Import rules and regulations for Japanese used vehicles in Bulgaria-

Japanese automobile industry is the name that comes to everybody’s mind, when one thinks of automobiles. The country is the major producer of vehicles. Every year, Japanese automakers come up with new automobiles embedded with latest features. Vehicles in large quantities are exported to almost all countries across the world. Along with new vehicles, used vehicles from Japan are also imported by countries as they are reliable, safe and high on quality. Bulgaria, situated in the south-eastern Europe does not have any domestic auto industry. Thus, import large numbers of vehicles.

As one of the poorer EU state, many Bulgarians cannot afford to buy a new car. So, they go with a used automobile. Bulgaria import used vehicle from many countries, Japan being one of the major importer. While importing used vehicles in a country, there are certain regulations that are to be followed by the used vehicle importer. Importation of left hand drive vehicles is allowed in the country. Vehicles imported from outside EU are required to be inspected before they get registered in the country.

Customs regulations in Bulgaria:-
Temporary importation of used vehicles is allowed only for six months. A foreign imported car can be used either by the owner or someone who has a written permission, by the government of the country. Duty free importation of vehicle by citizen of Bulgaria is allowed if the person has owed the car for a period of more than six months and the car has been driven more than 6,000 kilometers. Non-residents of Bulgaria have to pay import duty on the car.

On importing vehicles outside the EU, import duty is to be paid on vehicles. An environmental tax called eco-tax (Еко такса) must be paid for all cars imported from outside the EU. The amount paid depends on the age of the vehicle; it applies to all vehicles.

Vehicle Registration:-
To drive the vehicle in the country, it is necessary to register them. Following documents are required for registering vehicle-

• Proof of identity
• Original receipt/bill of sale
• Proof of residency or employment contract
• A valid roadworthiness certificate
• Vehicle registration documents
• Receipts proving that Bulgarian vehicle tax have been paid. The amount paid depends on the age and model of the car.
• Proof of minimum third party insurance
• Proof of payment of customs duty for non EU/EEA vehicles.

Once the vehicle gets registered in Bulgaria, owner is not allowed to sell the vehicle in the first year of registration.

Shipping Ports:-
Major shipping ports in Bulgaria are Port of Burgas, Port of Sofia. The most common method for shipping of used vehicles is RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off). Though on customer’s request, another method of shipment, container method is used.