Direct Japanese Imports to Zambia | Quality & Value

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The Heart of Southern Africa: Why Zambia Chooses Japan

Reliability Without Borders: The Zambian Advantage.


In Zambia, Japanese imports are the backbone of both personal and commercial transport. Because there is no age restriction, Zambian buyers can access a vast inventory of vehicles—from the latest luxury SUVs to affordable, older-model hatchbacks like the Toyota Vitz or Tiida. The durability of Japanese engineering is particularly valued for Zambia’s mixed terrain, with 4WD Hiluxes and Land Cruisers being the gold standard for travel outside Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

Total Estimated Transit Time (Yokohama → Lusaka via Nakonde)

SegmentEstimated Time
Yokohama → Dar es Salaam (sea)24–32 days
Dar es Salaam → Nakonde (truck)2–4 days
Nakonde → Lusaka (truck)1–2 days
Total≈ 27–38 days

Real‑world practical range:

32–45 days

ZRA Customs & Taxation: 2026 Update

Zambia uses a “Specific Duty” system where taxes are often calculated based on vehicle type rather than just value.

Vehicle TypeCustoms DutyExcise DutyVAT
Electric Vehicles (EV)0%0%16%
HybridsVariable15% (Reduced)16%
Passenger Cars25%20% – 30%16%
Commercial Trucks15%0%16%

Carbon Tax: A flat annual Carbon Emission Surtax is also applied based on engine capacity, ranging from K246 to K484.

All vehicles must undergo a mandatory pre-export inspection by JEVIC in Japan. Importing without this certificate results in a significant penalty (up to 15% of the CIF value).

Only Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles are allowed. Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles can only be imported with a special permit from the Ministry of Transport for specific commercial uses.

You must have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to initiate the clearance process.

Vehicles landing in Dar es Salaam or Durban must have a Transit Bond to travel through neighboring countries to reach the Zambian border.

We are a dedicated, expert-led team that specializes in personally managing the global export of Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles. Everything we do is built on a foundation of lasting customer trust, because we know that real success in this business comes from relationships, not just transactions. You’ll always receive honest, competitive pricing with complete transparency from auction to delivery—no hidden fees, and no unexpected charges without your prior approval. We treat every client the way we would want to be treated: with clarity, respect, and integrity at every turn.

Before the Car Leaves Japan

  1. Vehicle Choice: Select any model year; however, remember that newer cars have better resale value in Lusaka.
  2. JEVIC Inspection: We arrange the mandatory JEVIC check in Japan before the ship departs.
  3. Port Arrival: The car arrives at Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) or Durban (South Africa).
  4. Inland Transit: The vehicle is driven or trucked across the border to the Nakonde or Chirundu border post.
  5. Customs Clearance: Use your TPIN to pay the ZRA duties, VAT, and Carbon Tax.
  6. RTSA Registration: Complete the final inspection with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to receive your white and yellow Zambian plates.

Nexuss Pro-Tips for 2026

  1. Zero-Duty EVs: For 2026, Zambia has removed all customs duties on Electric Vehicles to support green energy—this is currently the cheapest way to import a modern car.
  2. The Dar es Salaam Route: Most Zambians prefer the Dar es Salaam route over Durban because the “Nakonde” border clearance is generally faster for used vehicles.
  3. Check for Rust: Since many cars sit at sea ports during transit, ensure your Japanese exporter provides an “Underbody Protection” service to prevent corrosion
  4. You can continue sourcing older JDM trucks and vans without regulatory risk.