Regulations for Importing Japanese
Used Cars to Malawi

Considering importing a car from Japan to Malawi? Understand the essential rules, duties, and required documentation to ensure a smooth import process

Key Import Guidelines

Vehicle Age Restrictions

There is no age limit.

Steering Position

Only right-hand drive cars are accepted.

Vehicles Accepted

Only passenger cars are offered from Japan auctions.

Shipping and Port Details

Primary Ports: Dar es Salaam Seaport

Shipping Method

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

Duties and Taxes

Duties and taxes are worked out on the CIF value, which is the car's price plus sea freight. Customs duty is 25% of the CIF value. Excise duty is 30% to 80% of the CIF value plus customs duty, depending on engine size. VAT is 17.5% of the CIF value plus customs duty and excise duty.

Required Documents for Customs Clearance

Registration Certificate (Country of Origin)

Confirms car registration status

Export Certificate

Issued by Japanese authorities, required for customs

Original Invoice

Provided by Carbarn.

Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate

Mandatory pre-shipment condition appraisal by the approved inspection body.

Bill of Lading

Issued by the shipping company detailing shipment specifics

Condition Report

Detailed description of vehicle condition, including exterior, interior, and mechanical status

Planning to import a used car from Japan to Malawi? Here's an easy-to-follow summary of Malawi’s import guidelines, shipping details, applicable duties, and necessary documentation.

Key Import Guidelines:

Vehicle Age Restrictions:

No age limitations on importing vehicles from Japan.

Steering Position:

Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles are allowed, with exceptions for special-purpose vehicles like ambulances and fire engines.

Inspection Requirements:

No specific roadworthiness inspection required for imported vehicles.

Shipping Information:

Destination Port: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (vehicles transported onward by land)
Shipping Method: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), with a transit period of approximately 40 days
Shipping Schedule: weekly sailings available via MOL.

Duties and Taxes:

Duties and taxes depend on vehicle engine capacity and seating capacity:
Import Duty generally around 25%
Excise Tax ranges from 15% to 50% depending on vehicle type and capacity
VAT ranges from 16.5% to 30% depending on the vehicle's specifications

Required Documentation for Customs Clearance:

Original Commercial/Purchase Invoice
Driver’s License and International Insurance Policy (Green Card)
Original Certificate of Title and Registration
Copy of the buyer's work contract
Original Bill of Lading (with detailed vehicle information including chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model)

Following these guidelines and preparing the necessary documentation will help ensure a smooth import process for your vehicle into Malawi.

Regulations for Importing Japanese Used Cars to Malawi