It can be quite exciting to import a vehicle from Japan and it is a great way to save costs and select a high quality vehicle. Japanese cars are known for their advanced technology, reliability and careful maintenance. But it is important to understand the import process so that you don’t fall into common pitfalls.
You have to understand the steps involved when you import a car from Japan.
You can import hybrid cars, electric cars etc. given that they have a wide variety of vehicles to choose from. You have to research the vehicle you are interested in so that you have a good idea of how it will perform and whether there are known issues. A reliable exporter has to be chosen for the process and you have to know about participating in auctions. You will also need to handle shipping logistics and navigate customs. It is your responsibility to make sure that the vehicle you import meets the local regulations and in some cases, some modifications will need to be done to ensure compliance. Then you will need to register the vehicle in your country. The first step is researching the vehicle you want to import. Some of the factors you have to consider are personal preferences, resale value of the vehicle and fuel efficiency. There is a wide range of vehicles offered in Japanese car auctions and these include high performance sports cars, everyday sedans, classics etc. There will be comprehensive listings on Japanese auction sites and exporter websites.
You have to choose a reliable exporter that has a majority of positive reviews.
They will provide you with detailed vehicle inspections and comprehensive auction sheets. They can help you with the paperwork as they have a good idea of what has to be done and they will also arrange shipping as per your preferences. You can also check whether they handle the modification process when it comes to ensuring the car is compliant with the regulations and standards in your country. You will be able to purchase cars at competitive prices in Japanese car auctions. You will first need to register with an exporter as most auctions will not be open to the general public. Registering with an exporter will gain you access. You need to have a budget for the vehicle and this should include all costs including compliance, shipping and duties. Go through the auction sheets carefully to understand the condition of the vehicle, its history and mileage.
You will need to handle shipping once you have purchased a car.
Container shipping will be when your vehicle is placed in a container providing higher protection. But this comes at a higher cost. You can reduce this by choosing roll on/roll off shipping where the car will be driven onto a ship and then secured for the journey. But this way, the vehicle will be exposed to the elements. You need to coordinate with the exporter to choose the right shipping method and you need to get all the documents together such as the export certificate, invoices etc. You will then need to navigate customs by preparing documentation and paying any import duties or other taxes.
