Japanese Vehicle Imports to Cyprus

Why Import a Japanese Vehicle to Cyprus?

Japan is one of the world's largest exporters of used vehicles, and Japanese-market cars are highly sought after in Cyprus for their reliability, low mileage, and competitive pricing. P.Panagi & Sons Ltd has handled Japanese vehicle imports at Limassol Port for decades, and we manage the full customs process from document preparation to port release.

The Import Process

1. Shipping documents: Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, export certificate (deregistration certificate from Japan), packing list.
2. AIS declaration: We submit the import declaration to the Cyprus Customs & Excise Department via the AIS (Automated Import System) before or on vessel arrival.
3. Duty & VAT calculation: Passenger cars (HS 87.03) carry a 10% MFN customs duty. Under the EU–Japan EPA this falls to 0% for vehicles of Japanese preferential origin, provided a valid statement on origin is available. VAT is charged at 19% on the customs value plus duty.
4. Vehicle inspection: Customs officers may inspect the vehicle. We coordinate with the port authority to minimise delays.
5. Release & registration: Once cleared, we issue the release order. The vehicle must then be registered with the Cyprus Road Transport Department (RTD).

Required Documents

• Commercial invoice (vehicle details, price, origin)
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Export certificate / deregistration certificate from Japan
• Packing list
• Statement on origin from the Japanese exporter (for EU–Japan EPA 0% duty)
• EORI number (required for all EU imports)

EU–Japan EPA

The EU–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, in force since February 2019, phased out the EU’s 10% duty on Japanese cars over eight years. That phase-out completes in 2026, so vehicles of Japanese preferential origin now enter Cyprus at 0% duty.

The EPA uses self-certification. There is no EUR.1 under this agreement. A claim is based either on a statement on origin made out by the Japanese exporter, or on the importer’s knowledge. A statement on origin is valid for 12 months.

In practice this is the hard part for used vehicles. Exporters buying at auction often cannot produce evidence of preferential origin, and many Japanese-market cars are not of Japanese origin at all. Without a valid statement, the 10% MFN rate applies. We assess origin eligibility before shipment — the difference is 10% of the customs value.

Last reviewed July 2026. Duty rates change — confirm current rates via TARIC or our Import Duty Calculator.

日本語ページ (Japanese)