What are the costs for importing a car from Japan?
Hi,
I can't work out the VRT for a Japanese import as I can't figure out the statistical code on the Irish VRT website - any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Are there any other costs I need to be aware of for a Japanese import when it potentially arrives in Dublin Port?
John Terry (Shankill)Feb 2026 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi John,
Not all cars are on the Revenue VRT website, unfortunately, so you may have to estimate the car's value in Ireland (i.e. what it might sell for here after importation). Revenue calls that the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) and it bases its VRT calculations on that and the VRT band the car sits in due to its official CO2 emissions rating.
On top of that, you will have to pay import duty and VAT and the NOx levy.
I suggest you have a read of these guides, as the same applies to cars coming from Japan:
How Much VRT is Paid in Ireland?
Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained
Guide To Importing Cars From The UK
And this: Guide to buying Japanese imports
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor