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Carzona Team
· 12 min read· 30 de junio de 2026

How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Paraguay

Real costs, taxes, shipping routes, and everything you need to know before bringing your Japanese car.

How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Paraguay

Important notice

The costs and taxes mentioned are referential and may vary depending on the Paraguayan customs valuation, vehicle type, and import route. Always consult with a licensed customs broker before starting the process.

Paraguay is one of the largest markets for used Japanese cars in South America. Toyota Vitz, Hilux, Allion, IST: most of the cars you see on the streets of Asuncion went through a Japanese auction before arriving here. But between the auction price and the car parked at your house, there's a path of costs, paperwork, and decisions worth understanding before putting down a single guarani.

In this guide we explain the complete process with real numbers so you can calculate whether it's worth importing directly or buying an already nationalized car in Paraguay.

Restrictions you need to know

The steering wheel must be on the left side. Japanese cars come with right-hand drive and need conversion before they can legally circulate.

The Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) increases progressively with vehicle age. A car over 10 years old can pay more than 50% ISC, making it economically unviable.

You must hire a licensed customs broker to nationalize the vehicle. You cannot do the process on your own.

Paraguayan customs reserves the right to revalue the vehicle. If they declare a higher value than what you paid, taxes are calculated on that higher value.

Two routes to bring your car

Direct from Japan

  • 1.Buy at Japanese auction (USS, TAA, etc.)
  • 2.Car ships directly to Buenos Aires or Montevideo
  • 3.Ground or river transport to Asuncion/Villeta
  • 4.Total time: 8 to 12 weeks

Via ZOFRI (Iquique, Chile)

  • 1.Car arrives at the Iquique Free Zone first
  • 2.You can physically inspect it before paying nationalization
  • 3.Ground transport ZOFRI to Paraguay via Argentina
  • 4.Total time: 5 to 8 weeks. Freight costs ~30% lower

Tax breakdown

Tax
Rate
Calculated on
Import duty (DAI)
6%
CIF value
ISC (Selective Consumption)
16% to 50%+
CIF value (varies by age)
VAT
10%
CIF + DAI + ISC
Maritime freight (Japan to port)USD 1,000 to 2,500
Ground transport to ParaguayUSD 800 to 1,500
Customs brokerUSD 500 to 1,000
Steering wheel conversion (specialized shop)USD 300 to 600
Registration and plates~₲500,000

Real cost example

Toyota Vitz 2019, auction price: USD 5,000

Auction priceUSD 5,000
Freight + insurance (CIF)USD 1,800
Total CIF valueUSD 6,800
Taxes (DAI 6% + ISC ~20% + VAT 10%)~USD 2,720
Broker + steering conversion + registration~USD 1,200
Ground transport~USD 1,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST~USD 11,720

Estimated timelines

Auction purchase and preparation

1 to 2 weeks

Maritime freight Japan to South American port

4 to 6 weeks

Transport to Paraguayan port

1 to 2 weeks

Nationalization (taxes + customs clearance)

1 to 2 weeks

Steering conversion and registration

1 to 2 weeks

Required documents

  • Original vehicle title (Japanese Export Certificate)
  • Commercial invoice with purchase price
  • Bill of Lading
  • Inspection certificate at origin (if applicable)
  • Importer's ID card
  • Power of attorney for customs broker

Tips before importing

Ask for a fixed, written quote from your importer or broker. It should include all costs from auction to registration. No surprises.

Verify the importer's reputation. Ask for references, check opinions in Facebook groups. A dishonest importer can declare a low value and then customs charges you the difference with a fine.

Compare the total cost of importing vs. buying the same car already nationalized in Paraguay. Sometimes the difference is minimal and you save months of waiting.

Korean cars (Hyundai, Kia) already come with left-hand drive. If you want to avoid the cost and risk of steering conversion, consider a Korean model.

Keep in mind that ISC increases every year that passes. A car paying 20% ISC today might pay 25% next year. Importing sooner is cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

Can you import a car over 10 years old?
Technically there's no absolute prohibition for individual importers, but the progressive ISC makes a car over 10 years old pay such high taxes that it makes no economic sense. In practice, the vast majority of importers limit themselves to vehicles up to 7 or 8 years old.
How long does the whole process take?
Between 8 and 14 weeks from auction purchase to having the car registered and driving. The ZOFRI route is usually faster (5 to 8 weeks) because the ground freight from Chile is shorter.
Can I drive with right-hand drive?
No. In Paraguay it's mandatory for the steering wheel to be on the left side. Japanese cars need steering conversion at a specialized shop before they can be registered and legally driven.
Is it better to import directly or buy already nationalized?
Depends on the model and year. For popular cars like the Toyota Vitz or Hilux, the difference between importing and buying nationalized is usually USD 1,000 to 3,000. If you want a specific model that's hard to find in Paraguay, importing makes sense. If you just want a good price, compare the local market first.
What happens if customs revalues my car?
Paraguayan customs can assign a higher value than what you declared. If this happens, taxes are recalculated on the higher value and you may also receive a fine of up to 100% of the tax difference. That's why it's important to declare the real value and work with a trustworthy broker.
Can I import an electric car?
Yes, and it's the best tax option. 100% electric vehicles are exempt from import duties and VAT in Paraguay. The import cost is basically reduced to freight and paperwork.

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