Japanese Used Cars for Samoa – Import Rules & Shipping

Samoa generally permits vehicles that are 10 years old or less from the actual year of manufacture.

This is especially important for Japanese vehicles because a Japanese Export Certificate commonly shows the first year of registration, which is not always the same as the actual year of manufacture.

Samoa Customs has specifically warned importers to verify the true manufacture year before purchasing or arranging shipment. Customers should therefore confirm this information before bidding at a Japanese auction.

Samoa drives on the left side of the road, and right-hand-drive vehicles from Japan are permitted.

Samoa Customs guidance permits a broad range of right-hand-drive vehicles. Different restrictions apply to left-hand-drive vehicles, so customers considering an LHD vehicle should confirm eligibility before purchase.

Samoa provides a limited exemption for certain 4WD pickup trucks, Land Cruiser pickups and qualifying light trucks imported for approved farming purposes.

A qualifying vehicle may be up to 20 years old, but the exemption is subject to conditions, including written approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries before importation.

The exemption is limited and is not intended for car dealers importing vehicles for normal commercial sale or rental. Customers intending to use this exemption should obtain the required approval before purchasing or shipping.

Samoa requires all used vehicles and machinery to be inspected on arrival for biosecurity purposes and to undergo a water-blasting treatment.

Vehicles should be thoroughly cleaned before shipment and free from soil, rocks, plant material, seeds, blood, fertilizer, contaminated wood and other biosecurity risks.

Vehicles shipped inside containers should also be loaded into clean containers free from previous cargo residue. Contamination can result in further inspection or treatment after arrival.

Samoa Customs has strengthened verification of the manufacture year of vehicles imported from Japan.

Its latest published notice states that Samoa Customs is re-engaging with the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) to improve pre-export verification and reduce discrepancies involving vehicle manufacture dates.

Because this process may develop, customers should confirm the latest Samoa Customs and JEVIC requirements before shipping. Kaede Trading can assist with Japan-side inspection coordination when required.

Customs duty and any applicable import excise depend on the vehicle's tariff classification and the rates in force at the time of importation.

Samoa's Value Added Goods and Services Tax (VAGST) is currently 15%. Imported goods can also be subject to Customs duty and import excise where applicable.

Customers should obtain a current landed-cost calculation from Samoa Customs or their local customs broker before purchasing a vehicle.

Apia International Port at Matautu is Samoa's main commercial seaport and handles the great majority of the country's international cargo.

Kaede Trading can arrange vehicle shipping from Japan to Apia subject to current carrier schedules, vessel space and routing. Both container and RORO services may be available depending on the current shipping service.

We do not quote a fixed monthly schedule or fixed 6–8 week transit time because Pacific shipping schedules can change. Please request a current freight quotation before purchasing.

Documents commonly used when importing a Japanese vehicle into Samoa include:

• Commercial or purchase invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Japanese export or deregistration certificate
• Evidence confirming the actual year of manufacture where required
• Customs declaration and clearance documents
• Biosecurity inspection and clearance documentation
• Other documents requested by Samoa Customs or relevant authorities

Customers should confirm the latest documentation requirements before shipment, particularly where additional verification of the manufacture year is required.

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 Samoa import requirements.

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

For Samoa, the actual manufacture year should be confirmed before bidding rather than relying only on the first-registration year shown on Japanese documents.

Samoa's import rules, verification procedures, Customs tariffs and shipping services can change. Please confirm current vehicle eligibility and requirements before purchase.

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

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026