Japanese Used Cars for Kiribati – Import Rules & Shipping

Kiribati applies a 10-year limit to vehicles being registered in the country for the first time.

The Kiribati Traffic Act provides that the Land Transport Authority must not register a motor vehicle for the first time in Kiribati if it is older than 10 years, based on the vehicle's original compliance plate.

Customers should therefore confirm the manufacture and compliance details before bidding or purchasing a vehicle in Japan.

Kiribati drives on the left side of the road. Right-hand-drive vehicles from Japan are therefore well suited to normal road use in Kiribati.

Buyers should still consider vehicle condition, ground clearance, fuel economy and local parts availability when selecting a vehicle for Kiribati.

Motor vehicles used on public roads in Kiribati must be registered with the Kiribati Land Transport Authority (KLTA).

KLTA is strengthening vehicle-inspection and roadworthiness procedures as part of its current road-safety program. Local inspection, registration, licensing and insurance requirements should therefore be confirmed before the vehicle is placed into road use.

Imported vehicles are subject to Kiribati Customs clearance. The amount of duty and other applicable charges depends on the current Customs tariff and the classification of the particular vehicle.

Because tariff rates can change, Kaede Trading recommends confirming the current duty calculation with Kiribati Customs or a local customs-clearing agent before purchasing.

We have intentionally not used the older fixed duty figures previously displayed on this page because customers should rely on the tariff in force at the time of importation.

Kiribati Ports Authority operates the country's two main ports of entry: Betio Port on Tarawa and Kiritimati Port.

Kaede Trading can arrange vehicle shipping from Japan subject to current carrier schedules, vessel space, destination and transshipment availability.

We do not quote a fixed monthly schedule or fixed transit time because Pacific shipping services can change. Customers should request the current sailing schedule and freight quotation before purchasing.

Documents commonly used for importing a Japanese vehicle into Kiribati include:

• Commercial invoice or purchase invoice
• Japanese export or deregistration certificate
• English translation of the Japanese export certificate where required
• Bill of Lading
• Vehicle chassis and engine information
• Customs declaration and clearance documents
• Other documents requested by Kiribati Customs or KLTA

Importers should confirm the latest documentation requirements with their customs agent and KLTA before shipment.

Kaede Trading sources vehicles from major Japanese used-car auctions. We can provide available auction information and help customers select vehicles according to condition, budget and Kiribati import requirements.

Where available, a third-party pre-bid inspection can also be requested for additional condition information before bidding.

For Kiribati customers, we recommend confirming the vehicle age before bidding so that the vehicle meets the 10-year first-registration rule.

Import rules, Customs tariffs, registration requirements and shipping schedules can change. Please confirm the current requirements before purchasing or shipping a vehicle.

Kaede Trading can assist with Japanese auction sourcing, vehicle information, export documentation and shipping arrangements from Japan to Kiribati.

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026