Japan to IrelandAUTOMOTIVE LIMITED
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Shipping & NCT

From Japan to Dublin Port — and onto Irish roads.

Estimate your ship’s journey and arrival, and see what an import usually needs before its NCT.

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Japanese car imports. Made personal.

Your car. From Japan.

See what we importCheck my import cost
Toyota Prius model illustrationBMW 3 Series model illustrationToyota RAV4 model illustration

Better spec. Lower mileage. Lower price.

Model illustrations. Vehicles sourced to order.
Let's find your starting point.A good car starts with the right questions.
✓Approve the car before bidding
✓See the cost breakdown
✓Support through Irish registration

Imported to Order

The models we most often source at Japanese auctions. Pick one, and we'll find the right car, bid to your limit, ship it and register it in Ireland.

No stock or forecourt. Every car is found for you at auction in Japan, inspected, and quoted with its full landed cost before we bid. Images are model illustrations.

Seen one you like?We'll find the best one at auction and send you the real options.
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Video

Cars we’ve brought home.

Cars we've imported, filmed at the port and ready for their new owners in Ireland. Tap any video to watch with sound.

Filmed by Japan to Ireland.

How it works

Four steps to
Irish plates.

From your first idea to the keys in your hand, understand what happens and where you have a decision to make.

Start with a conversation ↗
01

Build your car brief.

Model or must-haves, your total budget, and when you need it. We'll discuss whether importing fits your plans.

Your decision: the right brief
02

Choose with the details in hand.

Review the available car information and cost breakdown. Agree the bid limit, service scope and payment stages in writing.

Your decision: approve before bidding
03

Follow the journey to Ireland.

Export and shipping are coordinated. Confirm the sailing plan, insurance scope and how progress updates will reach you.

Timing depends on the sailing schedule
04

Arrange your Irish handover.

Customs and registration are managed. Confirm any preparation, testing and delivery included in your chosen service.

Your decision: handover arrangements
The full step-by-step process
Ready to start?Tell us the car. It takes about two minutes.
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Lexus LC 500h Sport+ sourced at Japanese auction
Chosen at auction. Checked on arrival.Lexus LC 500h Sport+ · sourced to order, typically low mileage
↗
Why Japan to Ireland

Nothing happens
without your approval.

You should understand the car, the costs and the next step before committing. That's the conversation we want to have with you.

Your approval comes first.

Review the available photos and condition information, then agree your maximum bid before bidding.

Know what you're paying for.

Discuss the service fee, third-party charges and estimated taxes separately. Ask what's included and what may change.

Have a person to talk to.

Talk through your questions with Japan to Ireland, from the first shortlist to preparation and handover.

Talk to us about your import ↗
Why choose us
You approve every car before we bid.See the translated auction sheet first. No surprises.
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Real auction results

What cars really sell for.

Sold prices from Japanese car auctions. Filter by model, year, grade and mileage to see the typical price range before you decide.

Auction grade
Typical auction price Loading results…
Median
—
Cars sold
—
Average mileage
—
Most common grade
—
Price by yearTypical range Median
GradeSoldTypical rangeMedianAvg km

Auction hammer prices only, converted at today's euro exchange rate. They exclude our fee, shipping, duty, VAT, VRT and NCT — use the estimator for the full landed cost. "Typical range" is the middle half of sold prices. Source: Japanese auction results via our partner, passenger cars from 1994 — choose an earlier "Year from" for classics.

Import or buy here

Is it worth importing?

We work out what your car costs landed, taxed and on Irish plates using real Japanese auction results. Put in what it's worth in Ireland and we'll tell you straight — including when it isn't worth importing.

Any mileage
10k100kAny
Enter the Irish value—

Pick a car, then add what it sells for in Ireland. Revenue's VRT enquiry gives you their official market value (OMSP) for the exact car.

Imported & registered—
Irish value you entered—

What you get from Japan

    How we worked out the landed cost

    Estimates only. Japanese prices are the median auction result for that model and year from our own auction data. VRT is estimated Revenue's way — their CO₂ band rate on the OMSP plus the NOₓ charge — but Revenue's assessment is final. Your written quote confirms every figure.

    Looks worth importing?Get an exact written quote for your car.
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    Cost estimate

    One car.
    The whole picture.

    Landed, cleared and on Irish plates. Work it out line by line, or drop in an exact VRT figure straight from Revenue.

    Why OMSP, not the price you paid?

    Revenue charges VRT as a percentage of the car's Open Market Selling Price in Ireland, set by its CO₂ band, plus a NOₓ levy. A cheap auction win can still carry a VRT bill based on its Irish value.

    When is duty 0%?

    For Japan-built cars from 1 February 2026, with proof of Japanese origin (a statement on origin or importer's knowledge), which we arrange for you. Cars built elsewhere, including European brands bought in Japan, pay 10%. Import VAT at 23% applies to every car.

    What should I ask before paying?

    Ask when each payment is due, what it covers, what happens if a bid is unsuccessful, and how unexpected costs are approved.

    0 · Start from real auction data optional

    Pick a car to fill in the auction price, shipping size, fuel and typical CO₂ automatically.

    1 · The car

    2 · Getting it here

    3 · Irish taxes

    Japan-built cars (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and more) pay 0% duty since 1 Feb 2026 with proof of origin, which we arrange. Cars built elsewhere pay 10%.

    4 · On the road

    5 · Our service

    Choose price & service

    This is the careful number. We usually beat it.

    Because we bid for you straight at the Japanese auctions, we can often land your car for less. Tell us the car you're after and we'll come back with a full itemised estimate.

    Get my itemised quote ↗
    Every cost, explained line by line
    Our fee

    One clear fee.
    Nothing hidden.

    Our concierge fee is set by the service you choose and the value of your car. It's quoted ex-VAT, with 23% Irish VAT added on top. Everything else is a third-party cost, passed through and itemised.

    ✓Sourcing, bidding, export papers, shipping, customs and registration coordinated for you.
    ✓Japan auction and export fees are included. The car, freight, duty, VAT, VRT and the NCT are itemised separately.
    ✓Sourcing and quoting cost nothing. You only go ahead when the numbers work.
    €15,000
    €2k€40k€80k
    Base fee
    €1,500
    Value step (1 × €10k band)
    €250
    VAT at 23%
    €402.50
    Your fee, including VATComplete Irish registration
    €2,152.50

    Base fee €1,250 under €6,000 purchase price, €1,500 at €6,000 and above. Then +€250 for each full €10,000 up to €40,000, and +€1,000 for each full €10,000 above. Indicative — your written quote confirms the fee.

    How our fee works
    Payment stages

    What you pay, and when.

    Two phases: the first buys and ships the car, the second clears it into Ireland and puts it on Irish plates. In practice you pay a deposit before we bid, the car balance after we win, shipping, duty, VAT and VRT as they fall due, and the rest of our fee before handover. Your written quote gives the exact amount and due date for each payment.

    Container €1,000–€1,400 and RoRo €1,300–€1,700, by vehicle size. Container rates can change month to month; your written quote confirms the rate for your sailing.
    Stage 1

    Buying and shipping the car

    Paid to us, from bid approval to sailing.

    Stage 1 total—
    Stage 2

    Clearing it into Ireland

    Paid on arrival at Dublin Port, before the car is released and registered.

    Stage 2 total—
    Total, auction to Irish plates—

    Estimates only, at today’s exchange rate. Duty and VAT are charged on the car plus shipping (the customs value). VRT is charged by Revenue on their own market value (OMSP), not on what you paid — enter your own estimate above or use the full calculator. Your written quote confirms every figure.

    Know the costs? Let's find the car.One agreed fee, clear stages, no surprises.
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    Guides

    Everything explained.

    Detailed guides for every part of importing a car from Japan to Ireland.

    Why us

    What we do, our promises, and when importing isn't right for you.

    Read

    How it works

    Six steps from your brief to Irish plates, with timings.

    Read

    Costs

    Every cost line, with a fully worked example.

    Read

    Our fee

    How the fee is set, what's included and when you pay.

    Read

    Auction grades

    Read an auction sheet and damage map like an expert.

    Read

    Shipping

    Milestones, documents and why dates move.

    Read

    Buyer guide

    Listings, FOB/CIF, insurance and paying safely.

    Read

    Terms

    The terms of our import service, in plain English.

    Read
    80–120days from winning bid to Irish plates
    6–8weeks at sea, by RoRo or container
    4+the auction grade we usually recommend
    NCT and road readiness

    No surprises
    at the NCT.

    A Japanese import usually needs a few small things before its NCT. Here's what to expect. Remedial work is quoted and only done with your approval.

    EU-standard tyres

    Japanese tyres often lack the EU “E” mark or the right load and speed rating. Every tyre is checked; compliant tyres are fitted only where needed, with the cost quoted first.

    Rear fog lamp

    Most cars built for Japan don't have one, but Ireland requires it. A compliant lamp is fitted so it passes.

    Lights and right-hand drive

    Japan drives on the left, like us — no headlight or steering conversion. We still check aim, lenses and every bulb.

    Legal window tint

    Heavy tint can fall below the Irish limit of 65% light transmission. We check it and sort it if it's too dark.

    Emissions and NOₓ

    The NCT emissions test must be passed, and VRT now includes a NOₓ charge. We check where it stands beforehand.

    Registration and motor tax

    NCTS/VRT inspection and Irish plates handled — and you'll know your yearly motor tax before you're on the road.

    Book it yourself.

    We deliver it registered and plated. You take it to an NCT centre.

    €60

    We handle the test.

    We book, present the car and manage any re-test. Fixed fee.

    €300

    Timings are estimates subject to auction timing, sailing schedules and the NCTS. The €60 is the test centre's charge.

    Customs, VRT and the NCT, handled.We deliver it registered and road-ready.
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    Shipping

    Follow it home.
    Wave by wave.

    Enter the ship name we send you after booking. See where it should be on its voyage and when it's due in Dublin Port.

    Loading map…
    Estimated — not live tracking

    Position and arrival are estimated from the departure date, the typical route and an average car-carrier speed of 15 knots, including port calls. They are not live satellite data. Sailings can change, call at extra ports or transship in Europe. We confirm every update with you directly.

    How tracking and shipping work
    Want your car on the next ship?Start your quote today.
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    Tools and guides

    Everything you need to decide.

    Check what cars sell for, work out what yours would cost, and read how the process runs.

    Browse the cars

    Ireland’s favourite models, plus our full catalogue with search and compare.

    See the cars

    Auction prices

    What 890,000+ cars really sold for in Japan, and whether importing yours is worth it.

    Check prices

    Cost calculator

    Auction price to Irish plates: shipping, duty, VAT, VRT and our fee, line by line.

    Work out my cost

    Shipping and the NCT

    Estimate your car’s journey to Dublin and what it needs before its NCT.

    Track a shipment

    Guides

    Step-by-step import guide, costs, auction grades, buyer tips and our terms.

    Read the guides
    Questions

    The things people
    ask us most.

    Answered plainly. If yours isn’t here, ask us directly.

    Ask your own question ↗
    Is importing right for me?

    It suits you if you can wait 80–120 days from winning bid to Irish plates, and you want a car Ireland doesn’t stock: a rarer colour, a higher trim, or genuinely lower mileage. It doesn’t suit you if you need a car this month, or you want to sit in the exact car before paying. Sourcing and quoting are free, and our “Is it worth importing?” tool will tell you when buying in Ireland works out cheaper.

    How do I know what condition the car is in?

    You see the independent auction inspection sheet, translated and explained, along with the auction photos, before anything is bid on. We usually point you to cars graded 4 and above. Nothing is bid on until you approve both the car and your maximum bid in writing. An auction grade is an inspector’s professional opinion, not a warranty.

    What do I pay, and when?

    Four stages:

    1. Deposit when you approve a car and a maximum bid — €1,500 + VAT for cars under €10,000 at auction, or 30% of your maximum bid at €10,000 and above.
    2. Car balance within 10 working days of a winning bid.
    3. Shipping, customs duty, VAT and VRT as they fall due.
    4. Remaining fee before handover.

    Our concierge fee starts at €1,250 + VAT under €6,000 purchase price, and €1,500 + VAT from €6,000. It covers the Japanese auction and export fees and the NCT. Third-party costs are passed through at cost and itemised.

    What if the final cost changes?

    Our fee is fixed once quoted, and your quote is valid for 45 days. Two things can move: the euro–yen rate until the car is paid for, and VRT, which Revenue charges on their own market value (OMSP). Our VRT figure is an estimate using Revenue’s method — their assessment is final. Any additional cost is discussed with you and approved before it is incurred.

    Can I get a quote without knowing the exact model?

    Yes, and it’s free. Tell us your total budget in Ireland, how many seats you need, your typical journeys and any must-haves. We’ll come back with a shortlist and a landed-cost estimate for each.

    How long does it take, and where is it delivered?

    Typically 80–120 days from winning bid to Irish plates. Cars land at Dublin Port, with delivery available nationwide from there. Before committing, it’s worth confirming an Irish insurer will cover the exact vehicle and specification.

    What’s refundable if I change my mind?

    Before a car is won: if we don’t win a bid for you and you decide not to proceed, your funds are returned in full. Once a car is won under your bid approval it is bought in your name, and it isn’t refundable. The deposit is your guarantee of commitment, and is forfeited if the remaining payments aren’t made.

    What do I need to register the car?

    Proof of your Irish address dated within the last six months: an original P60, bank statement, credit card statement or utility bill — or two online statements. We handle the NCTS/VRT inspection, plates and NCT from there.

    Still have a question?Tell us the car and we'll answer it with real numbers.
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    Get a quote

    Your next car.
    Let's find it.

    A few thoughtful details now make the next conversation more useful. Start with a model, a budget, or simply what you need.

    Japan to Ireland Automotive LimitedSpeak to the people helping you source your car.+353 85 276 8556 ↗[email protected] ↗[email protected] ↗

    What are you looking for?

    Tell us what you know. We can help with the rest.

    Newer cars cost more to buy, but hybrids and low-CO₂ cars pay less VRT and motor tax.

    Japan sells far more hybrids than Ireland does, and they usually land in a lower VRT band.

    Any mileage

    Japanese cars are usually low mileage. Most at auction have under 80,000 km.

    Availability, Japanese sourcing and suitability for Ireland are confirmed individually.

    Drag to set your budget

    Include the car, import charges and your service fee.

    Find my car ↗Talk to us ↗
    Image credits

    Photo credits.

    Model photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown; backgrounds removed and placed on white. Photos show the model, not a specific car for sale.

    Get to know the possibility

    Model details
    Your shortlist

    A closer comparison.

    Model-level guidance only. Confirm the year, trim, seats, fuel type, condition and full cost for the actual car before bidding. Shortlist selections remain only while this page is open.

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