Importing a car from Japan

D

DOBBER22

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I have a good idea on how to go about this but I'm looking for anybody who has successfully done it to advise me of any pitfalls to watch out for.
My understanding of the costs are as follows:

Car price
shipping and insurance to Dublin port
10% Import Duty
21% VAT
25% VRT

Can anybody confirm if this is correct 25% VRT on top of 10% Import Duty and 21% VAT seems excessive.
Getting a bargain on a jeep but won't bother with it if costs mount up.
Can anybody in the importing trade help me?
 
Another thing you might want to consider is the annual insurance-I know that some companies (QD are one) that don't fancy insuring imports.

IS VAT payable in all cases? I thought that it was only payable where the mileage was less than 6,000 km (but I guess if it's new, then it is relevant).
 
CCOVICH said:
Another thing you might want to consider is the annual insurance-I know that some companies (QD are one) that don't fancy insuring imports.

IS VAT payable in all cases? I thought that it was only payable where the mileage was less than 6,000 km (but I guess if it's new, then it is relevant).
Click to expand...

No it's only a 1.1L Pajero Junior with 50,000 kms on the clock Mrs. Dobber likes em very much and I'm getting it for a steal compared to what you'd have to pay a dealer for one I have my own car but she really wants one of her own
We have a few quotes already including Quinn Direct who were around the cheapest.
Just need to know exactly what taxes I must pay when it's offloaded :(
 
Fair enough-it looks like you are exempt from VAT at 21%:) .


P.S. I presume that QD know that this is an import?
 
CCOVICH said:
Fair enough-it looks like you are exempt from VAT at 21%:) .


P.S. I presume that QD know that this is an import?
Click to expand...

It doesn't have an Irish model if you want one you have to find one to buy thats already been imported or import one yourself I mean a 1.1L 4x4 that looks sporty is still only a 1.1L
 
No, I'm not suggesting it's sporty, or 'modified in any way' as QD might say, but as far as I remember, these were two separate questions on the proposal forms, i.e.

1. Is the car modified in any way?
2. Is the car imported (or something along those lines)?

Anyway, that's enough of that, I just thought I just thought I'd mention it.

Just one more wee thing-is a 1.1 engine in a 4x4 going to have enough power for your missus? It's probably fine for city driving (i.e. where 99% of the time you aren't moving anyway), but wouldn't fancy it for overtaking myself.
 
Yup 1.1L is grand for a starter and I reckon she won't be doing much overtaking 60-70mph is enough speed for anybody.
I do agree with you about some companies being reluctant to insure imported cars but most are more than happy to quote.
Amazing nobody has had first hand experience of importing cars from Japan I would have thought somebody could have advised me here...
If it's a secrecy thing then anybody who can advise can pm me with info I know some dealers like to keep their cards hidden.
 
Dobber, have you contacted any car importers directly? I know they may not want to reveal much, but it's worth a shot. I know there is a big dealership in Cork, and maybe another on the Long Mile Road, but I'd say your best bet is to give the Golden Pages a quick scan.


Best of luck.
 
Sent an email to the Revenue yesterday to clarify costs/taxes involved in importing cars from Japan, still waiting on a reply :(
The dealers just want to sell you one they have imported they won't be
much help in offering you advice since you are not purchasing from them
 
Hi DOBBER2
did you get a reply back from revenue about taxes you need to pay on second hand cars if importing from Japan?

From my research I think you need to pay;

1. 25% VRT
2. 21 % VAT (because car is imported from outside of EU)
3. 10% Customs Import Duty, not sure about that percentage?

It looks like Irish government is a biggest rip off and only because of our ignorance to what it does. Technically it should only be just VRT or VAT.
In UK you would just pay 17.5% VAT on that car.
 
I did some research on this about 10 years ago with a view to importing an MX5. I'm 6'4", what was I thinking?

There is definitely vrt, customs duty & vat.

Check the following out....

[broken link removed]

The example is mad. You buy a car for 7k and it eventually costs 17K and it still makes sense to do.
 
Good friend bought a second hand car several years ago that had been imported from Japan. The months spent in shipping lanes didn't seem to do it much good as it gave him a lot of trouble but that may not be representative and he should have got a mechanic to look at it before buying.
 
CCOVICH said:
...IS VAT payable in all cases? I thought that it was only payable where the mileage was less than 6,000 km (but I guess if it's new, then it is relevant).
Click to expand...

AFAIK you DO have to pay VAT as well as VRT. The VAT exemption for vehicles that are over 6 months old and have over 6000km on the clock only applies to vehicles imported from other EU countries. I'm pretty sure it's on the revenue site, or oasis, somewhere.
 
kon_oleg said:
Hi DOBBER2
did you get a reply back from revenue about taxes you need to pay on second hand cars if importing from Japan?

From my research I think you need to pay;

1. 25% VRT
2. 21 % VAT (because car is imported from outside of EU)
3. 10% Customs Import Duty, not sure about that percentage?

It looks like Irish government is a biggest rip off and only because of our ignorance to what it does. Technically it should only be just VRT or VAT.
In UK you would just pay 17.5% VAT on that car.
Click to expand...

Does anybody know what the VAT and Duty is based on? i.e. do they base it on the price you paid for the car or do they just estimate its value?
 
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