JDM import guides

Japan is the largest single source of imported vehicles in Cyprus. There are good reasons for that. It drives on the left, its used stock is well kept and its home market prices it low. The shaken inspection regime makes older examples expensive to keep in Japan, annual mileage is small and the closed auction system moves enormous volume every week. They leave that market cheap because demand at home has fallen away, not because anything is wrong with them.

What makes a Japanese purchase safe is the auction sheet. Every vehicle sold at auction is inspected and graded, with any damage marked on a diagram. We buy at grade 4.5 and above only, never grade R. You get the sheet unedited and translated before any money moves. Mileage is confirmed against the export certificate, which records the odometer when the vehicle leaves Japan.

The route is longer than from Europe. From auction to plates in Cyprus usually takes 16 weeks or more, because the sea passage is long and the export paperwork has to be complete before the vehicle sails. Import duty on Japanese-built vehicles is being phased down under the EU–Japan trade agreement. VAT at 19% is due on arrival.

Some Japanese-market vehicles need attention after landing. Navigation, language and connectivity are set up for Japan. On electric models the fast-charging connector may also differ from the CCS2 standard used on the island. The guide on Japanese and European Teslas walks through exactly that case.

For Toyota, Lexus, Nissan and other Japanese marques, the Japan page explains how a commission works from brief to handover. Every Japanese vehicle is quoted individually.