FAQ – CAR IMPORT FROM JAPAN
The transport by sea from Japan takes about between 6-8 weeks. Due to weather conditions it can also come to delays.
Very popular are German used cars and classic cars like Mercedes, Porsche and BMW. But the Japanese vehicle models, such as Nissan and Toyota, are also enjoying increasing popularity.
Most reimports are steered to the left, but also right hand drives are easily converted.
If a vehicle can not be loaded on its own axle, it is loaded on a so-called Bolster. This is a platform on which the car is fixed and rolled on the ship. In Germany, it will then just be rolled off the ship again
All necessary documents will be shipped carefully and automatically from Japan prior to ship arrival. The shipping includes the purchase contract (Invoice), bill of lading and the Export Certificate, which is equivalent to the German vehicle registration. In addition, we require a customs authorization from the customer for the clearance (you will receive a template from us) and a copy of the ID card.
In the case of auction vehicles, in most cases a cargo transport insurance is included. If a vehicle was not purchased at an auction in Japan (for example, from a dealer), we can offer transportation insurance in addition to car shipping from Japan.
Mainly the vehicles are shipped from Japan via roll-on / roll-off ferry, but upon request, a high-quality car can also be launched in a 20 ‘or 40’ container.
In a roll-on / roll-off shipment, the vehicles are loaded on their own axle on a navigable deck on the ship. For loading and unloading RoRo ships have bow, side or rear hatches, through which the vehicles can drive on ramps on board. This way of sea transport has the advantage that the turnover times are shorter, the cargo handling is more gentle and the port infrastructure is easier.
Container shipping is possible in Japan from almost every port.
You can pick up your vehicle upon request in Bremerhaven. After placing your order, you will be kept constantly up to date on the status of your car. As soon as the customs clearance is completed, we welcome you to our office in the port and explain the process of collection with a cup of coffee.
We can arrange land transport (open or closed) to all neighboring European countries.
Transports to Switzerland are also possible, but only under a different handling form. The vehicles will not be cleared as usual in Germany. They will be brought from the port of Bremerhaven with a so-called transit document (T1) to the Swiss border (Basel / Thayngen), where they will subsequently be cleared.
You should have at least lived and worked in Japan for one year. A certificate of this is necessary. Furthermore, the vehicle should at least be logged in your name for half a year. Pupils and students, however, are excluded from this severance as a resettler! The following documents must be translated in German or English:
- informal authorization for customs clearance to International Auction
- if necessary, packing list
- last address in the Japan
- current address in Germany
- Duration of stay abroad (from-to)
- Confirmation of this stay, e.g. from the employer
- Copy passport
- Copy of the Japanese registration (approval), at least 1/2 year before shipment on your behalf
- Copy Export Certificate
- Copy of a current confirmation from Germany
You can call us or just send us an email. All we need is the necessary documents from you.
The import duties are to be paid to us. After customs clearance you will receive an invoice from us with all costs incurred in Germany, also the duties and taxes that we pay you in advance to customs. For Youngtimer and used cars are 10% duty and 19% EUSt, for vehicles from 30 years (vintage), only 7% EUSt and duty free
If you want to pick up your vehicle, you can pay in cash here in EUR. Card payment is not accepted. If we deliver your car, the payment of the full amount must be wired to our German EURO account before delivery.
The exchange rate (customs rate) changes monthly and is determined by the customs authority. Here you can see the official courses: Current conversion rates
We do not do TÜV approval ourselves, but we work with professional partners who do the refittings. Upon request, we can pick up your car and bring it to the garage for refitting. Please contact us for further details.
If the vehicle is shipped via RoRo Ferry, NO items or even valuables may be left in the car! However, if the vehicle is shipped in a container, you may stow some used personal things in the boot. From this we need a very accurate packing list with all things in the car. New goods must be cleared!
If you did not buy the car through an auction, but from a dealer, then we can arrange pickup and shipping.
The payment can be done for a fee for you. Here a 100% advance payment must be guaranteed. However, this only applies to vehicles that were auctioned. We assume no liability for the condition of the car or similar!
Yes, unless the vehicle was auctioned through an Live Auction.
German is spoken by few Japanese, but of course we have some good contacts, who sometimes even are proficient in the German language. With English you are progressing well in Japan.
You will receive the customs clearance certificate from us after the customs clearance together with the tax assessment. This is for your registration office and allows you to register a car imported from the third country.
Upon request, we can also deliver your piece of jewelry to your doorstep, provided that a large truck with train, has the opportunity to drive up.
If you have further questions or if something is unclear to you, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or simply send us an email with your request. You can reach us in the time from 8.30 – 17.00 clock under the below mentioned contact details and we are happy to help you.