Guide to shipping vehicles to Japan
What we can ship to Japan
At Ship Cars Ltd we take all types of vehicles in all shapes and sizes: motorcycles and cars, tractors and trucks... whatever you need shipped over to Japan, if you think you'll have a hard time getting it there, contacting us is the first step to us finding an export solution for you. Our quotations last for 30 days for Japan and we guarantee not to pass any rate increases on to you within that time frame. You can import a used car 'duty free' provided that the vehicle is a least 6 months old. You will need to complete the customs declaration form and keep a copy with you when you enter in to Japan. This form is C-5360.
If you are only looking to ship a vehicle in to Japan for less than 12 months without paying tax or duty you will have to apply for and obtain a Carnet de passage en Douane prior to shipment out of the UK. You will need to pay a deposit for this to the issuer which is refunded minus adminstration costs upon the return back in to the UK. The cost for this carnet de passage en Douane will depend on the vehicle value that you are intending on shipping to Japan.
After you've shipped to Japan
While shipping your car to Japan, you must clear customs once the car arrives at the port, after this you will need to go through a vehicle inspection to check that your car meets all of the requirements set out by the Japanese standards. These are put in place to make sure that your vehicle doesn't require any modifications to legally drive on Japanese roads. After you have shipped your car to Japan, pre-registration inspection will also have to be done so you can get your temporary plates. You can't drive your car in Japan with foreign number plates so you have to make sure that you get hold of your temporary ones before you set off. You will be given some time to get new number plates and car insurance to use the car in Japan.
Requirements when shipping your car to Japan
When shipping your car to Japan there are a few required documents that you must make sure you have before you attempt to ship your car.
- Original certificate of Title of Ownership of the vehicle recorded on the title document.
- Bill of sale
- Photo page of your passport
- Original certificate of Origin
- Customs Invoice
Paying Local fees
Keep in mind that you may have to pay additional charges once you have reached you destination such as clearance, customs, duties and taxes. You can check out our International Customs and Excise Duties page to find more specific details or you can Contact us and one of our professional members of staff will be able to help.