Import rules and regulations for Japanese used vehicles in Afghanistan

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. Day by day the popularity and the market of Japanese vehicles is increasing tremendously. Along with new vehicles, used vehicles from Japan are also popular among people. Every day, thousands of used vehicles are exported from Japan to various countries across the world. Used vehicles from Japan are generally in good condition, reasonably priced, and it is quite easy to find spare parts of Japanese vehicles.

The presence of many online used car portals has made the process of importation of used vehicle easy. Importers just need a few documentations to be ready to drive in Afghanistan. Toyota is a famous brand in the country and out of all Toyota vehicles; Corolla is the favorite of Afghans. Around 80% of the roads of Afghanistan are filled with Toyota Corolla and nearly all taxis in the country are Toyota Corolla. Corolla is the popular model in the country as it is reasonable and also it is easy to find spare parts of this vehicle.

Afghanistan is a landlocked and mountainous country that connects South and East Asia with central and Western Asia. Vehicles in the country are shipped either through Kheyrabad port or through Karachi. Generally, RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) shipping method is used shipment of vehicles. However, on request of customers more expensive yet safe shipment method, container method is used. It is allowed to import left-hand drive vehicles in the country.

Documents required for Customs clearance:-

• Original license for the vehicle
• Original sell contract (if the vehicle is not owned by the shipper)
• Original certificate of title and Registration
• Passport copy
• Bill of Lading
• Tax exemption form (diplomats)
• Request letter for customs clearance permission to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance.
• Note Verbale (memo letter) from the Embassy / NGO organization (diplomatic status)

Foreigners having work permit and working visa and diplomats are allowed to import vehicle in Afghanistan. Tourists are not allowed to import vehicle in the country. Vehicles are taxed at between 10 and 16 percent, according to model and year. Trucks and buses imported in Afghanistan are also subjected to taxes at a rate of 2.5 percent. Diplomats are exempted of paying duties and taxes.