Import duty and taxes on used cars, explained

The price you pay an exporter is rarely the price the car costs you. On top of the CIF figure, your government adds import taxes and your clearing agent adds fees, and these can add anywhere from a third to more than the CIF value depending on the country.

The main components are import duty (a percentage of the customs value), VAT or GST (charged on the value plus duty), and often an excise or luxury tax that rises with engine size, age or value. Some countries also levy environmental or registration fees.

Crucially, customs usually calculate these on their own assessed value, not simply your invoice, and the rates differ widely between countries. That is why an identical car can land far cheaper in one market than another, and why a low FOB price alone never tells the full story.

To budget accurately, start from the CIF figure, apply your country's duty, VAT and excise in the correct order, then add port handling, clearing agent fees and inland delivery. Our duty calculator and country guides give indicative figures for the markets we serve.

ASTONISHING CARS provides itemised CIF quotes and points you to your country's duty structure so there are no surprises on arrival. Always confirm current rates with your customs authority before committing.