Import Duty Rates by Country: A Global Comparison for Car Buyers

Import duty rates reflect each country's trade policy, domestic car industry protection, and environmental goals. Some nations impose high duties specifically to discourage second-hand imports and protect local manufacturing, while others offer generous exemptions to attract returning nationals or diaspora investment. Always verify current rates with an official source or licensed broker, as governments frequently revise these figures in annual budgets.

Many African markets combine import duty, excise duty and VAT into a substantial total tax burden. Nigeria applies duty plus levy that can exceed 70% of a vehicle's value for larger-engine cars, while Kenya uses a Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) system combining duty, excise and VAT that typically totals 60–90% depending on engine size and age. Ghana and South Africa apply somewhat lower but still significant combined rates, with South Africa's ITAC permit system adding further complexity for used vehicles.

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries generally offer some of the lowest import duty rates globally, often just 5% customs duty with no VAT on used vehicles in Saudi Arabia, or 5% duty plus limited VAT in Qatar and Kuwait. However, these markets often impose strict age limits (commonly 5 years or less) rather than relying on duty alone to control the used import market.

Pakistan applies some of the highest rates in the world under its customs duty, sales tax and additional customs duty regime, often totalling well over 100% of value for larger vehicles, with strict age limits under its baggage and gift schemes. By contrast, Singapore uses a unique Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system plus Additional Registration Fee rather than simple duty, making costs heavily dependent on COE bidding prices at the time of registration. Japan, meanwhile, applies relatively modest consumption tax on imports but has stringent Shaken roadworthiness requirements.

Jamaica applies import duty, General Consumption Tax and a Special Consumption Tax banded by engine size, which together can push total charges above 60% for larger engines. In North America, Canada charges a modest 6.1% duty on most non-North American-built vehicles plus GST, while the USA's 25-year import rule means many classic UK cars enter duty-exempt once they meet the age threshold.

Within the EU, post-Brexit UK exports face standard 10% customs duty plus local VAT (typically 19–25%) unless origin rules under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement apply. Cyprus and Malta apply this standard EU regime, though Malta's registration tax also factors in CO2 emissions. Australia charges 5% duty plus 10% GST on most imports but restricts eligibility heavily under its Road Vehicle Standards rules, while New Zealand charges no duty on UK-origin vehicles under trade agreements but does apply GST at 15%.

Because rates and exemptions change frequently, treat these figures as a planning guide rather than a final quote, and always confirm current rates with a licensed customs broker in the destination country before committing to a purchase. Use our cost calculator for an initial freight estimate, then add the applicable duty percentage to the vehicle's declared customs value to estimate your total landed cost.