How to Import a Japanese Car: Step-by-Step

If you’re eyeing japanese used cars for their reliability, low mileage and meticulous servicing, importing directly from Japan can save money and unlock better selection than local lots. At The Japanese Car, our online store of Japanese cars and live auction access make it easy to buy Japanese car online—even if it’s your first time.

1) Why Japanese used cars?

  • Lower mileage & better maintenance: Japan’s strict Shaken inspections keep cars in top condition.
  • Huge selection: From Kei cars to luxury sedans and hybrids, you’ll find japanese cars for sale in Japan that never reach overseas dealers.
  • Transparent grading: Auction sheets and inspection reports reduce guesswork when you buy used cars from Japan.

Browse Japanese Used Cars for Sale

2) Step-by-step: How to import a Japanese car

Step 1: Confirm budget & import rules
 Check your country’s requirements (age limits, emissions, LHD/RHD, duties, VAT/GST). This affects your shortlist and final landed cost.

Step 2: Choose stock vs live auction

  • In-stock units: Fastest route—view photos, grades, and pricing in our online store of Japanese cars.
  • Auctions: 100+ venues daily. Our team translates sheets, estimates reconditioning, and bids on your behalf. Start with our Auction Bidding Guide.

Step 3: FOB vs CNF (what’s the difference?)

  • FOB (Free On Board): Price includes the car + export handling in Japan up to loading on the vessel. You arrange ocean freight & insurance.
  • CNF/CFR (Cost & Freight): Car + export handling + ocean freight to your destination port (insurance separate).

Example: If a Toyota Prius is ¥650,000 FOB, typical additional costs: ocean freight, marine insurance, destination port fees, duties/taxes, local compliance.

Learn more: FOB vs CNF for cars

Step 4: Export documents required for Japanese cars
 You’ll receive:

  • Export Certificate (Deregistration)
  • Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing/List (if applicable)
  • Inspection certificate (if required by your country)

See the full list: Export Documents for Japanese Cars

Step 5: Payment & final inspection
 Once your bid wins or you select a stock unit, you’ll receive a proforma invoice. We perform pre-export inspection, photograph the car, and book the sailing.

Step 6: Shipping time from Japan to {country}
 Typical Ro-Ro/Container transit windows:

  • Japan → UAE: ~18–28 days
  • Japan → Kenya: ~24–35 days
  • Japan → New Zealand: ~12–20 days
  • Japan → UK: ~30–45 days
  • Japan → USA (West Coast): ~14–24 days
     (Use our dynamic page for live ETAs: Shipping Time to {country})

Step 7: Customs clearance & registration
 At arrival, appoint a broker for duties/VAT, port fees, and road-worthiness tests. We can refer trusted agents.

3) JDM vs Japanese domestic import (quick guide)

  • JDM = Japanese Domestic Market specs originally built for Japan.
  • “Japanese import” abroad may mean either JDM or a Japanese-built global spec.
  • JDM often includes unique features (e.g., different infotainment bands). Ensure parts & compliance locally.
     More here: JDM vs Import

4) Auction Bidding Guide (2-minute version)

  1. Tell us the target model, year, mileage, budget.
  2. We shortlist cars from used cars Japan auctions with full sheets.
  3. Pre-bid inspection review: grading, panel marks, service notes.
  4. Set a cap price; we bid live.
  5. If won: pay, export, ship. If not, we rinse & repeat next auction.
     Full walkthrough: Auction Bidding Guide

5) Costs checklist (don’t miss these)

  • Car price (FOB or CNF)
  • Ocean freight + marine insurance
  • Destination port fees & handling
  • Duty, excise, VAT/GST
  • Compliance/mods (e.g., fog lamp, speedo)
  • Registration, plates, road tax

6) FAQs

Q1. Can I buy Japanese car online without visiting Japan?
 Yes—use our online store of Japanese cars or bid via our team. We handle documents and shipping end-to-end.

Q2. Is CNF safer for first-timers?
 CNF simplifies logistics to your port; you still arrange insurance and destination clearance.

Q3. Are auction grades trustworthy?
 Yes, combined with photo review and our pre-bid checks. We flag any red marks or notes.

Q4. How long does shipping take?
 See typical windows above; check live ETAs for your lane here: Shipping to {country}.

7) Ready to buy online?

Start here: Japanese Used Cars for Sale → Contact Us for a landed-cost estimate for your country.