IMPORT CARS FROM JAPAN TO HONG KONG

Age Restriction :

The used car imported in Hong Kong must be less than 7 years old. Importation of cars over 20 years is allowed as classic cars and they need not meet Euro V emission standard.

Documents required for customs clearance :

• Import license

• Bill Of Lading (BOL)

• Copy of de-registration certificate

• Commercial/ Purchase Invoice

                

All motor vehicles registering in Hong Kong for the first time should meet the requirements of the Air Pollution Control Regulations and Noise Control Regulation.

Application for Emission Approval :

The used vehicle importers should complete the "Application for Vehicle Exhaust and Noise Emissions Compliance" form and the "Noise Emission Certificate General Approval" (NECGA).

                

The original documents to be attached with the form :

• Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued to the vehicle by its vehicle manufacturer (for vehicles manufactured within one year from the date of application).

• Exhaust emission test report issued within 6 months by one of the recognized vehicle emission testing laboratories and noise compliance report.

• Any other documents that can prove emission compliance to the satisfaction of the Environmental Protection Department.

Note- The applicant should submit all these to the Environmental Protection Department for approval.

No exemption is granted on diesel and commercial vehicles from emission requirements. However, used petrol cars imported in Hong Kong for personal use are exempted, if they meet the following criteria-

The used vehicle must be owned by the importer for more than 6 months in a region outside Hong Kong where he has normally resided prior to the application. Vehicle registered in the name of a company will not be exempted even though the company is wholly owned by the applicant.

Applicant must submit the following supporting documents :

• Vehicle Registration Document copy showing that the vehicle has been owned by the importer outside Hong Kong for more than six (6) months.

• Driving license copy of the importer issued by the region from which the vehicle is imported with the date of issuance highlighted.

• Residence proof of the vehicle for more than six months from the place the vehicle is imported, such as telephone bills, electricity bills, etc.

• Documents showing reasons of bringing the vehicle into Hong Kong (Such as taking up permanent residence in Hong Kong, employment/study visa valid for at least 6 months from the date of application, etc.).

• Any other documents which can support the application.

The importer should obtain approval/exemption from the Environmental Protection Department before shipping their vehicles into Hong Kong, as it is necessary for the vehicle to show emissions compliance before it can be registered in Hong Kong.

Once the vehicle arrives in Hong Kong, it should be scheduled for the vehicle examination at the Vehicle Examination Centre. The importer has to bring the approval letter issued by the Environmental Protection Department to ensures that the car has complied with the vehicle exhaust emission and noise emission standards.

Vehicle Registration and Licensing :

When applying for registration for the first time, the importer should submit a complete application form to the Hong Kong Licensing Office of Transport Department.

The first registration tax rate is given below :

Type of Motor Vehicle - Rate of Tax

1.    Private Cars

(a.)    On the first $150,000 - 40%

(b.)    On the next $150,000 - 45%

(c.)    On the next $200,000 - 100%

(d.)    On the remainder - 115%

2.    Motorcycles and motor tricycles - 35%

3.    (a.) Good vehicles, other than Light Good Vehicles - 15%

(b.) Van type LGV, not exceeding 1.9 tons permitted gross vehicle weight

(i)    On the first $150,000 - 35%

(ii)    On the next $150,000 - 65%

(iii)    On the remainder - 85%

(c.) Van type LGV exceeding 1.9 tons permitted gross vehicle weight - 17%

4.    Taxis, Light buses, Buses and Special Purpose Vehicles - 3.7%