How to Import Used Cars from Japan temporarily in Cyprus?

Japan is one of the biggest exporters of used cars. Every year, many countries import large numbers of Japanese used vehicles. An advantage of buying a used car from Japan is quality assurance. Many countries across the world import used vehicles from Japan. Cyprus, an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and a member state of European Union also import large numbers of used vehicles from Japan. The major ports of importation in the country are Limassol port and Larnaca port. It is allowed for tourists or expatriates to import Japanese used cars on temporary basis.

According to the customs procedure importing used car from Japan is allowed, in order to use it temporarily during stay in Cyprus and then re-export it without paying any customs duty, excise duty or VAT in Cyprus. To import a vehicle temporarily in Cyprus without paying the necessary taxes or duties, the person should meet the given criteria:

• Being the owner or having the written authority of the owner.
• The vehicle imported should be used exclusively for the private needs and shall not be sold, lend, pledge, rent or disposed off.
• "Normal Residence" (the place where a person usually lives for at least 185 days, consecutive or not, in each calendar year, because of personal and occupational ties) is in third country (country other than Cyprus and the member countries of European Union).
• Intend to use it during stay in Cyprus for a period of time not exceeding six months.
• The vehicle is registered in third country, if not, the vehicle must be owned by a person established in that country.

Documents required for driving a temporarily imported vehicle:

• A valid certificate of registration and road license of a third country; if the foreign road license expires during the vehicle’s stay in Cyprus, then you must pay the relevant road tax fees to the Inland Transport Department.
• A valid driving license of your country or of an international driving license. Vehicle is insured by an insurance company, registered and operating in Cyprus.
  For importing the used car from Japan temporarily in Cyprus Form C. 104O is required to be completed, whose copy is provided by the Customs. This document must be carried along with the vehicle and produced when requested by a Customs or Police Officer.
  However, the use of vehicles imported temporarily for a period of time longer than six months is allowed in following cases:
  
• Student in Cyprus from foreign country will be allowed to use the vehicle throughout their stay in Cyprus exclusively for studies.
• Assigned with a work as mentioned below under contract of fixed duration the use of vehicle is allowed throughout the stay in Cyprus exclusively for the accomplishment of work.
  
  1. Teaching personnel at University of Cyprus, or Institutions recognized by Ministry of Education and Culture.
  2. Foreign archaeological missions provided these persons do particularly specialized work.
  3. Employee with the Government of the Republic, a Semi-governmental Organization.
  4. Legal persons of public law, International Organizations or Foreign State Organizations or Institutes established in Cyprus.
  5. Reporters of foreign press or foreign radio and television channels in order to cover specific events in Cyprus.
• Transferred normal residence from another country to Cyprus and applied for relief on the vehicle. In such a case, to save from being deprived of the vehicle until making an application and receive an answer may be allowed to use the vehicle temporarily up to a period of one month.

The temporarily imported vehicle must be settled custom wise before the expiration of the period of its temporary importation, the reason being that at that date customs debt is occurred and all customs duties and taxes shall be payable. In case you fail to proceed with the above settlement the vehicle will be seized as liable to fine. For smooth Customs clearance it is advisable to hire a local agent who can complete all the import formalities.

Japan has always been a popular source for transportation of used and new vehicle. Popularity of Japan used cars is due to their impressive specifications, good condition and high quality. There are many used car exporters in Japan, who provide reliable and quality vehicle at reasonable rates.