What it really costs to import from Japan.
No markups, no mystery. Here is how the total cost of an imported vehicle is built up, so you can understand every line of your quote.
Six parts, one itemised quote.
Your total cost is made up of the parts below. You get a high-level quotation first and a detailed quotation before anything is bought, so you see each part before you commit.
Vehicle & Japan-side costs
What it costs to buy your vehicle in Japan and get it exported.
- The invoice value of the vehicle bought at auction
- The exporter fee
- Any extra charges
- Worked out using the JPY and USD exchange rates at the time
Bank, LC & insurance
The vehicle is paid for through a letter of credit (LC) placed with your bank.
- Bank (LC) commission
- Insurance
Temporary VAT & import tax
Government taxes, set by the Sri Lankan authorities. They depend on the vehicle and the rules in force at the time, and are often a large part of the total.
- Temporary VAT, paid when the LC is settled
- Import tax, paid according to the customs tax assessment
- Rates are set by the authorities and can change
Clearing & port charges
The cost of clearing the vehicle through customs and releasing it from the port at Hambantota.
- Clearing and port charges, paid at the clearing stage
Registration costs
The costs of getting the vehicle registered and legally on the road.
- RMV charges
- Insurance
- Green test
- Revenue licence
Our consultation fee
What we charge for consultation and coordination, added as its own line so you can see exactly what our service costs.
- No hidden dealer markup on the vehicle
- Shown in your quotation and agreed up front
Your total landed cost, fully itemised
Pay as you go, stage by stage.
You do not pay everything up front. Each cost is paid at the stage of the import where it falls due.
Detailed inquiry
An advance, paid when you sign the agreement letter after approving your detailed quotation.
Vehicle purchase
The invoice value (through the LC), bank commission, insurance and any extra charges.
LC settlement
Temporary VAT.
Clearing
Import tax, plus clearing and port charges.
Registration
RMV charges, insurance, the green test and the revenue licence.
Why we do not publish fixed prices
Every car is different
Auction prices, vehicle specification, age and condition all change the numbers. A generic price list would not be honest.
Rates change
Exchange rates, freight costs and government duties and regulations can change over time. Your quote reflects the position when it is prepared.
All figures are given in a personal quote. This page explains the general structure of import costs only. It is not a quotation, and it is not tax, legal or customs advice. Duty and tax amounts are determined by the Sri Lankan authorities under the rules in force at the time of import.
Want to see the numbers for your car?
Tell us the vehicle you are considering and your budget, and we will prepare a high-level quotation with every cost itemised.