Why JDM Car Registration Cost Matters in Bangladesh

In recent years, more Bangladeshi car buyers have been turning to Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars—from the fuel-efficient Toyota Axio to the stylish Honda Vezel and the rugged Nissan X-Trail. The reason is simple: JDM cars offer better quality, genuine mileage, and competitive pricing compared to locally available options.

But while importing sounds appealing, one question comes up again and again—
“What is the real registration cost for an imported JDM car in Bangladesh?”

This is where confusion starts. Many buyers know about car import tax in Bangladesh and Bangladesh customs duty, but few clearly understand how much the BRTA registration fee, fitness, and number plate charges actually add up to.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the registration cost for JDM cars, step by step. Whether you’re planning to import a 1500 cc Toyota Axio or a 3000 cc luxury SUV, you’ll learn exactly what expenses to expect—and how to avoid hidden surprises.

Why Registration & Taxes Matter for Imported JDM Cars in Bangladesh

If you’re planning to import a car in Bangladesh, the cost is about more than just the auction price in Japan. Two major expenses shape the final price of your vehicle once it arrives here:

1. Customs duty and import taxes
2. BRTA registration fees and local charges

Many buyers confuse the two—or underestimate how much each actually adds to the total cost.

1. Customs Duty & Import Taxes – Paid at the Port

When your JDM car arrives at Chattogram or Mongla port, the first major payment is customs duty, often referred to as car import tax in Bangladesh. This tax, regulated by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), is applied to all imported vehicles.

The amount is determined by:

• CIF value (Car price + Insurance + Freight)
• Engine capacity (cc)
• Fuel type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, EV)
• Vehicle category (sedan, SUV, microbus, etc.)

On top of the base duty, several additional taxes are charged, including Supplementary Duty (SD), Value Added Tax (VAT – usually 15%), Advance Income Tax (AIT – usually 5%), and Advance Trade VAT (ATV – usually 1%).

In other words, Bangladesh customs duty covers the full cost of bringing the vehicle into the country.

2. BRTA Registration Fees – Paid After Customs

Clearing customs does not make your car road-ready. To legally drive in Bangladesh, you must register the car with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

Registration involves several costs:

• Registration fee (based on engine capacity)
• Fitness certificate fee
• Number plate fee
• Smart card fee
• Renewal fees every few years

These are separate from customs duty and are required for legal ownership and operation of the vehicle.

Why This Distinction Matters

If you calculate only car import tax in Bangladesh but ignore BRTA registration expenses, you risk underestimating the total budget. In practice, registration-related costs can add between BDT 1.5–3.5 lakh, depending on engine size and category.

Understanding both customs and BRTA charges ensures you:

• Budget accurately
• Avoid unexpected financial strain
• Choose the right engine size for your budget
• Explore cost-saving options such as hybrids or EVs

Full Breakdown of Costs for Importing JDM Cars

When importing a car from Japan to Bangladesh, one of the largest expenses you’ll face is customs duty and taxes. These charges are imposed by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and calculated on the CIF value (Car Price + Insurance + Freight). Understanding each component is essential to estimate the true landing cost of your JDM car.

1. Customs Duty

Customs duty is the primary tax applied on all imported vehicles. The rate depends on the vehicle’s engine capacity, fuel type, and category (sedan, SUV, microbus, etc.). Larger engine sizes attract higher duty rates.

For example:

• Small cars under 1500 cc face lower duty rates.
• Luxury SUVs above 3000 cc can face extremely high rates, sometimes exceeding 200% of the CIF value.

2. Supplementary Duty (SD)

In addition to customs duty, Bangladesh applies a Supplementary Duty (SD) on imported cars. This duty varies depending on the car’s size, luxury status, and category. The goal is to discourage excessive imports of luxury vehicles while generating higher government revenue.

3. VAT, AIT, and ATV

Once customs and supplementary duties are calculated, additional taxes are applied:

• Value Added Tax (VAT): Typically 15% on the total value after duty.
• Advance Income Tax (AIT): Usually 5%, adjustable against your income tax liabilities.
• Advance Trade VAT (ATV): Generally 1%, applicable to trade transactions.

These add-ons further increase the total cost, making it essential to budget properly before importing.

4. Hybrid & EV Rebates

To encourage cleaner transport, the government offers reduced duty rates and partial rebates for hybrid and electric vehicles. For instance:

• Hybrids often receive a percentage reduction in duty compared to similar petrol vehicles.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) enjoy lower customs duty, making them more cost-effective to import.

This policy makes hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius and electric models like the Nissan Leaf increasingly attractive options for Bangladeshi buyers.

Key Takeaway:
Customs duty, supplementary duty, VAT, AIT, and ATV together form the bulk of the cost when you import a car in Bangladesh. While the rates may seem complex, knowing how they work—and factoring in possible rebates for hybrids and EVs—can save you from costly surprises.

BRTA Registration Costs in Bangladesh

Clearing customs is only part of the process when you import a car in Bangladesh. To legally drive your imported JDM car on local roads, you must register it with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). This step comes with its own set of costs, which are separate from customs duties and taxes.

1. Registration Fee (Based on Engine CC)

The BRTA charges a one-time registration fee that depends on the car’s engine capacity.

• Smaller cars (under 1500 cc) are charged lower registration fees.
• Larger engine vehicles (2000 cc, 2500 cc, and above) face significantly higher fees.
  This sliding scale ensures that luxury and high-performance vehicles pay more for registration than smaller, economy cars.

2. Fitness Certificate Fee

Every car imported into Bangladesh must pass a fitness test to prove it is roadworthy. The BRTA issues a fitness certificate, and you must pay a fixed fee for it. This certificate must be renewed periodically (typically every one to two years), which adds to long-term ownership costs.

3. Number Plate and Smart Card Fee

• Number Plate Fee: BRTA issues mandatory digital number plates for all vehicles.
• Smart Card Fee: Along with the number plate, owners receive a smart registration card, which contains all official vehicle and ownership details in digital form.

Both of these come with one-time charges at the time of registration.

4. Renewal Costs Every Few Years

Beyond the initial registration, car owners must pay renewal fees for:

• Registration updates
• Fitness certificate renewal
• Emission checks (if applicable)

These costs are not as high as the initial registration but should be considered in your long-term budget for an imported JDM car.

Key Takeaway

While Bangladesh customs duty determines the initial import cost, BRTA registration fees are what legally allow you to drive the vehicle on the road. Combined, they add a significant amount—often between BDT 1.5–3.5 lakh depending on the engine size and car category.

Registration Cost by Engine Capacity in Bangladesh

When you import a car in Bangladesh, the final cost varies significantly depending on the engine capacity (cc). Both Bangladesh customs duty and BRTA registration costs rise with higher cc ranges. Below is a breakdown with popular JDM models as examples.

Estimated Registration & Tax Costs by Engine CC

Engine Capacity	Example JDM Model	Approx. Total Duty & Tax Rate	Estimated BRTA Registration Fees	Combined Extra Cost (Duty + Registration)
1500 cc	Toyota Axio	90% – 110%	1.5 – 1.8 lakh BDT	12 – 15 lakh BDT (on top of CIF price)
2000 cc	Honda CR-V	110% – 130%	2 – 2.5 lakh BDT	18 – 22 lakh BDT (on top of CIF price)
2500 cc	Toyota Harrier	130% – 160%	2.5 – 3 lakh BDT	25 – 30 lakh BDT (on top of CIF price)
3000 cc	Nissan Patrol/Land Cruiser	160% – 200%+	3 – 3.5 lakh BDT	40 lakh+ BDT (on top of CIF price)

Note: These figures are estimates for 2025 and vary based on hybrid/EV rebates, auction price, and NBR duty slabs.

Example Cost Calculations

Case 1: Toyota Axio (1500 cc)

• Auction Price (Japan): 10 lakh BDT
• Shipping & Insurance: 1.5 lakh BDT
• CIF Value: 11.5 lakh BDT
• Customs Duty & Taxes (approx. 100%): 11.5 lakh BDT
• BRTA Registration & Fees: 1.6 lakh BDT
• Total On-Road Price in Bangladesh: ~24.6 lakh BDT

Case 2: Honda CR-V (2000 cc)

• Auction Price (Japan): 18 lakh BDT
• Shipping & Insurance: 2 lakh BDT
• CIF Value: 20 lakh BDT
• Customs Duty & Taxes (approx. 120%): 24 lakh BDT
• BRTA Registration & Fees: 2.2 lakh BDT
• Total On-Road Price in Bangladesh: ~46.2 lakh BDT

Case 3: Toyota Harrier (2500 cc Hybrid)

• Auction Price (Japan): 25 lakh BDT
• Shipping & Insurance: 2.5 lakh BDT
• CIF Value: 27.5 lakh BDT
• Customs Duty & Taxes (approx. 140%): 38.5 lakh BDT
• Hybrid Duty Rebate: –3 lakh BDT
• BRTA Registration & Fees: 2.8 lakh BDT
• Total On-Road Price in Bangladesh: ~65.8 lakh BDT

Case 4: Nissan Patrol (3000 cc+)

• Auction Price (Japan): 35 lakh BDT
• Shipping & Insurance: 3.5 lakh BDT
• CIF Value: 38.5 lakh BDT
• Customs Duty & Taxes (approx. 180%): 69.3 lakh BDT
• BRTA Registration & Fees: 3.2 lakh BDT
• Total On-Road Price in Bangladesh: ~111 lakh BDT (1.11 crore)

Key Insight

Smaller cc vehicles like the Toyota Axio (1500 cc) are far more cost-effective due to lower duties and registration fees. Luxury SUVs above 3000 cc can easily cross 1 crore BDT once all taxes and registration charges are added.

Factors That Affect Final Registration Cost

Several factors determine how much you will ultimately pay when registering an imported JDM car in Bangladesh:

Year Restriction (5 Years Maximum):
Bangladesh only allows the import of reconditioned cars up to 5 years old from the manufacturing year. If a vehicle is older, it cannot be cleared at the port, regardless of its condition.

Fuel Type – Hybrid, EV vs Petrol/Diesel:
Hybrid and electric vehicles benefit from reduced customs duties and registration incentives. Petrol and diesel cars, especially with higher cc, face steeper rates.

Luxury Tax Above 3000 cc:
High-capacity engines such as Land Cruisers or Patrols not only have the highest duty rates but may also require special approvals, making their registration significantly more expensive.

Tips to Save Money on Import & Registration

• Choose Within 1500 cc or Hybrid Models: Cars with smaller engines or hybrid systems are far more cost-efficient due to lower duty and BRTA registration fees.
• Use Verified Exporters: Always check auction sheets, chassis numbers, and exporter credentials to avoid fake or manipulated documents.
• Work with Experienced C&F Agents: Proper port clearance and documentation can save time, money, and unexpected fines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the registration fee for an imported car in Bangladesh?
Registration fees vary by engine capacity, typically ranging from 1.5 lakh to over 3 lakh BDT, depending on cc and category.

Do hybrid cars have lower registration costs?
Yes. Hybrid cars receive partial rebates on customs duties, which reduces the total registration-related costs compared to petrol or diesel cars of the same engine size.

How much does it cost to register a 2000 cc car in Bangladesh?
For a 2000 cc car like a Honda CR-V, expect around 2–2.5 lakh BDT in BRTA registration fees, in addition to customs duty and taxes.

Is it cheaper to import directly or via an importer?
Importing directly can save some costs if you are highly experienced, but most buyers prefer using a trusted local importer who manages auction bidding, customs, and BRTA registration to avoid risks and delays.

Final Call to Action

If you are planning to import a car in Bangladesh and want complete clarity on registration cost, customs duty, and port clearance, working with a trusted partner is essential.

At Biswas Imports, we provide end-to-end support—from auction bidding in Japan to BRTA registration in Bangladesh. With transparent pricing, authentic auction sheets, and no hidden charges, we ensure a stress-free experience for every buyer.

Contact Biswas Imports today to book your dream JDM car and drive with confidence.