If you live in Papua New Guinea and you want to buy a used car from Japan, that’s indeed a possibility. However, there are regulations and certain requirements that you need to abide. That’s why we made a quick guide to help you understand the used car import requirements when getting a car from Japan to Papua New Guinea. Here’s what you need to know.

What vehicles are eligible?

·      There is no restriction on importation of used vehicles.

·      If the car has up to 3.5 tons, then it needs to be 5 years or newer.

·      Cars over 3.5 tons need to be 15 years or newer.

·      Depending on the shipping method, it will take around 3 weeks to ship the vehicle from Japan to Papua New Guinea.

Are there any taxes and duties you need to pay?

Upon importing a used vehicle from Japan to Papua New Guinea, you will need to pay some taxes and duties. Those will vary, depending on whether you are getting a commercial vehicle or a personal one.

·      If you import a personal vehicle, any vehicle that has the engine size over 2701 cc will require a customs duty of 110% of the CIF amount

·      Commercial vehicles that have a seating capacity of under 10 seats have a 40% duty, whereas those over 10 seats will have a 10% duty.

·      Duty-free importation is allowed, but the vehicle owner needs to be a Papua New Guinea resident for over a year. The vehicle needs to be personally owned by the person and used it in the country of living. Proof of ownership will be required, like a passport, insurance certificate, invoice or purchase receipt and registration certificate.

What documents are needed to import a Japanese vehicle in Papua New Guinea?

·      You will need to provide an invoice that shows the quantity, description and value of the vehicle.

·      A bill of lading is required

·      JEVIC inspection

·      A customs value declaration

·      Commercial invoice

Customs procedure

If you offer proof of ownership and meet the condition of owning the vehicle over a year and also being a Papua New Guinea resident, you will have duty free importation. If not, then the actual price paid and any fittings will be added to the importing value.

The value is subject to depreciation of 5% for the first month of ownership. Then there’s 1% depreciation for each month of use overseas, and the maximum reduction is up to 40%. The qualifying depreciation period is taken from the date of purchase up to the exporting date.

Other things to consider

·      If the vehicle was bought overseas as a used vehicle and it arrives to Papua New Guinea as a commercial or private import, then customs duty payables might be required.

·      Also, if the resident comes to Papua New Guinea after being overseas and he wants to import a vehicle purchased in the previous country in under a year, you won’t qualify for a duty rate concession.

It’s very important to know all of these requirements when importing a used car to Papua New Guinea from Japan. That way, you will have a better understanding of the costs, and it will eliminate any issues. It comes as highly recommended to check out these guidelines, as they will provide you with all the info you need, as you start the import process.