Import Cars from Japan to Sri Lanka
At Nichibo, we make it easy and reliable for dealers to import cars from Japan to Sri Lanka. With decades of industry experience, our goal is to bring the best vehicles from Japan to our customers while providing unmatched support throughout the entire process. Our dedicated sales team for Sri Lanka ensure that you get personalised service from experts who understand both Japanese auctions and the Sri Lankan market with its complex import regulations.


Real-Time Access to Japan’s Leading Car Auctions
Nichibo gives your business a competitive edge by providing direct access to Japan’s major car auctions through our exclusive AutoSearch platform. With over 140,000 vehicles listed weekly, our clients can search and bid in real time—backed by on-the-ground auction inspectors who verify and report on vehicle conditions.
This is your gateway to top-quality Japan car auctions for Sri Lanka, where transparency and detail come first so you can bid with confidence.
Our Most Popular Vehicles for Sri Lankan Roads
We help you find the perfect car to match your budget and lifestyle. Some of the most popular models among our customers in Sri Lanka include:

Toyota Aqua

Isuzu ELF

Nissan Leaf

Suzuki Alto

Complete Support from Purchase to Delivery
When you choose Nichibo, you’re not just buying a car—you’re partnering with a trusted team that manages everything from start to finish. We take care of the bidding, paperwork, inspections, shipping, and delivery right to the port of Colombo or your preferred port in Sri Lanka. We make the process seamless, so you can focus on choosing the right vehicle while we handle the rest.
With our extensive experience, we ensure that you receive the best prices and outstanding customer support. It’s never been easier to import used vehicles from Japan to Sri Lanka with complete peace of mind.
Experience, Value & Support
What sets Nichibo apart is not just the inventory—but our deep experience and commitment to customer satisfaction.
If you’re looking to expand your dealership with imported cars for sale, Nichibo ensures the process is simple, safe, and profitable.
Competitive Prices – We leverage our strong network in Japan to secure the best deals.
Expert Guidance – Our team ensures you understand all aspects of the importing process.
Reliable Support – We provide excellent customer service to make the process stress-free.
Effortless Vehicle Importing
At Nichibo, we make importing cars from Japan simple and stress-free. Our 20+ experienced inspectors conduct physical inspections at auction before you buy, and we provide translated auction sheets to ensure you know exactly what you’re buying. Our efficient process ensures your vehicle arrives smoothly and without stress, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.
01
Access Nichibo`s
AutoSearch
02
Choose from +140,000 auction vehicles or from Nichibo’s stock
03
Talk to On-site Inspectors at Auction and place your bid
04
Pay deposit
05
Export Inspection and customs clearance
10
Receive your Vehicle in your chosen Port
09
Receive final documentation
08
Final Payment prior to arrival
07
Follow your shipment on AutoSearch dashboard
06
Shipping
Know the Import Requirements Before You Buy

Vehicle Eligibility & Regulations
Under the new Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 1 of 2025, the Sri Lanka government removed the Temporary Suspension on Importation of Motor Vehicles. This means that all the vehicles under HS Heading 87.02 that were on schedule 1 of the Imports and Exports Control Regulations No 02 of 2023, are now deleted from the suspension. Click here to read the Government Notification Imports and Exports Control Act No 1 of 1969 dated on 24 January 2025.
Formalities to Import a Vehicle
According to Sri Lanka Customs, there are several important points you need to remember.
- The remittance of foreign exchange must be made through a commercial bank on a Letter of Credit, established prior to shipment.
- The age of the vehicle must be within the permitted limit. (Please refer Table 01 for information on permitted age limits)
For clearance of the vehicle, bellow documents are required :
- Customs Goods Declaration
- Commercial Invoice
- Letter of Credit
- Bill of Lading or Air Way Bill (in case of air freight)
- Delivery Order issued by the Shipping Agent
- Value Declaration Form
Following additional documents are required for a used vehicle :
- Export Certificate
- English Translation, if above certificate is not in English language
- Pre shipment inspection certificate issued by an approved inspection agency

Compliance & Safety Standards
Sri Lanka enforces strict compliance measures for vehicle imports:
- Emission Standards: All imported vehicles must meet Euro 4 standards and the HS codes. Importers must submit a compliance certificate from an authorized agency.
- Roadworthiness Inspection: A certificate is required to confirm that the vehicle is safe and in proper working condition. This certification can be issued by an approved agency such as the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC).
- Pre-shipment Inspection: A certified agency such as JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center) must verify the vehicle’s condition before shipment.
- Vehicle Configuration: Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted.
- Age Limits: For private vehicles, the maximum age is 3 years; for commercial and public transport vehicles, it is 5 years. Special-use vehicles may be up to 10 years old.
If a vehicle fails to meet these requirements, it must be re-exported within 90 days at the importer’s expense.

Taxes & Duties
Importing vehicles into Sri Lanka involves various taxes. Take a look on the mandatory taxes and duties that are described on Sri Lanka Customs National Imports Tariff Guide, published on Sri Lanka Customs website under Import Tariff section :
- Customs Duty: Standard rates applicable to imported vehicles.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Levied at 18% on the importation of goods.
- Luxury Tax: Applied to passenger vehicles with a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value exceeding 5–6 million Sri Lankan Rupees and transport vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or more, including the driver.
- Excise Duty: Based on the vehicle’s age and engine power, with a 100% increase announced on January 10, 2025, for private and cargo electric vehicles.
- Surcharge: A 50% surcharge on customs duty for private vehicles, transport vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or more, and cargo vehicles.
Licensed banks are also required to report daily on Letters of Credit (LCs) related to vehicle imports to ensure transparency.
Why Should You Trust Nichibo?
We understand how complex it can be to import cars from Japan to Sri Lanka, which is why we provide complete guidance every step of the way. Our team ensures access to the best auctions and top-quality vehicles.
If you are a car dealer in Sri Lanka and want to import cars into your country from Japan, visit Nichibo. Nichibo ensures a smooth experience—from choosing your car to clearing customs in Sri Lanka.
If you’re ready to find your next vehicle, let Nichibo help you import cars from Japan to Sri Lanka easily, affordably, and reliably.
Join us now and discover why thousands of satisfied customers trust Nichibo!