Japanese Used Cars for Tonga – Import Rules & Shipping

Tonga has adopted a prohibition covering passenger vehicles under tariff heading 8703 with a model year equal to or more than 10 years from the date of import.

Enforcement of this prohibition was temporarily deferred several times. The latest official Ministry of Revenue and Customs notice deferred implementation only until 30 June 2026.

As no later official extension has been identified, customers purchasing for shipment after that date should treat passenger vehicles aged 10 years or more as prohibited and should confirm current eligibility with Tonga Customs before bidding or purchasing.

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

Tonga's Traffic Regulations provide that a left-hand-drive vehicle may not be operated without prior written approval from the Principal Licensing Authority, subject to any conditions imposed.

Customers considering a left-hand-drive vehicle should obtain the necessary approval before purchase or shipment.

Customs duty and vehicle excise depend on the current Tonga Customs Duty Schedule, Excise Tax Schedule and the classification of the particular vehicle.

Tonga's Consumption Tax is 15%. For imported goods, Consumption Tax is collected by Customs before the goods are released.

The old fixed per-cc tax figures previously displayed on this page have been removed because customers should use the Customs tariff and excise schedules in force at the actual time of importation.

We recommend obtaining a current landed-cost calculation from Tonga Customs or a local customs broker before bidding.

Imported vehicles must be entered through Tonga Customs with the required import declaration, shipping documents and payment of applicable duties, excise, Consumption Tax and other charges.

Tonga Customs recommends using a licensed Customs Broker when an importer is unfamiliar with tariff classification, valuation or permit requirements.

Customs may inspect imported goods where required, so importers should ensure that all vehicle and shipping information is accurate and available for clearance.

Vehicles used on public roads in Tonga must be properly registered and licensed.

Tonga's traffic rules provide for mechanical examination of motor vehicles. Vehicles must meet the applicable safety and roadworthiness requirements before normal road use.

Customers should confirm the current registration, inspection, licence and insurance requirements with the relevant Tonga transport authority after import clearance.

Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku'alofa is the principal commercial cargo facility at the Port of Nuku'alofa and handles international trade and container cargo.

Kaede Trading can arrange vehicle shipping from Japan to Tonga subject to current carrier schedules, vessel space, vehicle type and routing.

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

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

• Commercial or purchase invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Japanese export or deregistration certificate
• Vehicle chassis, engine and model-year information
• Customs Import Entry and clearance documents
• Permits or approvals where applicable
• Other documents requested by Tonga Customs or transport authorities

Customers should confirm the latest documentation and vehicle-eligibility requirements 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 Tonga import requirements.

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

For Tonga, we strongly recommend checking the vehicle's model year and current import eligibility before bidding because the passenger-vehicle age prohibition can result in forfeiture or significant costs if an ineligible vehicle is shipped.

Tonga's import restrictions, Customs tariffs, vehicle inspection procedures and shipping services can change. Please confirm current vehicle eligibility before purchase.

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

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026