Import Japanese Cars to Ireland
Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide
RHD. Process-heavy (VRT/NCTS), not age-banned. Emissions paperwork decides the VRT rate....
Open import
Last verified: August 2026Quick Navigation
Year Restriction
No maximum age (VRT + NCTS registration)
Shipping Time
9-13 weeks
Year Restrictions
No maximum age (VRT + NCTS registration)
Ireland is RHD. No East-Africa-style age cap. You must register within 30 days of entry and book NCTS within 7 days. VRT is based on OMSP and CO2/NOx. Without verified CO2 and NOx, Revenue charges the highest VRT band. Japanese used cars need the export certificate plus MLIT emissions evidence (Revenue VRT guidance).
Destination Port & Shipping Information
Main Destination Port
Dublin
Alternative Ports:
- Dublin
- Cork
- Rosslare
Shipping Duration:
9-13 weeks
Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines
Preferred Shipping Lines:
- NYK
- MOL
- Hoegh Autoliners
Inspection Requirements
Inspection Type:
NCTS pre-registration examination
Inspection Details:
All used Japanese vehicles are presented to NCTS for pre-registration examination. Documents are retained. Certified English translations are required.
Last verified & official sources
Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.
Official calculator / proceduresImport Duties & Taxes
Import Duty
EU customs duty if not already in free circulation (Japan origin typically dutiable — confirm Revenue)
VAT
VAT on import (Ireland standard VAT — confirm Revenue) plus VRT at NCTS
Other Taxes
VRT is the main extra cost. Late registration adds VRT. NCT after registration follows the normal Irish cycle.
Required Documentation
Required Documents:
-
Japanese Export Certificate
-
CO2 evidence (MLIT)
-
NOx evidence (MLIT)
-
Invoice
-
MRN / date of entry
-
PPSN proof
-
Passport / licence
-
VRT VPD form
Important Notes
Official: https://www.revenue.ie/en/vrt/vehicle-registration-tax/general-information-on-registration.aspx and NCTS procedure pages. Register within 30 days.
Helpful Tips
1) Print MLIT CO2/NOx that match the export certificate weight/spec. 2) Book NCTS in 7 days. 3) Translate Japanese documents.
Import Regulations Overview
RHD. Process-heavy (VRT/NCTS), not age-banned. Emissions paperwork decides the VRT rate.
Step by step: (1) Buy. (2) Ship. (3) Customs MRN. (4) NCTS appointment. (5) Pay VRT/VAT. (6) Irish plates. (7) Insurance and NCT as due.
