Import regulations for used vehicles from Japan to The UAE
Quick Reference: ・Low Duty ・Only LHD ・Low freight cost ・No tinted windows
Importing Is Simple and Affordable
Importing a car to the United Arab Emirates is as easy as getting the car cleared to customs, having it tested, insured, and registered with the Roads and Transfer Authority (RTA). Once your vehicle has been tested, insured and registered, you’re free to drive in all 7 United Arab Emirates!
Costs
Processing fees (cash or credit):
• A clearance certificate fee: AED 4,700
• Inspection of the Container: AED 700
• Export Plates: AED 60
• Clearance Certificate Paper: AED 10
Duty
5% of the commercial value
*The above costs do not include fee charged by the shipping company
Import Regulations
UAE Residency
To import a vehicle to the UAE, you must be able to prove that you are a legal UAE resident. This means you must have a valid passport, local visa and local driving license.
Limit on Individual Imports
Officially, individual car imports are limited to one car per year, up to two cars per private individual. However, our customers have imported more in one year.
LHD Only
It is important to keep in mind that only left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles can be registered for use on UAE roads.
Age Limit
Import regulations for used vehicles in the UAE dictate that a car should be 4 years or newer for import. Older cars can be imported but they must apply at the RTA for “classic status” and receive classic plates in order to be registered for use on UAE roads.
RTA Regulations
The RTA has strict regulations on vehicle condition. They will not allow registration of cars with any evidence of accident damage or corrosion, and they only allow vehicles with original stock parts. For example, they have been known to refuse to pass cars with aftermarket steering wheels until they were replaced with the original stock steering wheel.
No Tinted Windows
Tinted window cars are not allowed to be imported. A fine will be imposed on the vehicle and will require all windows to be replaced.
Required Documents for Customs Clearance:
Provided by JCD:
・Bill of Lading
・Commercial Invoice
・Export Certificate
・English Translation of Export Certificate.
Provided by the Importer:
・Authority Letter (To be obtained by client upon arrival in Dubai)
・Passport (Original and copies)
・Driving License (Original and copies)
・UAE Residence Permit or Visa (Original and copies)
*The Name in the Title of ownership of the car should be the same as that mentioned in the visa
Documents required for testing:
・Original passport
・UAE ID
・Driving license
・Custom clearance papers
・Import documents
* Testing fees vary by vehicle type.
Documents required for insurance:
・Vehicle inspection report
・Passport
・Driving license
・UAE ID
Documents required for RTA registry:
・Completed application form
・Customs clearance letter
・Vehicle inspection clearance
・Proof of purchase
・Blue export number plates
・Insurance documents
・Local Driving License
・Passport with valid visa
* Proof of residency besides visa e.g. utility bill or rental agreement
Resources
Please visit the official RTA Website:
https://www.rta.ae
For official information about the rules and regulations to import a vehicle into the UAE, please visit:
https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/business/international-trade/import-and-export/importing-vehicles-into-abu-dhabi?_afrLoop=2058303246950831
When you have time please read thru how-to-buy and FAQ on our site to learn more about how the business goes.
* Information on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge and is subject to change without notice.
** It is the responsibility of the importer to confirm their vehicle(s) comply with their country’s import regulations
Please read through our Terms and Conditions
