1-888-561-5587Auto Restrictions
| DESTINATION COUNTRY | REQUIREMENTS / RESTRICTIONS | Last Update |
| Algeria | Used cars are not allowed in Algeria. Only new cars are allowed. | Jul-12-2024 |
| Angola | • Light vehicles, should not exceed five years (from date of manufacture). Heavy vehicles, should not exceed 8 years (from date of manufacture). Motorcycles, should not exceed 3 years (from date of manufacture). • No Right-hand drive car or which has been modified. |
Jul-2-2024 |
| Bahrain | New vehicles: vehicle manufactured date should be within 5 years / subject to 5% customs duty and other related charges Classic cars/exotic cars: subject to customs approval and 5% duty and other related charges. | Jul-1-2024 |
| Bolivia | Wrecked vehicles, as well as those that have any type of damage to their exterior structure, be it mild, moderate or severe. Vehicles with the duplicated, altered or ground chassis number Vehicles that has been submitted to overhaul operations of steering wheel outside the country. Vehicles that has been suffered an undergone change or incorporation of the GNV fuel device outside the country. Motor vehicles using diesel oil as fuel whose displacement is less than or equal to four thousand cubic centimeters (4,000 c. CL). The motor vehicles (no older than 5 years) donated to public entities are excepted of this prohibition. | Jul-1-2024 |
| Brazil | No right-Handed Autos permitted. Second-hand vehicle age limit: Import of second-hand vehicle including car, motorbike, motorcycle, lorry, tractor, public works vehicle is subject to below regulations. Non-respect is subject to administrative sanction | May-23-2023 |
| British V.I. | Following details must be mentioned on the bill of lading for each car inside the container: VIN number Brand Model Year of manufacture | May-24-2023 |
| Cambodia | No Right Hand Drive Vehicles | Jul-2-2024 |
| Chile | Used vehicles / motorcycles are not allowed. | Mar-6-2023 |
| China | • Fuzhou (CNFUG): Import or Transshipment of vehicles prohibited • Nansha (CNNSA): All vehicles must move as Hazardous Cargo for Import as well as transshipment & FROB |
Mar-6-2023 |
| China // XIAMEN | The below HS codes are restricted and allowed to import only into specific Xiamen Terminals. Restricted Commodities applicable : 8701 - TRACTORS (OTHER THAN TRACTORS OF HEADING 8709) 8702 - MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF TEN OR MORE PERSONS, INCLUDING THE DRIVER 8703 - MOTOR CARS AND OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES PRINCIPALLY DESIGNED FOR THE TRANSPORT OF PERSONS (OTHER THAN THOSE OF HEADING 8702), INCLUDING STATION WAGONS AND RACING CARS. 8704 - MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF GOODS. 8705 - SPECIAL PURPOSE MOTOR VEHICLES, OTHER THAN THOSE PRINCIPALLY DESIGNED FOR THE TRANSPORT OR PERSONS OR GOODS 8706 - CHASSIS FITTED WITH ENGINES, FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES OF headings 8701 TO 8705. 8716 - TRAILERS AND SEMI-TRAILERS; OTHER VEHICLES, NOT MECHANICALLY PROPELLED; PARTS THEREOF. 8429 - Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and roadrollers Acceptable Xiamen Terminals: XIAMEN OCEAN GATE CONTAINER TERMINAL XIAMEN HAIRUN CONTAINER TERMINAL XIAMEN SONGYU CONTAINER TERMINAL XIAMEN INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL | Mar-6-2023 |
| Colombia | Import of Vehicles On respect of used cars or vehicles, Colombian customs allows the temporary admission into the national customs territory. For private use for the exclusive use of the tourist, except if the car or motorcycle belongs to a diplomatic person. | Mar-6-2023 |
| Comoros | • An authorization from competent authorities and Ministries is required to import vehicles with Smoked/Tinted glass. • Import of right-handed steering wheel vehicles are not allowed in the country. • Any import of right-handed steering wheel will be re-exported to the port of loading/origin. Associated cost for re- exporting to POL will be on account of shipper, including demurrage and storage charges. • The local Customs Authority in Comoro will charge a penalty charge which will be equivalent to the twice the value of the vehicle imported. This penalty fine will be charged back to the Booking Agent to recover this cost from Shipper. |
May-23-2023 |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | As from April 2017, it's allowed to import vehicles under two conditions: 1) Vehicles must be less than 20 years old (An initial entry into service less than 20 years old before the arrival in DRC) 2) The vehicle has to present a satisfactory technical state, been attested by a mission control at POL by the shipper, approved by the Congolese government. It is mandatory for the Shipper to declare at Booking Stage: • Car model. • Colour and Year of Manufacture. |
May-23-2023 |
| Dominica | Import requirements for used equipment, motor vehicles and building materials (prohibition of soil importation) The import of soils are completely forbitten into the Commonwealth of Dominica according to the Plant Act of Dominica, Act #10, 1986, Chapter 58:40 Part V. Used heavy equipment, dump trucks, used construction scaffolding and other regulated articles have repeatedly been intercepted with soil and plant residues. This will no longer be tolerated by Local Authorities. Please make sure that Shippers are well informed about this regulation and that all measures have been taken to meet Dominica's import regulations of ZERO SOIL. | May-23-2023 |
| Dominican Republic | It is prohibited to import vehicles (cars/trucks/motors..) that are more than five years old into Dominican Republic. | May-23-2023 |
| Ecuador | Used vehicles as part of household goods: It is only allowed to import used vehicles for migrants. Otherwise It is strictly forbidden. It is also considered as part of household goods for Ecuadorians returning to the country 1 vehicle for family use which year and model should be last 5 years, including year of importing. Car and household goods must arrive together on same vessel into same bill of lading. | May-23-2023 |
| Egypt | Damietta: Import of Vehicles not permitted (to include new, used, motorcycles, or used heavy duty vehicles) Alexandria, Ain Sukhna, Port Said: • Motorcycles to Egypt are prohibited, except for personal use (one motorcycle per B/L). • New Vehicles - No autos over 1 year old. • Used vehicles - for personal use only (1 car per b/l and consignee). • USED HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES Less than 7 years allowed for personal use. For project use, no restriction on production year. For Motors of all vehicles, auto spare parts, generators, or forklifts cargo, destined to Port Said WEST, must clearly mention in BL if USED or NEW as it differs for YARD. If not clearly mentioned, shipment will be discharged as per available information and shipper is responsible in case of wrong selection |
May-23-2023 |
| Equatorial Guinea | Import of Used Vehicles is not permitted unless approved by Ministry of Mines and Energy and Stamped Certificates from Customs Administration are obtained. | May-24-2023 |
| Eritrea | Import of vehicles is subject to authorization; Must state if vehicle is new or old | May-24-2023 |
| Gabon | Vehicles category A B D that are less than or equal to 10 years old are permitted. Vehicles category C & E that are less or equal to 10 years old are permitted. | Jun-24-2024 |
| Ghana | Cars and trucks less than 10 years old can be imported without restriction. Older vehicles are allowed, subject to a customs fine. | May-24-2023 |
| Grenada | No vehicle is accepted in Grenada if year of manufacturing is more than 10 years old. Vehicle Color, Year, Make / Model, VIN # / Chassis #, Engine CC's, Odometer reading (Mileage) and Engine # must be on bill of lading | May-24-2023 |
| Guinea | No Right-Handed Autos permitted. Second-hand vehicle age limit: Import of second-hand vehicle including car, motorbike, motorcycle, lorry, tractor, public works vehicle is subject to below regulations. Non-respect is subject to administrative sanction, penalty, destruction of the vehicle and re-exportation of said cargo to Carrier and consignee's debit: • Max 3 years age for motorbike and motorcycle • Max 13 years age for all other vehicles |
May-24-2023 |
| Haiti | • Used Vehicles are not allowed to be stuffed with personal effects • Used vehicles must be in good running conditions • Serial number, the color and the year are mandatory to clear customs in Haiti. Vehicle must be in working condition, no dismantled vehicles. One vehicle per consignee (otherwise subject to a local tax per additional car) - Import is subject to a $ 350 parking fee. Used Vehicles are not allowed to be stuffed with personal effects |
May-24-2023 |
| Hong Kong | HAZARDOUS/DANGEROUS VEHICLES Hazardous/Dangerous "part of motor vehicle that has fuel in its fuel tank" shipments to Hong Kong (load/discharge/transhipment) are acceptable only in Open Top Cargo Transport Unit. Are only concerned all "part of motor vehicle that has fuel in its fuel tank" classified under IMO CLASS 9 - UN 3166: "Part of" VEHICLE, FLAMMABLE GAS POWERED or "Part of" VEHICLE, FLAMMABLE LIQUID POWERED or "Part of" VEHICLE, FUEL CELL, FLAMMABLE GAS POWERED or "Part of" VEHICLE, FUEL CELL, FLAMMABLE LIQUID POWERED Any shipment not compliant will remain on board and will be discharge in alternative port of discharge. Transit (ROB) shipment and Complete vehicles shipments (Hazardous or exempted from IMDG Code provision as per Special provision 961) and non-hazardous part of motor vehicle exempted from IMDG Code provision as per Special provision 961 are not concerned by this restriction and remain acceptable in closed Cargo Transport Unit. | May-24-2023 |
| India | Used vehicles should not be older than 3 years from the date of manufacture and should have a minimum road worthiness residual life of 5 years. • Used cars can be only imported through Mumbai port. • The vehicle should comply with Indian Motor Vehicle Act 1988 like right hand steering. In case of Import of Personal Effects along with Car, there is a Custom requirement for declaring Car separately so two different BLs to be issued i.e. one with Car and one with Personal Goods. |
May-24-2023 |
| Iraq | Vehicles are allowed to be imported provided model year date is not older than two years. The 2 years is to be calculated from August 31st of the current year. All vehicles should be in sound condition without any damage. | Jun-15-2023 |
| Ivory Coast | published by Ivory Coast Republic, the age limit of used vehicles allowed to be imported in Ivory Coast must be: - 5 years for cars (tourism vehicles) - 5 years for Taxi - 7 years for Minibus (from 9 to 34 seats) - 7 years for Trucks up to 5 Tons maximum - 10 years for bus (more than 34 seats) - 10 years for trucks from 5 to 10 Tons maximum - 10 years for Trucks over 10 Tons Effective date: July 1st, 2018 (Discharge date) | Jul-10-2024 |
| Kenya | Vehicle must be of right hand drive orientation. Vehicle must be less than 8 years old. Vehicle must be inspected at country of origin to determine safety and roadworthiness condition. . | May-24-2023 |
| Kuwait | For Individual, Importation of new cars is limited to one per year. For Individual customer / Personnel's, Importation of car (used/new) is limited to one car per year (One car, one consignee, one BL). In case of multiple cars under single container should be booked as part BL on different consignee names. It is prohibited to import personnel vehicles under company license - Vehicle: Brand name / Chassis no / Year of Manufacture , Model and type is mandatory - Engine no & color also requested. It would be advisable to check with POD on case to case basis prior accepting the booking | Jun-27-2024 |
| Lebanon | Diesel Cars: Not Allowed, Used Car Age Limit: 8 years old. Gasoline Pick-up trucks: no restrictions. Diesel Pick-up trucks: 5-year age limit & payload at least 3.5 tons. Gasoline Vans: Accepted, Diesel Vans: Not Allowed. The import of used motorcycles with engine capacity under 125 CC is Banned. The import of used motorcycles with engine capacity over 125 CC that are over 3 years of age is Banned. The import of used ATV that are over 3 years of age is Banned. | Jul-23-2024 |
| Liberia | No Right Hand Drive Vehicles Used motor vehicles more than 10 years old, whether intended for transport of passengers or goods, or private or commercial use are restricted to be imported into Liberia. A punitive tax on importation of vehicles above 10 years old will be levied to discourage and penalize the importation of such vehicles, with the exception of the following machinery/ vehicles: i) Earth moving equipment ii) Heavy trucks used in forestry or for the transportation of heavy equipment iii) Industrial vehicles and tankers, which can be imported whatever their age | Jun-25-2024 |
| Libya | No salvage vehicles, boats, inflatable boats, or personal watercrafts (Ex. Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, WaveRunner) permitted. • Used tires, half cars, used spare parts of cars or vehicles are prohibited • Armored Vehicles are prohibited • All auto bookings must be accompanied by the Libya LOI signed by company officer (VP or higher) and must be provided by the documentation cut off or the cargo is subject to rolling at the expense of the customer. • The LOI must be provided prior to the booking being confirmed. • Vehicles can discharge at Benghazi, Elkhoms, Misurata, and Tobruk • Only new (zero kilometer) vehicles, can discharge at Tripoli • Vehicles stowed in containers must be in good condition and drivable, not damaged or "salvaged material". • Only Shipping Forwarding Agencies can appear as consignee on transport document for shipments including multiple vehicles. Total number of cars in each container must be clearly mentioned for all shipments on B/L. NOTE: One car per one receiver and the SI must include full name & address of receiver + full description of cargo (car type + engine No. + chassis No.) • Commercial Invoice and Packing List are required to be submitted with Master SI at the Documentation Stage |
May-1-2024 |
| Madagascar | Used bus (public transport) over 10 years are prohibited. Used trucks and used semi-trailers over 15 years are prohibited. Vehicles must have a left-hand wheel. Vehicles and/or trucks that have been dismantled are not accepted. | Jun-12-2024 |
| Maldives | For FOB perishable cargo, used vehicles and/or used spare parts, a prior approval has to be taken from POD | Jun-12-2024 |
| Namibia | Imported cars to Namibia may not be older than 8 years. The importer must be in possession of an import permit for any second hand imported cars, to be obtained from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. | May-24-2023 |
| Nigeria | Used cars older than 12 years are permitted only with the Export Declaration submission using HS Codes 870322 & 87033320. HS Codes 870310 & 870390 are strictly prohibited by NCS. Trucks and buses are permitted if within the age limit. Bill of lading must mention chassis number, VIN number, Model / Make, and Year of Manufacture for the vehicle. No Right Hand Drive Vehicles permitted. | Jun-21-2024 |
| Paraguay | Used cars with more than 10 years are prohibited in Paraguay. In case of Vehicles (including new or used cars and motorcycles), manufacturer/brand, model, year of manufacture, color, chassis and cylinder capacity must be informed on BL | Sep-13-2023 |
| Qatar | · Qatar customs will accept used cars (sedan, 4x4) 5 years old and 10 years old for trucks · For classic cars, 35 years and older | Jun-13-2023 |
| Russia | No private/personal autos allowed | Jun-13-2023 |
| Saudi Arabia | Import of used vehicles over 5 years are forbidden. Second-hand normal automobiles, passenger buses and light-duty transport vehicles age should not exceed 05 years while the heavy-duty transport vehicles should not exceed 10 years age. OLD cars manufactured 30 years ago or more will be allowed for importation and will be labelled as "ANTIQUE CARS" in the Customs importation cards and will not be provided with traffic registration plate to drive in the roads. | Jul-23-2024 |
| Senegal | 2nd hand cars, 2nd hand vehicles below 3.5 tons for cargo transport or vehicles for transport of people are not allowed to be imported if they are 8 years old or more. 2nd hand vehicles over 3.5 tons for cargo transport are not allowed if they are 10 years old or more. Additionally, import of 2nd hand bicycles or motorcycles (below 50 cm3) is forbidden. | Sep-13-2023 |
| Serbia | There is no obstacle regarding age of vehicles but it's not acceptable to import or make the registration of a vehicle who is below EUR 3 standard of emission of gases. | Mar-6-2023 |
| Sudan | UPDATED Sept, 20th 2021 -Only cars with the same model year as the year of shipping / loading are allowed without restriction. (Ex: Car model 2020 not allowed to import in this year 2021). All used cars are not allowed in Sudan except for below Consignee's categories: - Diplomats, - Scholarships, - Loaners, - Expatriates. All above categories are allowed to import cars not older than 5 years from model year after arranging the needed exemption approvals from related government desks for each category, Exemption should be issued and dated before loading the shipment and it MUST be for the actual consignee in BL. Shipper must made aware that in case of rejection of the shipment due to missing documents from his consignee, CMA CGM takes no responsibility and all cost occurs would be on merchant account. | May-24-2023 |
| Suriname | Imports of vehicles over 8 years are not allowed. Mopeds and scooters are excluded. Imports of buses over 15 years not allowed. | Jun-15-2023 |
| Tunisia | Used vehicles are strictly forbidden. New vehicles are allowed only from brand mark dealer/franchise holder to brand mark dealer/franchise holder. VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) must be added on bill of lading. | May-24-2023 |
| Turkey | It is forbidden to import used cars for commercial use. It is allowed to import used cars for private use on temporary basis provided that the private importer is a civil Turkish citizen who has stayed abroad for a temporary period of 6 months minimum and who is moving back to Turkey. His second-hand car can be imported and used in Turkey for 24 months. There is an exemption for the Turkish bureaucrat's citizens (such as public officials, country ambassadors and ambassadors.. ) who lived abroad. It is possible for them to bring back their used cars without restriction while they are moving back to Turkey. | Jul-2-2024 |
| United Arab of Emirates | Cars / Vehicles can be imported normally up to 10 years of age, after that they need to be certified as vintage. Construction vehicles are exempt from any age restriction. | Jul-19-2024 |
| VANUATU | Mandatory to provide fumigation or/and phytosanitary certificate for all shipments to Vanuatu for Used Machinery and farming equipment (including motor vehicle, farming, earth-moving, mining, constructions & timber machinery including spare parts). | Mar-6-2023 |
| Venezuela | All vehicles shipped to Venezuelan PODs must move as Hazardous Cargo. If not declared Hazardous, cargo will be segregated, and all charges and penalties will be for shipper's account. | Sep-16-2021 |
| YEMEN | New booking of DRY 20'ST, 40'ST, 40'HC and 45'HC is allowed excluding below cargo: The commodities listed below must follow an online Pre-approval - Yemen Approval - prior to booking confirmation - Motorcycles, four-wheel drive vehicles (pickup, SUV, 4X4), trucks and any other type of motor vehicles ; - Spare parts for any type of motor vehicles (i.e motorcycles, passenger vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles or larger vehicles); - Bicycles / spare parts of bicycles | Jun-12-2024 |