Import Used Cars to Jordan: Full 2025 Rules, Taxes, EV & Hybrid Restrictions

Introduction

One of the most active import used cars to Jordan markets in the Middle East, with thousands of vehicles arriving each year through the Port of Aqaba and being processed at the Zarqa Free Zone.
However, as of 2025, the Jordanian government has significantly tightened vehicle import rules—especially for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars. This guide is that import used cars to Jordan provides all updated regulations, including age limits, taxes, technical standards, salvage restrictions, and the full clearance procedure.

Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Requirement

To import used cars to Jordan only allows the import of Left-Hand Drive vehicles.
Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles are not permitted, regardless of fuel type. Korean vehicles are all LHD → Fully acceptable for import used cars to Jordan.

Age Restrictions for Used Vehicles

General Used Cars (Gasoline/Diesel) No strict legal age limit for commercial imports. Personal-use import used cars to Jordan must not exceed 10 years of age.

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI)

Before exporting a vehicle from Korea to Jordan, a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is required. Must be performed by an authorized inspection agency. Diplomats are exempt. PSI verifies: vehicle identity, major damage, odometer, emissions, and safety.

Required Documents for Import Clearance

To import used cars to Jordan, the following documents are mandatory: Original Commercial/Purchase Invoice Original Certificate of Title / Registration Import Customs Declaration Form Original Bill of Lading (OBL) Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate Passport copy (for personal import)

Duties & Taxes in import used cars to Jordan

1 Gasoline Passenger Cars Sales Tax (VAT): 16% Special Tax: 56% Income Tax: 2% 2 Pick-ups, Vans and Trucks Pick-ups: 30% Vans: 30% Trucks under 4.5 tons: 30% Trucks over 4.5 tons: 0% Agricultural tractors: 0% 3 EV & Hybrid Taxes Jordan encourages cleaner vehicles with separate tax structures: Electric Vehicles (EV) : Customs Duty: 0%, Special Tax: 0%, VAT: 16%, Income Tax: 2% -> Total approx. 18% Hybrid Vehicles (HEV/PHEV) : VAT: 16%, Special Tax: 30%. Income Tax: 2%, -> Total approx. 48%, much lower than gasoline cars but higher than EVs.

Temporary Entry Rules (Up to 8 Months)

To import used cars to Jordan allows temporary entry of vehicles under strict conditions: Vehicle must have valid registration in origin country. — Must display original metal license plates. – The registration must be valid for 8 months or more. – Allowed period: 3 Months, +/-3month extension, +/-2 month final extension ( total 8 months)

After 8 months, the owner must either: – Pay duties and convert the vehicle to permanent Jordanian plates – Re-export the vehicle – Sell it duty-free within the Free Zone

Permanent Entry Process (Zarqa Free Zone)

All vehicles which import used cars to Jordan for permanent use must follow this procedure: Step 1 — Arrival at Port Aqaba The vehicle arrives by RoRo or container and is unloaded for transfer. Step 2 — Transport to Zarqa Free Zone Handled by a clearing agent under a Bank Guarantee. Step 3 — Technical Inspection Jordan Bureau of Motor Vehicles & Licensing will test: * Safety systems * Chassis integrity * Emission compliance * Compliance with EU, US, GCC, or Saudi standards Step 4 — Interpol Check Vehicle VIN is checked for theft or criminal cases. Step 5 — Duty Assessment & Payment Taxes are calculated based on customs-assessed value. Step 6 — Registration & Number Plates Once cleared, the vehicle receives Jordanian license plates.

Electric Vehicle Import Rules (2025 Update)

Jordan has implemented the strictest import regulations for EVs among all vehicle types. .1 1. Age Restriction — EVs Must Be 3 Years Old or Newer. The government now bans the import of EVs older than 3 years, including the clearance year. This is strictly enforced at Zarqa Free Zone.

2. Battery Inspection Rules EVs must undergo a detailed battery safety examination: – High-voltage system integrity – Charging capability – Physical damage check – Thermal safety evaluation * If the battery fails, the vehicle cannot be cleared until repaired or replaced.

3. EV Technical Standards EVs must comply with one of the following: – EU standards – – US standards – – – GCC/Saudi regulations * Vehicles lacking documentary proof of compliance may be rejected.

Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid Import Rules

1. Age Restriction Officially: No strict legal 3-year limit like EVs. However, in actual customs practice, Jordan strongly prefers hybrid vehicles that are within 3 years of age.
Hybrid cars older than 5 years often face stricter inspections and a higher risk of clearance issues.
For better buyer trust and higher customs approval rates, it is strongly recommended to import hybrid vehicles no older than 3 years.

2 Hybrid Battery Testing Hybrid vehicles must pass battery inspection, including: – State-of-Health (SOH) measurement – Failing units must repair/replace the battery before clearance.

Salvage / Junk / Accident Vehicles — Import Fully Prohibited

Jordan strictly bans all vehicles which import used cars to Jordan with the following conditions: Salvage title, Junk title, Total loss vehicles, Severe accident damage, Fire-damaged, Flood/water-damaged Vehicles marked as “not roadworthy” This ban applies to: Gasoline, Hybrid, Electric vehicles (EV), Even if repaired in Korea, if the origin title lists salvage/junk, it will be rejected.

Shipping Ports

All import used cars to Jordan must enter through: Port Aqaba (Jordan’s principal port) From Aqaba, all units are transported to the Zarqa Free Zone for inspection and clearance.

Importing a Korean Car to Jordan — Full 3-Step Summary

Step 1 — Pre-Shipment (Korea)
PSI inspection
Export documentation
Ship via RoRo or container to Port Aqaba Step 2 — Free Zone Clearance
Transport to Zarqa Free Zone
Technical inspection
Interpol check
Battery test (EV/Hybrid)
Document verification Step 3 — Final Release
Duty & tax payment
Registration
Issuance of Jordanian plates

However, as of December 2025, it is no exaggeration to say that the used-car import market in Jordan has come to a complete standstill. The Jordanian government is actively moving to revise its laws in order to stimulate the domestic new-car market and encourage citizens to purchase brand-new vehicles instead of imports.
As a result, many Jordanians who need to buy a car are now visiting official new-car dealerships rather than the used-car lots or import yards that were traditionally popular.

As a result, most automotive import businesses in Jordan have stopped importing used cars from Korea altogether. Instead, they are now focusing primarily on importing used auto parts to secure aftermarket supplies, which remain in high demand despite the slowdown in vehicle imports.

If you want to import used cars to Jordan from Korea, simply contact us via the Q&A section or WhatsApp, and we will get back to you with full details and a quotation.