

Inspection Details:

Used units typically need a Japan inspection certificate (JAAI/JEVIC) proving age and identity. Banks often require L/C for vehicle imports.

Last verified & official sources

Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.

National Board of Revenue

Official calculator / procedures

Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty

Customs duty plus high supplementary duty by CC (NBR slabs)

VAT

15% VAT (standard NBR rate on the tax base)

Other Taxes

Regulatory duty, supplementary duty (often 20% / 100% / 200% by engine band), advance income tax. Combined incidence on passenger cars is frequently several times CIF. Confirm the current NBR tariff.

Tax Calculation Details:

NBR stacks CD, RD, SD, VAT and AIT on a customs value that may follow the Japanese Yellow Book. Small CC cars pay less SD than 2000cc+ units. Do not quote a single percentage.

Treat stacked percentages as a planning range only. Use the official calculator or procedures page or a licensed clearing agent before you bid.

Required Documentation

Documents for Individual Importers:

Passport / NID
NBR-related papers
Export Certificate
BL
Invoice
Inspection certificate

Documents for Company Importers:

Import License Required: Companies must obtain an import license before importing vehicles.

IRC / company papers
L/C
Invoice
BL
Inspection certificate

Commercial used-car import is restricted. Confirm IRC and current Import Policy Order. Many private buyers use NRB / privileged channels rather than open commercial import.

Important Notes

Official: National Board of Revenue (nbr.gov.bd) tariff and SROs; Bangladesh Customs; BRTA for registration. Age and NRB concessions change by SRO — verify the instrument in force.

Helpful Tips

1) Manufacture year within 5 years (often 3 years for NRB concessions).
2) RHD only.
3) Get a C&F estimate from NBR slabs, not a 25% rule of thumb.
4) Arrange L/C and PSI before sailing.

Import Regulations Overview

RHD, 5-year manufacture cap for typical used imports, very high NBR tax stacks, Chittagong main port. Not an open used-car market like East Africa.

Step by step: (1) Confirm importer channel (commercial vs NRB). (2) Check 5-year (or 3-year) age. (3) PSI in Japan. (4) L/C if required. (5) Ship to Chittagong. (6) NBR duties. (7) BRTA registration.