Customs Forecast: Import Duty Estimates
The Customs Forecast tool provides import duty estimates for vehicle imports into all 8 WATTSHIP markets. These estimates power the Landed Cost Calculator on the VDP and the standalone TCO calculator.
How rates are calculated
WATTSHIP pre-loads the most common duty rates for vehicles classified under HS Chapter 87 (vehicles and their parts). The rates applied are:
| Market | Standard passenger vehicle rate |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 US | 2.5% |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 6.5% |
| 🇦🇺 AU | 5% (+ 10% GST on CIF value) |
| 🇳🇿 NZ | 0% (FTA benefit) |
| 🇨🇦 CA | 6.1% (non-FTA) / 0% (CUSMA) |
| 🇯🇵 JP | 0% (export, not import) |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 5% |
| 🇰🇪 KE | 25–35% depending on age |
These are indicative rates. Actual rates depend on the specific HS code applied, any applicable free trade agreements, and country-of-origin documentation.
New Zealand FTA benefit
New Zealand benefits from a zero-tariff FTA with Japan. Vehicles imported from Japan with valid country of origin documentation pay 0% import duty. This makes NZ one of the most cost-effective RHD import markets globally.
Canada’s CUSMA benefit
Vehicles manufactured in Canada, US, or Mexico qualify for 0% duty under CUSMA. Most Japanese vehicles do not qualify and pay the standard 6.1%. Verify with your Canadian customs broker.
Kenya’s age-based rates
Kenya KRA applies different duty rates based on vehicle age at time of import: under 3 years: 25%; 3-8 years: 35%. Vehicles over 8 years old cannot be legally imported into Kenya. The Customs Forecast uses vehicle year to auto-apply the correct rate.
Verify before committing
For any transaction above $5,000 USD, verify your duty calculation with a licensed customs broker in your destination country. The Customs Forecast is a planning tool, not a binding tariff determination.