Japanese Used Cars to Ireland
Ireland drives on the left, so Japanese right-hand drive cars are a natural fit, and the used-import trade there is well established. The cost of an Irish import is dominated by Vehicle Registration Tax, which is assessed on the vehicle's Open Market Selling Price rather than what you paid, so HR Trading helps you model that before you buy.
Destination Port
Dublin, Rosslare, Cork
Shipping Time
30–45 days
Shipping Method
RoRo / Container
Ireland Import Rules at a Glance
Drive side
Right-hand drive — correct for Irish roads with no conversion needed
Age / mileage rules
No age limit, but the vehicle must pass its National Car Test before registration
Inspection & compliance
NCT after arrival, plus a VRT appointment and VRT assessment
Duties & taxes
Customs duty at 10% plus 23% VAT on the cost including shipping, then VRT and an NOx levy on registration
Import rules and duty rates do change. Confirm the current position with your customs broker or clearing agent before you commit, and we will match the vehicle to the rules you tell us.
How an Import to Ireland Works
- 1
Establish the VRT position first — it is charged on the Open Market Selling Price, not on what you paid, so it can differ sharply from your expectations.
- 2
We source the vehicle and translate the auction sheet, including the spec and grade details that affect valuation.
- 3
The car ships RoRo or in a container to Dublin, Rosslare or Cork.
- 4
You file the customs entry; duty at 10% and 23% VAT are assessed on the cost including freight.
- 5
Book a VRT appointment, complete the NCT, and register the vehicle with the Revenue Commissioners.
VRT Is the Deciding Cost
Vehicle Registration Tax in Ireland is calculated on the Open Market Selling Price — what the car would sell for in Ireland — so a bargain purchase abroad does not reduce the bill. The rate is based on CO2 emissions, and a NOx levy applies to diesel and some petrol vehicles. This is why the same model can cost very differently to register depending on its emissions figure. We can give you the CO2 and NOx information for any vehicle we quote, so you can run the numbers on Revenue's calculator before committing.
Customs Duty and VAT on the Way In
Before VRT is even considered, the vehicle attracts customs duty at 10% and 23% VAT on the cost including shipping and insurance. Both charges are payable at import, and there is no relief for Japanese-origin vehicles. Budgeting for customs duty, VAT and VRT together — rather than just the car and the freight — is what keeps an Irish import predictable.
NCT and Registration
Once VRT is paid and the vehicle is registered, it needs its National Car Test. Imports often need light work to pass — headlight aim and tyre condition are the usual items — so it is worth having the car checked locally after arrival. We supply the Japanese export certificate and de-registration, which Revenue requires when you register the vehicle.
What Irish Buyers Choose
Irish buyers favour economical, low-mileage cars and clean 4x4s. The Toyota Corolla and Corolla Hybrid, Suzuki Swift and Honda Fit cover everyday use, the Toyota Land Cruiser and HiLux serve rural and commercial buyers, and JDM performance models such as the Skyline and MX-5 have a dedicated following. Underside condition matters as much in Ireland as in the UK, so we photograph it on every car.