Car Import Rules in Bangladesh (2025) New & Used Car Regulations

Car Import Rules in Bangladesh (2025) New & Used Car Regulations
Car import rules in Bangladesh are easy to understand! So don’t panic & take a note. All you have to know is about paperwork, taxes, and quirky rules with confidence. For better information, let's talk about car import rules in Bangladesh in detail!
Why Imported Cars?
First of all, let's give some compliments to Imported Cars. Which are immensely popular because they offer three things that every car lover craves. Like it has Bangladeshi‑friendly pricing. Even though you're getting a high‑quality used car, it's going to cost little money. Just not only that, it can ensure better performance and luxurious features. So why not?
New Car Import Rules in Bangladesh
If you want to buy brand-new cars, then you must choose RHD vehicles. Also every import must pass BSTI and BRTA safety tests. And if you don't think about emission checks, noise limits, and other regulatory boxes, then you're done!
Also, as some essential documents, you need to check the purchase invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading (BOL), and country-of-origin certificate as well.
Taxes & Fees in Car Import Rules
By the way, this Car Import Rules point in Bangladesh varies with CIF and engine size. So before making any decision, discuss it with any customs duty officer or expert. But normally it's going to be like this:
- VAT: 15%
- Advance Income Tax: 1/3%
- Regulatory Duty: Additional range
- Infrastructure Surcharge: 2.5%
- BRTA registration + road tax
- Not Monopoly
Used Car Import Rules in Bangladesh
We already talked about new car import rules in Bangladesh. But most Bengalis like to buy used cars. This part of the article is going to be only for them. So let's talk about used car import rules in Bangladesh. Which would be your dream ride & can cost half as much.
- Age Limit: If you want to import any used car in Bangladesh, then it should be max 4 years old per JAAI. And it would be based on year-of-manufacture plus one. Although some cars allow up to 5 years. But at this point customs opinions really matter & vary!
- Source Country: In the matter of used car importing, it must have arrived straight from Japan. And no detours from Thailand or Europe.
- Right-Hand Drive Only: Same rules as new car import rules. There are no left-hand drive cars going to be allowed. So he is careful. But it's true that if you are royalty or a diplomat, you can!
- JAAI Inspection: Another Used Car Import Rule Bangladesh is showing a JAAI certificate verifying the model, year, and chassis condition.
- Required Documents: As required documents, you need to show them a passport/work permit, export certificate, original invoice, JAAI certificate, BOL, vehicle condition report, and import permit. By the way, an import permit is important only if your car is from a foreign country.
- Taxes & Duties: Lastly, for Taxes & Duties, you need to know about CIF. Which means Cost + Insurance + Freight. By the way, we are talking only about cars with engine size 1,300 cc.
Taxes & Duties in Car Import Rules
If you import a car to Bangladesh, you’ll face several layers of taxes and fees. Like:
- Customs Duty: For the Customs Duty, it's going to range from 55% to 100%. Basically, it depends on the engine capacity and car type.
- VAT: VAT, which means Value Added Tax, is going to be 15% added on top of your import cost.
- Infrastructure Surcharge: And there 2.5% would be for the use of national ports and transport infrastructure.
- AIT: For AIT, or Advance Income Tax, you need to pay tax between 1% and 3%. It will depend on your importer profile and registration status.
- Supplementary Duty: At Car Import Rules in Bangladesh, you need to remember that there is a hefty 100% on many types of cars. Especially if you choose larger engines or premium features, then it's important.
- BRTA Registration & Fees: BRTA Registration & Fees are going to be fixed based on the type of car. Also, it depends on engine size and number plate preference.
Step-by-Step Import Process in Bangladesh
Now we are going to talk about important information like the step-by-step import process in Bangladesh.
- First you need to choose a model in Japan. It must be RHD, JAAI-certified, and younger than 4 years.
- Then you have to check the auction sheet. And in the auction sheet you will check the age, mileage, and damage history of that car.
- Now it's time to secure export docs. Gather all the documents like the export certificate, JAAI report, invoice, and packing list.
- After gathering documents, you have to choose a shipping method. In this matter we are going to say Ro-Ro ships are cheaper. But it's going to take 19/24 days.
- Also, you can choose Containers if you want. But it's really expensive for Bengali people.
- No, you need to use a licensed clearing agent. For this you have to submit docs and pay duties. Lastly, just wait for approval.
- If you are done with the licensed clearing agent system, then register with BRTA. Also make your customs clear.
- Lastly, just give a final check & insurance. Or check damage and insure it.
Cost of Car Import System in Bangladesh
If you choose a Toyota Corolla with 1,300 cc, which is 3 years old, for customs duty you need to pay $8,250, and VAT would be 15%, like $3,675. With all other costs, it will be $15,000 in total. Which is BDT 2.5 crore in Bangladeshi TK.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to import a car?
To import a car in Bangladesh, it will cost BDT 2.5-3 crore. Or just $15,000. At this price you can afford any 3-year-old car with good features.
How old can the car be?
You can only import cars up to 4 years old. It has to be per year of manufacture +1. But if you choose anything older, it likely will get rejected.
Who qualifies for duty‑free import?
If you are a diplomat or returning citizen, then you are qualified for duty‑free import in Bangladesh. Especially if you have to be someone who lives 10+ years abroad and also 2+ years owning the car.