Import rules and regulations for Japanese used vehicles in Malawi



Japan is the biggest exporter of used vehicles in the world. Many countries across the world import used vehicles from Japan and Africa is among one of the leading importer of Japanese vehicles. Used Japanese cars are popular around the globe because of their reliability and quality. Almost all Africa countries import Japanese vehicles. Malawi, a landlocked country surrounded by Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania is a major importer of Japanese vehicles. Many Malawians also choose to buy used vehicles from Japan as buying from Japan is an easy process. Plus, one could get a better quality vehicle at affordable rates.


Japanese automobile industry is one of the well-known and largest industries in the world. Japanese automakers always focus on product enhancement, technological innovation, and safety improvement, with end result definitely a vehicle one feels proud to drive. There are many used vehicle exporters in Japan that can provide used vehicle at affordable prices. Large numbers of Japanese used vehicles are imported in Malawi within a year. However, there are certain rules and regulations that are necessary to follow in order to import the vehicle in legal manner. There is no age restriction on Japanese used vehicle imported in Malawi. However, importation of only right-hand drive vehicles is permitted in Malawi. Exception is provided in case of special vehicles like Ambulance, Fire engine. There is no mandatory roadworthiness inspection on imported vehicles.

Documents Required:-

  • Original Commercial/Purchase Invoice
  • Drivers License & International Insurance Policy (green card)
  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Original Certificate of Title and Registration
  • Copy of client’s work contract

Taxes and Duties:-

Due to high import taxes, importation of vehicle in Malawi is quite high. If vehicle is sold, disposed within Five years of importation, then used vehicle importer has to pay duties similar to the amount paid to Customs at initial importation.

  1. For commercial vehicles-
    • Up to 2000cc- seating capacity less than 10 people.
      • Import Duty- 25%
      • VAT- 16.5%
      • Excise-15%
    • 2000-2500cc -seating capacity less than 10 people.
      • Import Duty- 25%
      • VAT- 16.5%
      • Excise-30%
    • 2500-3000cc- seating capacity less than 10.
      • Import Duty- 25%
      • VAT- 16.5%
      • Excise-40%
    • Over 3000c- seating capacity less than 10.
      • Import Duty- 25%
      • VAT- 16.5%
      • Excise-50%
  2. Minibus holding more than 10 people-
    • Import Duty- 25%
    • VAT- 16.5%
    • Excise-NIL
  3. Trucks under 3 Ton-
    • Import Duty- 10.00%
    • VAT- 16.5%
    • Excise-5.00%
  4. Trucks over 3 Ton-
    • Import Duty- 1.10%
    • Excise-2.50%
  5. Truck over 10 Ton-
    • Excise-1.50%

Shipping Ports:-

Malawi has 3 nearest ports; Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Durban (South Africa) and Maputo (Mozambique) for shipment of vehicle. RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) method is generally used for shipment of used vehicles. On request of customers, more expensive shipping method of container shipping is arranged.


No comments:

Post a Comment