Car Shipping To Japan

Shipping Your Car to Japan | Expert Services from the UK | Ship Cars Ltd.

Ship Cars Ltd. offers comprehensive and reliable car shipping services from the UK to Japan, catering to individuals and businesses looking to export vehicles to this dynamic market. Whether you’re importing sought-after Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) models, exporting a vehicle for personal use, or sending a classic car, our expertise ensures a smooth transit to major Japanese ports like Yokohama, Kobe, and Tokyo. We provide flexible shipping solutions, including Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), Shared Container, and Dedicated Container services, all designed to meet your specific requirements and ensure your vehicle arrives safely and in compliance with Japanese regulations.

Our Car Shipping Services to Japan

We provide a range of shipping methods to suit your vehicle type, budget, and security needs.

1. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping:

• Ideal For: Drivable cars.

• Process: Your vehicle is driven directly onto a specialised RoRo vessel at a UK port and securely stowed within the ship’s dedicated vehicle decks for its journey to Japan.

• Benefits:

  • Cost-Effective: Typically the most economical option for operational vehicles.

  • Efficient: Streamlined loading and unloading procedures.

• Restrictions:

  • Electric Vehicles: Are not permitted on RoRo vessels due to safety regulations concerning their high-voltage batteries.

  • Hybrid Vehicles: Are generally not allowed on RoRo vessels.

  • Personal Belongings: You cannot load personal items, spare parts, or any other goods inside the vehicle when shipping via RoRo.

  • Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in operational condition to be driven on and off the vessel independently.

  • Note: In rare instances, some specific RoRo vessels might permit loading a vehicle with goods, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is not standard practice.

2. Dedicated Container Shipping:

• Ideal For: High-value vehicles, classic cars, multiple vehicles, or situations where maximum security, privacy, and control over the loading process are essential.

• Process: Your vehicle is loaded and meticulously secured within its own private 20ft or 40ft shipping container.

• Benefits: Provides the highest level of security and protection against damage and theft. Offers complete privacy for your vehicle and any permitted personal effects.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle does not need to be operational.

• Electric Vehicles: Can typically be shipped via container. Please note that a hazard surcharge may apply (e.g., £295) due to battery regulations.

UK Collection: If you require collection within the UK, Ship Cars Ltd. can arrange this via transporter or trade plate driver. For this service, the vehicle must be fully operational and possess a valid MOT.

Shipping a Vehicle to Japan: Regulations and Requirements

Japan has specific regulations for importing vehicles to ensure they meet domestic standards for safety and emissions.

1. Permanent Export from the UK:

• DE-registration: Vehicles being permanently exported from the UK must be de-registered with the DVLA. This is usually handled by the shipping company or an agent. You will receive a Certificate of Export.

• Compliance: Ensure all UK export documentation is accurate and complete.

2. Importing into Japan:

• Import Declaration: The vehicle must be declared to Japanese Customs upon arrival.

• Compliance with Japanese Standards: Japan has stringent safety and emissions standards that imported vehicles must meet. This is managed through the Japanese Road Vehicle Act.

  • Vehicle Inspection (Shaken): Most imported vehicles, especially those not originally manufactured to Japanese specifications, will need to undergo a rigorous vehicle inspection process (known as Shaken) to be registered for use in Japan. This often requires modifications to lighting (headlights, indicators, rear fog lights), emissions control, and potentially speedometers.

  • Modifications: Expect that significant modifications might be necessary to meet Japanese standards, especially for vehicles not originally destined for the Japanese market.

• Authorities:

  • Japan Automobile Import Association (JAIA): Provides information on import procedures and standards.

    • (Note: This is a general link; specific import procedural guidance might be found through associated government sites.)

  • Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): Oversees vehicle safety and emissions standards.

    • Website: Search for MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) Japan for transport-related information.

  • Japan Customs: Manages import declarations and duties.

    • Website: Japan Customs

3. Transfer of Residence (ToR):

• Japan offers procedures for individuals relocating their residence to import personal vehicles with potential duty exemptions. Strict criteria apply regarding ownership duration, usage, and intention to reside permanently. Applications and approvals are required in advance.

4. Temporary Importation:

• Purpose: For tourists or temporary visitors.

• Documentation: Typically requires a temporary import permit or a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD).

• Restrictions: The vehicle must be re-exported within a specified period and cannot be sold or used commercially in Japan.

Inspections and Permits for Import into Japan

• Pre-Shipment Inspection: While not always mandatory for export from the UK, ensuring your vehicle meets basic operational standards is crucial.

• Customs Inspection: Japanese Customs may inspect the vehicle upon arrival to verify its contents and declared value.

• Vehicle Inspection (Shaken): This is the most significant hurdle. It’s a mandatory roadworthiness and emissions test conducted by authorized inspection facilities in Japan. Most non-Japanese market vehicles will require modifications to pass.

  • Where to get it: Authorised vehicle inspection centres (Shaken centres).

  • Permits: No specific import permit is usually required from a UK authority before shipping, beyond the necessary export de-registration. However, obtaining approvals or understanding modification requirements from Japanese authorities before shipping is highly advisable.

• Import Agent: Engaging a Japanese import agent is strongly recommended. They can assist with navigating the complex Shaken process, customs clearance, and registration.

Required Paperwork: UK Export & Japan Import

Accurate and complete documentation is critical for a smooth process.

UK Export Documentation:

• Certificate of Export: Issued by DVLA upon de-registration.

• Bill of Lading (BOL): Provided by Ship Cars Ltd.

• Purchase Invoice: Proof of vehicle value.

• Vehicle Registration Document (UK V5C):

Japan Import Documentation:

• Bill of Lading (BOL):

• Certificate of Export: Original UK de-registration document.

• Purchase Invoice: To determine customs value.

• Japanese Customs Declaration Form: (To be completed upon arrival).

• Proof of Ownership:

• Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Shaken): Obtained after passing the Japanese inspection.

• Weight Certificate: May be required.

• Temporary Import Permit / CPD: For temporary imports.

• ToR Application Approval: If claiming relocation concessions.

Ship Cars Ltd. will manage UK export documentation and provide the BOL. We strongly advise using a Japanese import agent for navigating the complex import, inspection, and registration process in Japan.

Why Ship a Vehicle to Japan?

While Japan is a major car manufacturer, there are reasons individuals and businesses ship vehicles to Japan:

• Importing Specific Models: Bringing in classic European or American cars, unique performance vehicles, or models not available in Japan.

• Personal Relocation: Individuals moving to Japan for work or residency may wish to bring their personal vehicle.

• Specialised Vehicles: Exporting unique or specialised vehicles for specific purposes or collections.

• Investment: Importing certain vehicles that may hold or increase in value in the Japanese market.

Duty and Tax When Importing into Japan

Importing a vehicle into Japan involves several costs:

• Customs Duty: This varies depending on the vehicle’s engine size and type. For passenger cars, rates can range from 0% to around 15%.

• Import Consumption Tax: This is equivalent to VAT and is currently 10%. It is calculated on the sum of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value plus the Customs Duty.

• Automobile Tax: An annual tax levied based on engine displacement.

• Automobile Weight Tax: A tax based on the vehicle’s weight.

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Tax: If applicable.

• Scrappage Tax: A tax applicable to older vehicles being de-registered.

Concessions: For individuals relocating permanently to Japan with their personal vehicle, duty exemptions may be available under specific ToR-like schemes, but these require strict adherence to rules and prior approval.

Estimated Costs and Transit Time

Ship Cars Ltd. offers competitive rates for shipping to Japan.

Estimated Shipping Costs:

• Small Car (e.g., Golf) via RoRo: £1270.

• Large Car (e.g., Range Rover) via Container: £1775. (These prices are indicative port-to-port costs and do not include Japanese duties, taxes, inspection fees, modification costs, or local charges in Japan. Contact us for a precise, tailored quote.)

Insurance / Risk Coverage:

• Total Loss Cover (Fire/Water Damage): Costs 1% of the vehicle’s value plus the shipping cost.

• Comprehensive Cover: Costs 1.5% of the vehicle’s value plus the shipping cost. This covers cosmetic damage as well.

  • Eligibility: Available only for vehicles 10 years old or newer.

  • Condition Report: A condition report is mandatory for comprehensive cover. This is provided free of charge if Ship Cars Ltd. collects your vehicle. A charge of £35 applies if you deliver the vehicle to us.

Transit Time & Sailing Frequency:

• Transit Time: The sea journey from the UK to Japan typically takes approximately 50 days.

• Sailing Frequency: We operate approximately four sailings per month, ensuring regular options for your shipment.

What’s Not Allowed to Ship (Prohibited Items & Restrictions)

Adhering to Japanese import regulations is crucial.

• Prohibited Items:

  • Flammable materials, explosives, firearms, ammunition.

  • Illegal narcotics or controlled substances.

  • Counterfeit goods.

  • Certain meats and animal products (due to quarantine).

  • Any items that contravene Japanese laws.

• Restrictions:

  • Electric Vehicles: Not allowed on RoRo vessels. Must be shipped via container, potentially incurring a hazard surcharge (e.g., £295).

  • Hybrid Vehicles: Generally not allowed on RoRo vessels.

  • Personal Belongings: Strictly prohibited inside vehicles shipped via RoRo. For container shipping, personal effects are allowed but must be declared accurately and comply with Japanese import and quarantine regulations.

  • Fuel: Vehicles must have minimal fuel (less than 1/4 tank).

  • Non-Operational Vehicles: Cannot use RoRo service; container shipping is required.

Cost Breakdown: What Contributes to the Price?

The total cost of shipping your car to Japan includes several key components:

• UK Port Fees: Handling, terminal, and documentation charges at the UK departure port.

• Ocean Freight: The base cost of sea transport via RoRo or container.

• Insurance: Premium for optional marine cargo insurance.

• Container Fees (if applicable): Rental and handling for shared or dedicated containers.

• Japanese Port Fees: Charges at Japanese ports (Yokohama, Kobe, Tokyo) for handling, storage, and customs processing.

• Customs Duties and Taxes: Levied by Japan Customs based on vehicle type, value, and origin.

• Inspection & Modification Costs: The significant cost associated with passing the Japanese Shaken test, including potential modifications.

• Agent Fees: If using a Japanese import agent for customs clearance, inspection, and registration.

• Documentation Fees: For Bills of Lading, export/import declarations, etc.

Vehicle Registration in Japan (Shaken)

The process of registering an imported vehicle in Japan is complex and mandatory for legal road use.

1. Import Procedures: Customs clearance and payment of duties/taxes.

2. Vehicle Inspection (Shaken): The vehicle must pass a rigorous inspection at an authorised facility. This is where most imported vehicles require modifications to meet Japanese safety and emissions standards (e.g., lighting, emissions, speedometer).

3. Acquire Necessary Documents: Including the inspection certificate (Shaken Sho), weight certificate, and proof of insurance.

4. Registration: Submit all documents to the relevant transport branch office (Un’yu Shijo) to obtain Japanese number plates and final registration.

Engaging a reputable Japanese import agent is crucial for successfully navigating the Shaken process and all import formalities.

Ship Cars Ltd.: Your Partner for Shipping to Japan

Ship Cars Ltd. offers expert guidance and reliable services for shipping your vehicle from the UK to Japan.

• Specialised Services: RoRo, Shared Container, and Dedicated Container options to suit your needs.

• Global Network: Extensive experience in international car shipping routes.

• Transparent Pricing: Clear cost breakdowns to help you budget effectively.

• Expert Guidance: We provide support and advice throughout the shipping process.

Essential Resources:

• For secure and versatile transport options: International Container Shipping

• Learn how to prepare your vehicle: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping and Preparing Your Car for Export

• Avoid common shipping mistakes: Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping

• Ensure your vehicle’s safety during transit: How to Avoid Damage with International Shipping

Contact Ship Cars Ltd. today for a detailed quote and expert consultation on shipping your car to Japan. We are committed to making your international vehicle export a success.

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