Japanese Vehicle Imports to Cyprus
P.Panagi & Sons Ltd are licensed customs clearing agents at Limassol Port specialising in Japanese vehicle imports — passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles from Japan and other Asian markets.
Get a Free QuoteWhy 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
- Shipping documents: Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, export certificate (deregistration certificate from Japan), packing list.
- AIS declaration: We submit the import declaration to the Cyprus Customs & Excise Department via the AIS (Automated Import System) before or on vessel arrival.
- Duty & VAT calculation: Passenger cars (HS 87.03) from Japan attract 6.5% customs duty. Under the EU–Japan EPA, preferential rates apply with a valid proof of origin. VAT is charged at 19% on the customs value plus duty.
- Vehicle inspection: Customs officers may inspect the vehicle. We coordinate with the port authority to minimise delays.
- 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
- EUR.1 or invoice declaration (for EU–Japan EPA preferential duty)
- EORI number (required for all EU imports)
EU–Japan EPA
The EU–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), in force since February 2019, progressively reduces customs duty on Japanese vehicles imported into the EU. To benefit from the preferential rate, a valid proof of preferential origin (EUR.1 movement certificate or origin declaration on the invoice) must accompany the shipment. We advise on EPA eligibility for your specific vehicle.
Type Approval & RTD Registration
Vehicles imported from Japan that do not hold EU whole vehicle type approval (WVTA) require individual vehicle approval (IVA) or a certificate of conformity before they can be registered in Cyprus. The Cyprus Road Transport Department (RTD) is the competent authority. We advise on the specific type approval requirements for your vehicle and can recommend approved testing facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passenger cars (HS 87.03) from Japan attract 6.5% customs duty. Under the EU–Japan EPA, preferential rates apply progressively — contact us to confirm the current rate for your vehicle. VAT is charged at 19% on the customs value plus duty.
Yes. An EORI number is required for all commercial imports into the EU, including Cyprus. If you do not have one, we can assist with EORI registration as part of the import process.
The export certificate (also called the deregistration certificate) confirms that the vehicle has been deregistered from the Japanese vehicle registry. It is required by Cyprus Customs as proof that the vehicle is no longer registered in Japan.
Standard clearance takes 1–3 business days from vessel arrival, provided all documents are in order. Pre-lodging the AIS declaration before the vessel arrives can reduce clearance time significantly.
Ready to clear your shipment?
Contact P.Panagi & Sons Ltd for a free, no-obligation quote. We respond within one business day.