Japanese car imports to Bangladesh have been on the rise in recent years. This is likely due to several factors, including increasing demand for Japanese cars in the country and the improving economic conditions in Japan. Indeed, while car imports from other countries continue to decline in Bangladesh, Japanese car imports are on the rise.
Since the early 1950s, Japan has been producing some of the best cars in the world. So, it has earned an exceptional reputation among customers. Similarly, Japanese used cars with its brilliance, cost-affordability, reliable performance, and endurance have been the center of the eye for most Bangladeshi users.
So, it's no wonder as to why car import from Japan in our country has seen a boom in the last two decades. So, if you are interested to buy cars from Japan, congratulations on landing on the right page. We are going to ardently discuss how to import vehicles from Japan along with shipping rules and regulations, taxation as well as documents you will need for the purpose.
Car Import from Japan to Bangladesh
Bangladeshi economy is exploding like a giant bomb in recent decades, and so, peoples purchasing capacity is also increasing like anything. Naturally, the demand for Japanese cars in Bangladesh is soaring higher and higher, mainly because of its quality.
This scenario involves the import of a car into Bangladesh by a Japanese automobile company. It is imported Duty-Free through the port of entry and is subject to the applicable customs and trade restrictions. Upon arrival in Bangladesh, the vehicle will be subject to local taxes and regulations.
Also, the car price in Japan is relatively affordable, and Japanese used car brands when imported in Bangladesh can be availed at 50% of the original price. What's more, you need not compromise with quality and performance.
Worldwide best Japanese car brands are famous for reliability and smooth performance in the automotive industry. So, every Bangladeshi car importer looks to Japan while importing vehicles in the country.
Furthermore, the auxiliary accessories and parts for used vehicles are readily available throughout the country at a reasonable price. So, Bangladeshi car owners prefer using cars imported from the land of Rising Sun. It prompted vehicle importers to look forward to old cars in Japan to ship and import in Bangladesh.
How to import car from japan to bangladesh
To import a car from Japan to Bangladesh, you will need to follow a few steps. Firstly, you need to find a reputable exporter in Japan who can provide you with the car you want. Next, you will need to obtain an import permit from the Bangladesh government. You will also need to pay various taxes and fees, including customs duty, VAT, and other taxes. Once you have completed all the necessary paperwork, the car can be shipped from Japan to Bangladesh. It is important to note that the process can be time-consuming and complex, so it is advisable to seek the help of a professional importer who can guide you through the process and ensure that everything is done correctly.
Best Japanese car brands
The car price in Bangladesh is skyrocketing, which has prompted people to buy cars from Japan at an extraordinarily low price. Also, Japanese import auctions offer a wide variety of car brands for importing in Bangladesh.
So, as a buyer, you have the liberty to choose from your favorite brands and feel the luxury while still been able to drive a middle-class car. If you wish to get a Japanese used car, you may first think of Japanese used cars Toyota since almost 50% of the total sold vehicles in Bangladesh is from the famous Toyota brand.
Their Allion, Axio, Yaris, Corolla, and Camry are widely seen on the roads of Bangladesh. And it has been made possible for the sincere building-quality and customer care support of Toyota across the country.
Nonetheless, if you wish to get a different brand, you can always choose from the following famous brands-
- Toyota
- Mitsubishi
- Lexus
- Mazda
- Subaru
- Honda
Each of the manufacturers built several car models that come in Bangladesh. So, you are at liberty to choose your favorite model from the brands.
Shipping of Vehicles
Due to the development of Bangladesh and the Japanese car trade in recent years, the transportation of vehicles has become easy as you might get. When you think about shipping used cars and other automobile vehicles in Bangladesh, you have two alternative shipping ports-
- Chittagong seaport
- Mongla seaport
All importers such as JDM Imports broadly use the Ro-Ro or, mostly known as, Roll-in and Roll-out method to ship vehicles from Japan. Nonetheless, most car importers also have the flexibility to choose alternative methods per the customers' request.
Restrictions for the year
When you import cars from Japan, the vehicle has to meet several rules set by the government in the Import Policy Order. One such provision is manufacturing years of restrictions for the cars.
Also, you should know that the import policy has an allocation for jeep, minibus, microbus, and even for the tractors. However, for all these Japanese vehicles, the year of restrictions for importing in Bangladesh is 4-years. It means, if a car age is more than four years from the manufacturing date, it won't be allowed to come to Bangladesh.
Hence, you almost get a relatively new car at your home.
There are other rules as well, which the car needs to fulfill to get a place in the Japanese import auctions and then being shipped to Bangladesh. These rules are:
- You can't import cars older than four years (described earlier)
- The used car must be imported from the country of the car's origin or manufacturer.
- Japan Auto Appraisal Institute or, popularly known as JAAI, has the authority to approve the certification for the old cars in Japan. It will issue the certificate containing used car age as well as chassis and model number of the vehicle.
- The importer will need to submit the JAAI certification to the responsible customs authority for further procedure.
- The year of manufacturing is considered from next year's first day for the chassis. It means if a car chassis were built in August 2012, the year of production would be counted from January 2013.
Importers also need to open LCA or Letter of Credit Authorization to pay the excise duties and car price to the manufacturer to buy cars from Japan.
Right-Hand Drive vehicles:
In Bangladesh, importers are only allowed to import right-hand drive vehicles. Since Japan enables both left and right-hand drive, you need to pick the cars for Bangladesh with exceptional care that supports the right-hand drive rule.
Documents Required for Port Clearance
Once you have gone through the reliable car from Japan review and auctioned for the vehicles, these will be shipped to the desired port. However, to get the port clearance and take it to the showroom, you will need to submit several documents.
This required document listing is-
- Work permit copy and original passport
- Registration and Title certificates
- JAAI certificate, invoice, and registration certificate to determine the age.
- Certificate for the car country of origin
- BoL or Bill of Landing original copy
- Condition report for the imported vehicle.
- Letter of Authorization Proper authorization letter
- Import permit certificate from the Chief Controller of the Export and Import for Foreigners authority.
Tax Rate on car imported in Bangladesh
Once you are ready with the proper documentation for the vehicle clearance at the port, you will also have to pay the import tax. It has two different categories aright at this moment (subject to change anytime).
- 0% to 40% import tax
- 15% VAT
- Infrastructure development surcharged will be effectively levied on the imported cars at 2.5%.
An important note
Only diplomats and privileged persons are allowed to import duty-free cars in Bangladesh for their personal and family use. However, in this, the person needs to guarantee to stay at least one year in Bangladesh.
Quick Glance of Importing Vehicle to Bangladesh
The recent trend of car imports from Japan has seen immense growth. However, to import used cars from Bangladesh, you need to maintain a few rules. Firstly, you can't introduce cars older than four years. Also, it needs to have JAAI certification for clearance.
You can import only right-hand drive vehicles and can use Mongla and Chittagong port for the purposes. Also, you need to submit the required papers for shipment clearance and need to pay the tax, excises, and VAT before the shipment clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Transport of vehicles
In Japan, the most common way to transport vehicles is by using car carriers, which are specially designed trucks that can transport multiple cars at once. These car carriers are often seen on highways, transporting cars from one city to another or from a dealership to a customer's location.
Japan has an extensive railway system, and trains are often used to transport vehicles across long distances. This method is especially popular for transporting larger vehicles like buses and trucks. In addition to these methods, some companies also offer shipping services to transport vehicles across the ocean to other countries.
