The cost lines
1 · The car
The auction hammer price, converted from yen at the rate on the day of payment. Currency moves are one reason quotes are given as estimates.
2 · Japan auction and export fees
Included in our fee. The auction house fee, inland transport to port, de-registration and export documents are covered by our concierge fee, so there is no separate line for them.
3 · Shipping and marine insurance
Two ways to ship, both insured:
- Shared container — €1,000 to €1,400 by size. Your car shares a container with others: €1,000 for a small car, €1,200 for a saloon or small SUV, €1,400 for a large SUV or MPV. The best value, though rates can change month to month.
- RoRo car carrier — €1,300 to €1,700 by size. Driven on and off a vehicle ship: €1,300 for a small car, €1,500 for a saloon, €1,700 for an SUV or MPV. RoRo usually has more sailings, so it can be the quicker option.
We’ll suggest whichever suits your car and timing, and your written quote confirms the rate for your sailing.
4 · Customs duty and import VAT
Charged on the customs value: car plus fees plus shipping (CIF). Duty is 10%, and VAT is 23% of the value plus duty. Duty can be 0% only with valid EU–Japan origin proof for that car.
5 · VRT
Revenue charges VRT on the car's Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) in Ireland — what it would sell for here, not what you paid. The rate depends on CO₂ emissions (7% to 41%) with a minimum charge, plus a NOₓ levy.
6 · NCT
€60 if you book and take the test yourself, or €300 fixed if we handle it. Budget for EU-approved tyres if the originals don't meet the rules.
7 · Delivery
Free if you collect, otherwise €150–€550 depending on distance from Dublin.
8 · Our fee
Set by the service and car value, plus 23% VAT. See Our fee.
Worked example
A €12,500 efficient hybrid with an Irish market value (OMSP) of €18,000, fully registered and delivered 50–100 km. Example figures only.
| Line | How it's worked out | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Auction price | €12,500 |
| Shipping | Shared container, saloon | €1,200 |
| Customs duty | 10% × €13,700 CIF | €1,370 |
| Import VAT | 23% × (€13,700 + €1,370) | €3,466.10 |
| Customs clearance agent | Fixed charge | €171 |
| VRT | 12% × €18,000 OMSP + €120 NOₓ | €2,280 |
| NCT | We handle it | €300 |
| Delivery | 50–100 km | €250 |
| Our fee | €1,500 + €250 value step | €1,750 |
| VAT on our fee | 23% × €1,750 | €402.50 |
| On the road | €23,689.60 |
What can change
Quotes are valid for 45 days and are based on recent auction prices for the model.
- Exchange rate between quote and payment
- Dublin Port quay rent if clearance is delayed: free for 3 days after discharge, then €15 per day (days 4–7) and €30 per day from day 8, plus VAT
- VRT, because Revenue sets the OMSP
- NCT work found at inspection, always quoted first
- Sailing delays, which affect timing, not price
Your written quote separates fixed charges from estimates and explains how any change is approved.
Ready to start your import?
Tell us the car, budget and timing — we'll reply with an honest view.