Importing a Car from Japan to Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a growing destination for cars imported from Japan, with Varna and Burgas on the Black Sea and good road links across the Balkans.

Last updated: 25 October 2026 · By Japonic Trade

Key facts

Customs duty

10% of customs value

VAT

20%

Inspection

Technical inspection before registration

Registration

Road traffic police (registration office), after customs clearance and inspection

Step by step

Buy and ship. We buy the car at auction or from stock and ship it to Varna, Burgas or another port that suits your route.
Customs clearance. Pay 10% duty and 20% VAT on arrival; keep the export certificate, bill of lading and invoice.
Technical inspection. Have the car inspected and approved for road use as required for its type.
Register the car. Take the documents to the registration office, insure the car and receive your plates.

Duties, taxes and homologation

Cars imported from outside the EU normally pay the EU customs duty on passenger cars (10% of the customs value) plus VAT at your country's rate, and some countries add their own registration tax.

Japanese and Korean market cars usually have no EU certificate of conformity, so most need individual vehicle approval and a technical inspection before they can be registered.

Frequently asked questions

What taxes apply in Bulgaria?

Expect 10% customs duty and 20% VAT on the customs value; some cars may have other national charges. Ask us for an estimate for a specific car.

Can I import a right-hand-drive Japanese car?

Rules for right-hand-drive cars can differ by country and change over time. Check the current Bulgarian requirements with the authorities before you buy.

Figures on this page are indicative and rates and rules change. Always confirm current duty, tax and approval requirements with your customs authority before you buy.

See what is available

Browse used cars from Japan in stock ready to ship, or learn how to read a Japanese auction sheet. Questions? Talk to us.