How to Buy a Car from Japan and Import It to Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a car from Japan and importing it to Ireland is an excellent way to access high-quality, low-mileage vehicles that are often more affordable than local options. Japanese cars are known for their reliability, maintenance history, and excellent condition—making them ideal for Irish buyers looking for value and performance.

Here’s your complete guide on how to buy a car from Japan and import it into Ireland successfully.

1. Understand Irish Import Regulations

Before purchasing, ensure the car meets Irish Vehicle Standards Authority (VSA) requirements:

  • Must be right-hand drive
  • Vehicles under 6 months old must meet full EU type approval
  • Cars over 6 months old must pass Single Vehicle Approval (SVA)
  • All imports require CO2 emissions testing
  • Must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and National Car Testing Service (NCTS)

For more details, visit the Irish VSA website .

2. Choose a Trusted Japanese Auction or Exporter

Popular platforms include:

  • Aucnet
  • Goo-net Exchange
  • Cars247
  • Be FORWARD

Most Irish buyers use a UK-based or Ireland-friendly broker who can bid, inspect, and handle logistics on their behalf.

3. Search for Suitable Vehicles

Use filters like:

  • Make/model (Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Nissan are popular in Ireland)
  • Year (Euro 4 compliant or newer preferred)
  • Mileage (below 50,000 km is ideal)
  • Shaken expiration date (ensures recent inspection)
  • Body and mechanical condition reports

Look for auction grades of 3.5 or higher for better quality.

4. Review Inspection Reports and Photos

Each listing includes:

  • High-resolution photos
  • Damage grade (Body/Paint/Mechanical)
  • Engine and transmission status
  • Maintenance history
  • Shaken test results

Request a video walk-through or pre-purchase inspection (PPI) if unsure about the car’s condition.

5. Place a Bid or Purchase Directly

If using a broker:

  • Set your maximum bid
  • Confirm payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
  • Ensure all fees are transparent (auction, broker, shipping)

Winning bidders must pay promptly to proceed with export.

6. Arrange Shipping to Ireland

Choose between:

  • Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) – Most cost-effective method
  • Container shipping – Better for luxury or vintage cars

Common Irish destination ports include:

  • Cork Harbour
  • Dublin Port

Select port-to-port or door-to-door delivery depending on your needs.

7. Handle Import and Registration in Ireland

Steps include:

  • Submit required documents:
    • Bill of sale
    • Certificate of conformity (if applicable)
    • Bill of lading
    • Insurance and shipping documents
  • Pass SVA inspection if not EU type-approved
  • Pay import VAT and duties :
    • Typically 21% VAT + 4% import duty (varies by engine size and CO2)
  • Register with the NCTS and obtain a tax disc and insurance

FAQs

Q: Can I legally drive a right-hand drive car from Japan in Ireland?
A: Yes, right-hand drive vehicles are legal and commonly used in Ireland.

Q: How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Ireland?
A: Total cost includes:

  • ÂĄ300,000–¥1,500,000 for the car
  • €300–€1,000 for auction and broker fees
  • €900–€1,800 for shipping
  • Import VAT and duties (approx. €1,500–€3,000)
  • SVA and NCTS registration fees

Q: Do I need SVA for a Japanese car imported to Ireland?
A: Yes, unless the car has a full EU type approval certificate . Most Japanese imports will require SVA testing before they can be registered.