Japanese Used Cars for Papua New Guinea – Import Rules, JEVIC & Shipping

Current Papua New Guinea Customs guidance does not state one general nationwide age limit for all imported used vehicles. However, buyers are specifically advised to confirm that the vehicle model they intend to import is not prohibited or restricted.

Customers should therefore confirm the vehicle's exact model, manufacture year, engine size, chassis number and intended use before bidding or purchasing in Japan.

Papua New Guinea drives on the left side of the road, making right-hand-drive Japanese vehicles suitable for normal road use.

PNG Customs requires importers to engage a licensed Customs Broker. The broker prepares and lodges the Import Declaration and assists with classification, valuation, duty assessment and Customs clearance.

Customs classification uses the vehicle's tariff code and detailed Tariff Specification Code, including information such as model, engine size and year.

Importers should arrange their broker and confirm estimated landed costs before purchasing the vehicle overseas.

Papua New Guinea does not have one single tax percentage that applies equally to every imported vehicle.

PNG Customs currently explains that motor-vehicle import excise can range approximately from 20% to 120% of CIF value, depending on factors including engine size and vehicle classification.

Import GST is 10% and is calculated on the applicable Customs value together with import excise.

Because the exact assessment depends on the particular vehicle, customers should obtain a current calculation from PNG Customs or their licensed broker before bidding.

For vehicles imported from Japan, the current MVIL imported vehicle checklist requires a JEVIC Report/NCR.

The registration process also requires local vehicle inspection documentation, including the relevant on-shore report and a valid safety sticker.

Kaede Trading can coordinate the required Japan-side JEVIC inspection where applicable before shipment.

After Customs requirements are completed, imported vehicles are also subject to quarantine inspection and clearance before they can proceed through the local road-use process.

Vehicles should be shipped clean and free from soil, plant material and other contamination that could cause quarantine delays or additional cleaning costs.

PNG Customs also warns importers to clear imported vehicles promptly. Vehicles left uncleared at a Customs wharf for more than 30 days can be subject to forfeiture procedures.

After import clearance, the vehicle must complete the applicable registration and road-use procedures through MVIL or the relevant Provincial Traffic Authority.

First registration generally requires vehicle and owner identification documents, a certificate of roadworthiness issued within 30 days of the application and evidence of current Compulsory Third Party insurance.

Registration procedures can vary according to location and vehicle type, so customers should confirm the latest local requirements before putting the vehicle on the road.

Kaede Trading can arrange vehicle shipping from Japan to Papua New Guinea subject to current carrier schedules, vessel space and routing.

Important PNG ports include Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul. Port Moresby vehicle cargo may also be handled through the Motukea port area.

We do not quote a fixed shipping line, monthly sailing or fixed 6–8 week transit time because schedules and routes change. Customers should request a current freight quotation before purchasing.

Depending on the importer and vehicle, documents commonly required include:

• Commercial or purchase invoice
• Bill of Lading or Way Bill
• Japanese export or deregistration certificate
• PNG Customs Import Declaration and clearance documents
• Customs payment and clearance receipt
• JEVIC Report/NCR for vehicles imported from Japan
• On-shore inspection report
• Valid safety sticker
• Importer identification and Tax Identification Number where required
• Other supporting documents requested by Customs, MVIL or the relevant authority

Customers should confirm the latest documentation requirements with their licensed Customs Broker before shipment.

Kaede Trading sources vehicles from major Japanese used-car auctions. We can provide available auction information and assist customers in selecting vehicles according to condition, budget, engine size, intended use and PNG import requirements.

Where available, customers may request a third-party pre-bid inspection for additional condition information before bidding.

For Papua New Guinea, we recommend checking the expected Customs duty and excise classification before bidding, because engine size can significantly affect the total landed cost.

Import rules, tariff rates, inspection procedures, registration requirements and shipping schedules can change. Please confirm current vehicle eligibility and estimated landed costs before purchasing.

Kaede Trading can assist with Japanese auction sourcing, vehicle information, JEVIC inspection coordination, export documentation and shipping arrangements from Japan.

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026