Import Cars from Japan to Burundi: 2026 Guide

Your step-by-step resource for importing high-spec Japanese vehicles to Burundi.

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Age Restrictions

Currently, there is no strict age limit on vehicles imported into Burundi. However, vehicles older than 10 years may be subject to a flat anti-pollution tax of approximately 2 million BIF.

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Steering Configuration

Burundi primarily utilizes Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles, though Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles are also permitted for import and use on local roads.

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Inspection Requirements

Burundian authorities currently do not require mandatory pre-shipment inspections (such as JEVIC, JAAI, or Intertek). However, a local technical inspection is required once the vehicle arrives to confirm roadworthiness for registration.

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Shipping Ports

Most vehicles are shipped via RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) or container to the ports of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) or Mombasa (Kenya), from where they are transported overland to Bujumbura.

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Why Choose Japanese Cars for Busrundi?

Thinking of a Japanese car in Burundi? It’s a great move for value and dependability. Even though Burundi is landlocked, shipping through ports in Tanzania and Kenya makes the process smooth. Plus, Burundi’s import rules on vehicle age and inspections are more flexible than in many surrounding countries, which makes bringing in a car from Japan easier and more attractive.

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Unlike many neighboring East African countries, Burundi currently has no strict age limit for vehicle imports. This allows you to import high-quality, older JDM classics or budget-friendly models that might be restricted elsewhere. However, Nexuss Cars reminds clients that vehicles older than 10 years are subject to a flat Anti-Pollution Tax (approx. 2,000,000 BIF). Since 1998, Nexuss Cars has helped thousands of buyers navigate these specific tax brackets to ensure no “hidden surprises” upon arrival at the Bujumbura border.

The typical transit time is approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Your vehicle is shipped via RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container from major Japanese ports (like Nagoya or Yokohama) to the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or Mombasa in Kenya. From there, it is transported overland to Burundi. Leveraging our nearly three decades of logistics experience, Nexuss Cars suggest to coordinate with trusted inland haulers to ensure your vehicle is tracked safely across the Central Corridor directly to your doorstep.

Currently, Burundi does not mandate official pre-shipment inspections such as JEVIC or QISJ. This reduces your upfront costs and simplifies the export process compared to countries like Kenya or Tanzania. However, as a reliable agency established in 1998, Nexuss Cars performs its own rigorous quality check on every unit before it leaves Japan. We ensure your car is mechanically sound and roadworthy, maintaining the high standard of “Japan Quality” that our African clients have trusted for 28 years.

Yes. While Burundi primarily drives on the right side of the road (utilizing LHD vehicles), Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles are permitted for import and registration. This is excellent news for JDM enthusiasts, as the best-maintained vehicles in the Japanese market are RHD. Nexuss Cars specializes in sourcing top-tier RHD models—from the Toyota Land Cruiser to the Subaru Forester—ensuring they meet all Burundian OBR (Office Burundais des Recettes) documentation requirements for a smooth registration.

Experience matters in international trade. Established in 1998, Nexuss Cars is one of the most seasoned Japanese export agencies specializing in the African market. We don’t just sell cars; we provide a complete landed-cost solution. Our long-standing relationships with shipping lines and customs brokers mean we offer more competitive freight rates and more accurate tax estimations than newer, less experienced dealers. When you choose Nexuss, you are choosing nearly 30 years of Japanese reliability and a partner who understands the Burundian import landscape inside and out.

Alert

Import Duties & Taxes in Burundi

Anti-Pollution Tax

“Approx. 2,000,000 BIF (for vehicles over 10 years old)”

The total landed cost of your vehicle is calculated based on its CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Burundi follows the East African Community (EAC) tax frameworks with some local variations.

Note: Diplomatic shipments may qualify for a reduced 1% handling charge.

Standard Customs Duty

15% – 30% of CIF (depending on vehicle type)

Tourism/Luxury Vehicles

40% – 100% of CIF

Handling Fee

4% of CIF value

Transactional Tax (VAT)

17% – 18% of (CIF + Duties + Fees)

Popular Searches for 2026 from Japan

ModelPopular Chassis (1-5 Years)Why Africa Loves It
Toyota AlphardAGH40 / AGH30The ultimate executive status symbol.
Toyota Noah/VoxyZWR90WHigh-tech family MPV for urban KL.
Honda StepWagonRP6 / RP8Modern styling with the “Waku Waku” gate.
Toyota PriusMXWH60New 2.0L Hybrid for fuel-conscious professionals.

Calculate Burundi Import Duty

Nexuss Japan | Burundi Import Portal 2026

CIF, Duty & Transactional Tax Estimator (Bujumbura via Dar es Salaam)

Estimated Landed Cost (USD)

$ 0.00
CIF Value: $ 0.00

Burundi OBR Customs Estimate:

Import Duty: $ 0.00
Handling Fee (4%): $ 0.00
Transactional Tax (17%): $ 0.00
Anti-Pollution Tax: $ 0.00

*Note: Calculation is in USD. Anti-pollution tax (~$700) applies to vehicles 10+ years old. Local registration fees not included.

Required Documentation

To clear customs and register your vehicle in Burundi, you must provide the following original documents:

  1. Original Bill of Lading (OBL): Must detail the chassis number, engine number, and cubic capacity.
  2. Original Purchase Invoice: Reflecting the true value of the vehicle.
  3. Original Registration Card: From the country of origin (Japan).
  4. Copy of Passport: For the individual importer.
  5. Import Declaration Form: Managed through a licensed customs broker.

Popular Models for the Burundi Market

The terrain in Burundi often demands durable vehicles with high ground clearance. Popular Japanese imports include:

  1. SUVs & 4x4s: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.
  2. Utility & Vans: Toyota Probox, Toyota Succeed, and Nissan NV150.
  3. Compact Cars: Toyota Corolla Axio, Honda Fit, and Mazda Demio.