Why Korean cars are growing in Albania
According to official DPSHTRR data reported by Monitor and BalkanWeb, South Korea was the second-largest source of used cars imported into Albania in January–July 2024, with a 17.4% share — about 10,600 vehicles, more than three times the same period of 2023. Italy (18.2%) and Germany (17.2%) were the other main sources.
Korean cars are left-hand drive, like Albania, and most come with a standard Korean inspection report and an insurance claim history — useful when you buy from far away.
What you pay when the car arrives
- VAT 20% — calculated on the customs value including duty and excise.
- Excise — depends mainly on engine size, fuel type and age or emissions. Older and more polluting cars usually pay more.
- Customs value — for used cars, customs can use reference values by engine class set by a Ministry of Finance instruction, so the taxable value may differ from your invoice.
- Origin — EU–Albania tariff preferences apply to EU-origin goods; a car exported from Korea does not automatically get them.
Which cars make sense
Because excise usually rises with age, a slightly newer car can cost less in total than an older one with a lower purchase price. Ask us for the year, engine size and Euro/emission data of any car so your agent can calculate before you buy.
2021 Hyundai Tucson (NX4) Diesel 2.0 4WD Inspiration
121,580 Km · First registered: 2021-02-03
Accident history: No · Panels repaired/replaced: 2 · Insurance claims (own): 3 (KRW 4,501,910)
Listed at: $14,619 — View car & photos →
2023 Hyundai The New Santa Fe Diesel 2.2 4WD Prestige
150,225 Km · First registered: 2023-07-24
Accident history: No · Panels repaired/replaced: 0 · Insurance claims (own): None recorded
Listed at: $13,389 — View car & photos →
Shipping to Durrës
Durrës is Albania's main port. Single cars usually travel by RoRo; several cars together can be cheaper in a container. We quote sea freight per shipment because schedules and rates change.
Documents
- Export (deregistration) certificate from Korea
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Inspection report and insurance history (useful for your agent)
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a car from Korea to Albania?
Yes. Korea was the second-largest source of used car imports into Albania in January–July 2024 (DPSHTRR data). Korean cars are left-hand drive like Albania.
What taxes do I pay on a used car in Albania?
VAT at 20% on the customs value including duty and excise, plus excise based mainly on engine size, fuel type and age or emissions. Confirm the exact amount with a customs agent.
Which port do cars from Korea arrive at?
Usually Durrës, Albania's main port, by RoRo ship or in a container.
Does an older car cost less to import?
Not always. Excise usually increases with age and emissions, so a newer car can cost less in total.
