Import rules and regulations for Japanese used vehicles in Brunei

Japan is the pioneer of the automobile industry. The country is the home of various renowned automakers that are known for manufacturing reliable, fuel-efficient and quality vehicles. Along with new vehicles, used vehicles from Japan are also popular among people. Japanese used vehicles are imported by almost all countries across the world, and Bruneians are no such exceptions. Located in Southeastern Asia, Brunei is among a major importer of Japanese used vehicles as these vehicles are high on quality, reliability and safety.

Like other countries, for importing a used vehicle in Brunei, used vehicle importers should follow the necessary import rules and regulations. Imported used vehicles for private usage must be under 3 years from the original registration date and not more than four years from the year of manufacture. Vehicles for commercial usage must not be more than 5 years from the original registration date and not more than 6 years from the year of manufacture.

Importation of right-hand drive vehicles is permitted in the country. Left-hand drive vehicles are also allowed, but they should be re-exported on completion of tour. To make sure that the vehicle imported meet up the country’s safety standards, pre-delivery inspection on used vehicles in the country of their origin is required. To import automobiles in the country, importer requires the approval of the Controller of Customs prior to import.

Valuation of used cars is based on the Brunei Retail List Price (RLP) of a particular model and year of manufacture. The customs decides the value of used vehicles by taking into account the depreciation since the first date of registration.

Documents required:-

• Certificate of Origin
• Import licenses
• Bill of Lading(BoL)
• Approval Permit – required prior to departure from origin port
• Original certificate of Title and Registration
• Original Commercial/ Purchase Invoice

Duties and Taxes:-
Petrol Motor Vehicle

Of a Cylinder Vehicle not exceeding 1,000 cc	40%
Exceeding 1,000 but not exceeding 2,000 cc	60%
Exceeding 2,000 but not exceeding 3,000 cc	80%
Exceeding 3,000 but not exceeding 4,000 cc	100%
Exceeding 4,000	200%

Diesel or Semi- diesel motor vehicle

Of a Cylinder Vehicle not exceeding 2,000 cc	40%
Exceeding 2,000 but not exceeding 4,000 cc	80%
Exceeding 4,000	200%

Shipping Port:-
Used Japanese vehicles are shipped to Brunei through Muara port. The most common method of shipping is RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) is used generally for vehicle shipment. However, on customers request more expensive yet safe method of shipment, container method is used.