• 2130-2 Ooaza Numazawa,

    Higashine-shi, Yamagata-ken

    999-3725 JAPAN
  • (+81) 70-1145-9290
  • nv@nipponvehicles.com
Shop By Make :

Japan used car import FAQ — this guide explains shipping from Japan (Ro-Ro vs container), safe payments using our verified bank details, how to read the Bill of Lading (B/L) and Export Certificate, inspections like JEVIC and JAAI, and what to expect at your port on arrival. These notes complement the expandable FAQs below and help first-time buyers and dealers plan the total process with confidence.

How the process works: start by sharing your budget, target model, year, mileage and options. If a unit isn’t already in stock, we source nationwide through major Japanese auctions and partner inventories. You’ll receive photos and the auction sheet; we explain the grade, remarks and any repair history so you can decide. When you approve a Proforma Invoice (PI), we hold that offer for a limited time because exchange rates and sailings change quickly.

Payments and safety: pay by bank telegraphic transfer (TT) in USD or JPY to the account shown on our official bank page at https://www.nipponvehicles.com/bank-information/ and printed on your PI. Always match the company name, bank, SWIFT/BIC and the invoice number before you send funds. If you ever receive a “bank change” email, treat it as suspicious and call us on +81-70-1145-9290 to verify. Use the invoice number as your TT reference and ask your bank to send charges as OUR so the full amount arrives. We also accept PayPal/credit card for select transactions with a surcharge; details are shown on the PI if applicable.

Shipping from Japan: Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) is the fastest and most cost-effective method for running vehicles. Ro-Ro does not allow extra cargo inside the car beyond standard toolkit/spare. Container shipping is ideal for multiple units, non-runners or when you need to ship parts together; declared cargo is possible and loading can be customized. After payment, we book space, confirm the carrier and share estimated ETD/ETA. Schedules can shift because of port congestion or vessel changes; we’ll update you whenever the carrier revises the plan. See our Shipping page for options: https://www.nipponvehicles.com/shipping/ and check Auction Schedules when planning your purchase: https://www.nipponvehicles.com/auction-schedules/

Documents you receive: you’ll get the Bill of Lading (B/L), Export Certificate (deregistration), Commercial Invoice, any required pre-export inspection certificate (for destinations that mandate it), and an insurance certificate if you purchase insurance. We always email a draft B/L before dispatch so you can confirm consignee and notify details within 24 hours. Depending on route and carrier, originals are couriered with tracking (DHL/FEDEX) or a surrender/telex release is used, which means no paper originals are required.

Inspections and regulations: certain destinations require pre-export inspections. Common providers include JEVIC and JAAI. You can read more here: https://www.jevic.com/ and https://www.jaai.or.jp/english/ . Requirements vary by country (age, emissions, left/right-hand drive rules), so confirm with your clearing agent or local authority before purchase. If your market uses miles per hour, an MPH overlay is easy after arrival; radio band expanders or replacements are also common for markets using different FM ranges.

After arrival and customs: your clearing agent handles the local process at the port, including duties/VAT and port/handling charges. Bring the B/L (or telex release), Export Certificate, Commercial Invoice and inspection certificates where required. To avoid storage and demurrage, pay invoices early, confirm your DHL address carefully, and double-check spelling of consignee names and addresses on the draft B/L so documents can be dispatched on time.

Tips to avoid scams: use only the bank details shown on our official bank page and on your Proforma Invoice. If you receive any unexpected message about changing bank details, call us immediately to confirm before sending funds. Match the invoice number and company details on every payment. We are happy to verify by phone or WhatsApp if you need peace of mind.

Summary of this Japan used car import FAQ: choose Ro-Ro for running vehicles when you want the fastest, most economical shipping; choose container when you need to ship parts, multiple cars, or non-runners. Review auction sheets and photos carefully and ask us about any abbreviations or repair notes. Verify payments against our official bank page and the PI, confirm consignee and notify details before document dispatch, and coordinate with a trusted clearing agent at your destination port. For sourcing help or a quick quote, use Request a Car: https://www.nipponvehicles.com/request-a-car/ — we respond quickly with availability, price and sailing options.

Japan used car import FAQ — start here

Japan used car import FAQ — this practical guide explains shipping options (Ro-Ro vs container), safe payments via our verified bank details, how to read the Bill of Lading and Export Certificate, required inspections (JEVIC/JAAI/QISJ) and what to expect at your port on arrival.

Japan used car import FAQ – shipping, payment and documents

How the process works

Share budget and model. If a unit isn’t in stock, we source nationwide via major Japanese auctions and partners. You review photos, the auction sheet and our comments, then approve a Proforma Invoice (PI). Pay by bank TT in USD or JPY to the account shown on our bank information page and printed on your PI. Always match company name, SWIFT/BIC and invoice number; if you ever receive a “bank change” email, call us at +81-70-1145-9290 to verify.

Shipping from Japan: Ro-Ro vs container

Ro-Ro is fastest and most cost-effective for running vehicles (no extra cargo). Container is ideal for multiple units, non-runners or when parts must ship together; declared cargo is possible. After booking we share ETD/ETA and update you if the carrier adjusts the schedule. See our shipping options and auction schedules.

Documents & inspections

You’ll receive the Bill of Lading (B/L), Export Certificate (deregistration), Commercial Invoice, any required pre-export inspection certificate, and an insurance certificate (if purchased). Learn more at JEVIC and JAAI.

Arrival & customs

Your clearing agent handles customs, duties/VAT and port charges. Bring the B/L (or telex release), Export Certificate, Commercial Invoice and any inspection certificates. For MPH/radio band differences, local conversions are common after clearance.

Summary: verify payments on our bank page, pick Ro-Ro for running units and container for special cases, review auction sheets/photos carefully, confirm consignee details before documents are dispatched, and coordinate with a trusted clearing agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Japan used car import FAQ covers shipping (Ro-Ro vs container), safe payments via our verified bank details, the Bill of Lading & Export Certificate, inspections, and customs.

Clear answers to help you buy & import Japanese vehicles with confidence.

Request a Car Contact Us WhatsApp Bank Information

  • ✅ JEVIC / JAAI / QISJ ready
  • 🚢 Ro-Ro & Container worldwide
  • 🔒 Official bank details page
  • 📄 B/L & Export Cert couriered

General Questions

Vehicles & Inventory

Buying & Paying

Vehicle Shipping

Documentation

After Arrival & Customs

Why buyers choose Nippon Vehicles

  • Direct access to major Japanese auctions
  • Strict no-tampering mileage policy
  • Pre-export inspections arranged when required
  • Dedicated shipping support (Ro-Ro / Container)
  • Original documents couriered with tracking

Secure Payment Reminder

Use only the bank information on our bank page and on your Proforma Invoice. If you ever receive a “bank change” notice, call us at +81-70-1145-9290 before sending funds.

Have questions? We reply fast.

Request a Car Contact Us

  • TOYOTA
  • NISSAN
  • HONDA
  • MISTUBISHI
  • SUBARU
  • MAZDA
  • BMW
  • SUZUKI
  • VOLKSWAGEN
  • ISUZU
  • MERCEDES-BENZ
  • AUDI
  • DAIHATSU
  • HINO
  • KOMATSU
  • TCM
  • LEXUS
    • Shop By Shape :
  • Sedan
  • SUV
  • Coupe
  • Hatchback
  • Van
  • Wagon
  • Bus
  • Truck
  • Pick up
  • Mini Van
  • Mini Bus
  • Convertible
  • Machinery
  • Forklift
  • Tractor
  • Motorcycle
    • Shop By Price :
  • Under $500
  • $500 - $1,000
  • $1,000 - $1,500
  • $1,500 - $2,000
  • $2,000 - $2,500
  • $2,500 - $4,000
  • Over $4,000
    • Trustpilot
    ©Copyright 2025 NIPPON VEHICLES