Any issues importing a Japanese 'Kei' truck to Ireland?

I'm looking to purchase and import a second-hand 'Kei' truck from Japan into Ireland. Do you know of any compliance issues that may impact my ability to register the vehicle in Ireland?

Paul (Cork)

Dec 2025 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Paul,

In theory it should be possible, but it may be tricky to find the relevant CO₂ and - more likely - the NOx emissions figures so you could end up paying through the nose. You'll need to make sure the lighting is up to scratch too, with rear fog lights added, for example.

There will be other paperwork to sort as well, but nothing to actually stop you doing it as far as we are aware.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor