Overview: Japan to Pakistan corridor in 2026
Shipping a vehicle from Japan to Islamic Republic of Pakistan is one of the most active routes in the global RoRo market. Japanese export auctions (USS, TAA, JU) release tens of thousands of vehicles every week, and the Japan to Pakistan lane is supported by all major car-carrier operators including NYK, MOL, K-Line, Hoegh Autoliners, EUKOR and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. From the load ports of Yokohama, Nagoya cargo discharges at Karachi (Port Qasim), Karachi Port, with port-to-port transit running 22-32 days by Roll-on Roll-off and 28-40 days by container service. We coordinate every step in partnership with our group brand TheShipCars.co.uk, the licensed UK arm handling NOVA, customs and onward European delivery.
RoRo vs container on the Japan to Pakistan route
RoRo is the default method for driveable JDM cars on this corridor β it is the cheapest per unit and the fastest to load and discharge, with weekly or bi-weekly sailings. Sole-use 20ft container is preferred for higher-value JDM stock (Skyline GT-R, NSX, Supra), modified vehicles, non-driveable cars, and shipments where parts or personal effects are loaded inside the vehicle. Shared (consolidated) container sits between the two β two vehicles share a 40ft container at roughly $1,300 USD per vehicle on this lane, offering container protection at near-RoRo pricing. Read our pillar comparison RoRo vs Container Shipping for a deeper breakdown of the trade-offs.
Cost of shipping a car from Japan to Pakistan (2026 indicative)
For a standard saloon or hatchback collected from a Japanese auction and delivered to a Pakistan port, indicative 2026 freight-only prices are:
- RoRo: from $1,100 USD per vehicle
- Shared container (Β½ Γ 40ft): from $1,300 USD per vehicle
- Sole-use 20ft container: from $1,900 USD
These are freight + bunker + terminal handling at origin. They do not include destination duty, VAT/GST, port charges, customs broker fees, or inland delivery in Pakistan. For a fully landed quote use our Cost Calculator or request a fixed Japan-to-door quote via the form above.
Transit time and sailing schedule
Port-to-port transit on the Japan to Pakistan corridor runs 22-32 days for RoRo and 28-40 days for container services. On top of port-to-port transit you should allow 7-14 days for auction purchase, inland trucking to the load port, JEVIC/QISJ inspection where required, and 3-10 working days for customs clearance in Pakistan. Sailings load from Yokohama, Nagoya on a rotating weekly cycle β check the live RoRo Schedule page for upcoming vessel dates.
Import duty and taxes in Pakistan
Pakistan Customs (FBR) applies the following charge structure on vehicles imported from Japan:
- Customs duty: Cumulative duty 50-100%+ depending on cc; based on FBR depreciated value
- VAT / consumption tax: 18% sales tax
- Age / eligibility rule: Under 3 years for cars, 5 years for buses/trucks; allowed under Personal Baggage, Transfer of Residence, Gift schemes
- Steering wheel rule: RHD only β matches JDM
- Inspection regime: Pakistan Customs valuation at FBR rates + AEDB compliance for new EVs
Duty in Pakistan is calculated on the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight), so understating the invoice to save duty is both illegal and counter-productive β assessors use auction sheets and reference databases. Importer eligibility under TR scheme requires documented overseas residency β verify before booking.For a full cross-country comparison see our Vehicle Import Duties Guide.
Customs clearance in Pakistan
Customs clearance in Pakistan follows a predictable sequence: arrival notice β manifest filing β duty assessment by Pakistan Customs (FBR) β payment β release order β port gate-out. A licensed customs broker handles the entry on your behalf; we work with established brokers at Karachi (Port Qasim) and can introduce you on request. Allow 3-10 working days from vessel discharge to released vehicle, longer if pakistan-specific inspections (e.g. pakistan customs valuation at fbr rates + aedb compliance for new evs) are required.
Required import documents
- Export Certificate
- Bill of Lading
- Passport (importer must have lived 700+ days abroad for TR scheme)
- GD form
The single most common cause of clearance delay on the Japan to Pakistan lane is a missing or untranslated Japanese Export Certificate (the deregistration document, ζΉζΆη»ι²θ¨ΌζζΈ). We arrange certified English translation as standard. For our full export checklist see the Documents Required to Export a Car guide.
Shipping ports β Japan to Pakistan
Japan load ports: Yokohama, Nagoya. Yokohama is the primary RoRo gateway with the highest sailing frequency; Nagoya handles overflow and Toyota-region collections; Kobe serves western Japan and connects efficiently to Osaka auctions.
Pakistan discharge ports: Karachi (Port Qasim), Karachi Port. Karachi (Port Qasim) is the primary discharge hub on this lane with the deepest broker network, fastest clearance windows, and the most competitive port handling charges.
Vehicle import process β Japan to Pakistan step by step
- Source the vehicle through a Japanese auction agent (USS, TAA, JU) or used-car exporter.
- Confirm eligibility against Pakistan's rules: under 3 years for cars, 5 years for buses/trucks; allowed under personal baggage, transfer of residence, gift schemes, steering (rhd only β matches jdm).
- Pre-shipment inspection if required (Pakistan Customs valuation at FBR rates + AEDB compliance for new EVs).
- Inland haulage to Yokohama and storage pending vessel cut-off.
- Loading and Bill of Lading issuance β RoRo or container loaded at terminal.
- Ocean transit β 22-32 days RoRo / 28-40 days container.
- Arrival notice and customs entry filed with Pakistan Customs (FBR).
- Duty and tax payment on CIF value.
- Release and inland delivery to your address in Pakistan.
- Registration β final compliance, plates issued.
Most popular JDM models on the Japan to Pakistan route
Based on auction throughput and our own bookings, the highest-volume Japanese vehicles on this corridor in 2026 are:
- Toyota Vitz/Yaris
- Honda Fit
- Suzuki Wagon R
- Toyota Aqua
- Toyota Land Cruiser
For corridor-specific buying advice, see our Japan Auction Buying Guide and our pillar on International Car Shipping Costs.
Why ship Japan to Pakistan with us
We are a UK-licensed international vehicle exporter with direct space allocation on every major RoRo line serving the Japan to Pakistan lane. We hold our own NVOCC arrangements, issue our own house bills of lading, and consolidate cargo through our group brand TheShipCars.co.uk (our official partner network) to deliver published-rate freight without third-party mark-up. Customers reach our operations team 24/7 on +44 (0)1495 320540, by email at info@shipcarsroro.co.uk, or for fastest response at quotes@theshipcars.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from Japan to Pakistan?
RoRo from approximately $1,100 USD, container from $1,900 USD per vehicle freight-only.
How long does the journey take?
22-32 days port-to-port by RoRo, 28-40 days by container, plus 1-2 weeks for customs and inland.
Is RHD permitted in Pakistan?
RHD only β matches JDM.
What is the age limit?
Under 3 years for cars, 5 years for buses/trucks; allowed under Personal Baggage, Transfer of Residence, Gift schemes.
Which Japan port should I ship from to Pakistan?
Most cargo loads at Yokohama; alternatives include Nagoya for regional auction collections.
Which Pakistan port receives most Japanese vehicle imports?
Karachi (Port Qasim) is the primary discharge hub with the deepest broker network and fastest release windows.
What documents are required to import a car from Japan to Pakistan?
Pakistan Customs (FBR) requires: Export Certificate; Bill of Lading; Passport (importer must have lived 700+ days abroad for TR scheme); GD form.
Is RoRo or container shipping better for Japan to Pakistan?
RoRo is cheapest for standard cars; sole-use container suits high-value or modified JDM stock; shared container is the middle option offering container protection at near-RoRo cost.