Vehicle import rules by country

Vehicles under 25 years old must meet EPA + DOT FMVSS standards; over 25 years old are exempt under the 'Show or Display' rule. RHD vehicles permitted only if over 25 years old. ATA Carnet for temporary imports.

Vehicles must comply with ADRs or qualify under the Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) or the Personal Import Scheme (held + used overseas for 12+ months). RAW (Registered Automotive Workshop) compliance plate.

Personal-import vehicles must pass shaken (vehicle inspection) every 2 years. RHD market — LHD imports require special compliance plate. Returning Japanese expats may import duty-free under TR after 2+ years abroad.

Vehicles must comply with Euro 6 emission standards (or be exempt for historic vehicles over 30 years). RHD market — LHD imports require IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) plus headlamp + speedo conversion.

Vehicles must pass TÜV inspection + meet Euro 6. Returning expats / new residents get duty + VAT exemption under TOR for vehicles owned + used 6+ months abroad. RHD discouraged but legal.

GCC standard vehicles preferred — non-GCC-spec vehicles need Type Approval Certificate from Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). RHD prohibited for road registration.

Used vehicle imports restricted to under 3 years old. New vehicles attract 60-100% combined customs duty + GST. RHD market — LHD imports require special permit + state RTO approval.

Vehicles must pass entry certification including frontal-impact + emissions. Specialist NZ rule: imported vehicles must have either NZ Approved Component or borderline reasonable equivalent.

Vehicles under 5 years old + GCC spec only. Used-vehicle imports require Saudi Standards Organization (SASO) clearance. RHD prohibited.

Used-vehicle imports for personal use very limited in practice — duty + excise can exceed 200%. Returning Thais get TR exemption after 2+ years abroad.