Carbarn Malta FAQs

Customs duty on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value — the car plus the cost of shipping it — is 0% for cars made in Japan, 10% for other cars. VAT is 18% of that value plus the duty. Rates can change, so check with the Customs Department.

Cars are driven on and off the ship — RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) — on K-Line ships from Japan to Marsaxlokk / Valletta.

Every listing carries photographs, the Carbarn inspection comments, the full inspection report, and the auction grade, so the condition can be verified before you commit.

Transport Malta works it out from the car's registration value, its CO₂ emissions and its length, with a minimum charge for cars 5 years or older that starts at €800 and rises with emissions and age. It is quoted separately from the vehicle price.

The sea journey from Japan to Malta takes 40-45 days, depending on the ship's schedule.

Before the car is loaded in Japan, the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) checks it and certifies the odometer reading. After it arrives in Malta, a technical service recognised by Transport Malta carries out the Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) inspection, which confirms the car can be registered in the EU and records its CO2 emissions. Transport Malta's Technical Unit then inspects the car before it is registered.

Malta sets no maximum age for cars or vans. The minimum registration tax rises with the vehicle's age, so an older car can cost more to register.

Carbarn accepts Bank Transfer and Credit / Debit Card. Payment details are issued only on an official Carbarn proforma invoice after your quote is confirmed.

Vehicles arrive at Marsaxlokk / Valletta. From there you can clear the car through the clearing agent of your choice and collect it at the port.