Japanese Subaru Cars Blog

One thing about how to buy Japan used cars is to know about shipping the car outside of Japan, the transportation cost and the documents needed during the transport. There about 1.4 million used vehicles were exported from Japan in 2006. If you wish to have your buy Japan used cars, you should the following ways and requirements about shipping your car to your country.

We will discuss some tips on how to ship your car from Japan that have  been proven helpful to most Japnese car importers:

1. The exporting firm must be an approved member of Export Associations. See to it that your used car exporter is an approved member of Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporter Association (JUMVEA).  JUMVEA is the only export association approved by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Japan. Once your exporter is a member of JUMVEA, you are assured that your exporting firm can be trusted.
2. Know Japan Trade Laws.  Being a citizen outside of Japan, you have to know the governing laws on trade and commerce in Japan. The documentation requirements for importation are provided under these laws.
3. Get Company Registration Details or “Tohon”.  This relates to number 1 and 2. You have to make sure that the Japanese car exporter in Japan is registered with the concerned authority that regulates used car import and export in Japan. Check if it has the required documents or “Tohon” in Japanese language.
4. Get Details of Delivery Options.  Get the details of the company that will ship the car, check the company’s physical address, the number of years of existence, and the details of the cost of the shipment.  You have to make sure that all information are true and correct.
5. After the shipment was made the following documents will be mailed to you through an international courier:  1) Original Bill of Lading (B/L) x 2 sheets; 2) Invoice x 1 sheet; 3) Car certificate (Japanese) x 1 sheet ; and  4) Car certificate (English) x 1 sheet.

These tips are not exclusive. T here are other things to consider in making the shipment which is not included herein. However, these tips are sufficient enough to make sure your dream car is properly shipped. Shipping cars from Japan may take about 3 to 5 weeks after the car leaves Japan’s port.