Importation of Japanese Used Vehicles to Mozambique
Mozambique allows the importation of right‑hand‑drive Japanese used vehicles by both dealers and private buyers. While no explicit age limit is enforced, a mandatory Intertek pre‑shipment inspection in Japan is required under Ministerial Diploma 244/2011, followed by customs clearance at Maputo, Beira, or Nacala administered by the Autoridade Tributária (AT).
Right-hand-drive Japanese vehicles, with Intertek pre-shipment inspection coordination in Japan and complete document handling for AT customs clearance at Maputo, Beira, or Nacala.
Can Vehicles Be Imported from Japan to Mozambique?"
The importation of used Japanese vehicles into Mozambique is open to dealers, fleet operators, and private buyers, subject to a right-hand-drive configuration. Although absolute age restrictions do not apply, all vehicles must undergo a mandatory Intertek pre-shipment inspection in Japan prior to export. Customs clearance is administered by the Autoridade Tributária (AT) upon arrival.
Who can buy?
- Dealers importing Japanese used vehicles for resale on the Mozambican market.
- Running a fleet or commercial operation in Mozambique? You can import Japanese trucks, vans, and buses — right‑hand drive already matches the local standard.
- Private individuals importing used Japanese vehicles for personal use are liable for the applicable import duty, value‑added tax (VAT), and excise tax at the time of customs entry.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Right-hand drive is required to match Mozambique's domestic road configuration, as RHD is the standard for all road-use vehicles.
- Don’t skip the Intertek inspection! It’s mandatory for Mozambique under Ministerial Diploma 244/2011. If your car arrives without the Intertek certificate, you’ll have to pay for a destination inspection on top of a penalty — 10% of the vehicle’s CIF value.
- Planning to re‑export your vehicle from Mozambique? The Beira and Nacala routes connect easily to Zimbabwe and Malawi, but make sure you confirm their import rules separately — what’s fine for Mozambique might not be enough next door.
Key Regulations for Vehicle Importation to Mozambique
- Ensure that an Intertek pre-shipment inspection is conducted within Japan prior to export, in compliance with Ministerial Diploma 244/2011. Presentation of the Intertek certificate is mandatory for AT customs clearance.
- Once your vehicle lands at Maputo, Beira, or Nacala, the final step is settling the customs duty, VAT, and excise (if applicable) with AT – all based on the CIF value.
- Customs duties applied to used vehicles are determined by engine displacement, with certain minibuses typically qualifying for duty-free status. Importers are advised to verify the prevailing rate schedule with the Autoridade Tributária (AT) or an authorized local clearing agent prior to bidding.
- Customs clearance requires the submission of the Bill of Lading, the original Japanese export certificate, the commercial invoice, and the Intertek pre‑shipment inspection certificate to the Autoridade Tributária (AT).
- Importers must register with the Autoridade Tributária (AT) for a NUIT (número único de identificação tributária) and complete customs clearance via the Electronic Single Window (JUE – Janela Única Electrónica).
Failure to complete the Intertek pre‑shipment inspection in Japan will result in a destination inspection conducted at the importer’s full cost, accompanied by a fine equivalent to 10% of the CIF value. It is imperative that the inspection be arranged prior to shipment. Furthermore, the cumulative tax liability on used‑vehicle imports can be considerable; importers are strongly advised to obtain a landed‑cost estimate from a Mozambique‑based clearing agent before committing to a purchase.
Shipping & Delivery to Kenya
- Shipping from Japan to Maputo usually takes about 30–40 days via RoRo, depending on vessel schedules.
- Ocean transit from Japan to Beira or Nacala is approximately equivalent to Maputo (30–40 days for RoRo), subject to the rotation of the selected shipping line.
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) transport serves as the standard shipping method for individual units and the majority of dealer acquisitions.
- Container shipping is ideal for high-value, rare, or multi-unit orders.
- Inland transportation within Japan to the designated port of export is coordinated by Robust Auto upon confirmation of the vehicle purchase.
- Customs clearance, duty payments, and onward inland transport within Mozambique are arranged by the buyer or their designated clearing agent.
Important Notes on Required Paperwork
- Mandatory Intertek pre-shipment inspection carried out in Japan before shipping.
- The Intertek inspection certificate is officially issued and appended to the complete shipping documentation.
- The year of manufacture of the vehicle is validated against the original Japanese export certificate to ensure accuracy prior to export.
- Detailed documentation of the vehicle's mileage and physical condition is recorded by the inspector.
HOW TO BUY FROM JAPANESE AUCTION
Buying directly from Japanese auctions gives you access to the best selection and lowest prices.
This is the primary source where Japanese car dealers get their stock.
EXPLORE OUR CURRENT VEHICLE INVENTORY
We maintain a small selection of vehicles currently in inventory.
Each car has been inspected and verified by Robust Auto and is ready for immediate export.