How to import a car from Japan: a step-by-step guide

Importing a car from Japan is straightforward once you understand the sequence. Breaking it into clear steps removes the guesswork and helps first-time buyers avoid the few common mistakes that cause delay or extra cost.

Step one is rules: confirm your country's age limit, steering-side rule, emissions requirements and required documents before you look at any car. These rules decide what is even eligible, so they come first, ahead of model or price.

Step two is selecting and buying: brief an exporter on model, year, budget and condition, review auction listings and grades, and agree a maximum bid. Step three is payment and inspection, where you settle the invoice and a pre-export inspection confirms condition and mileage.

Step four is documentation and shipping: the exporter prepares the export certificate, invoice and bill of lading, books RoRo or container space and ships the car. Step five is the sea voyage, which takes a few weeks depending on your route.

Step six is clearance: pay duty and taxes, present documents and complete any arrival inspection. Step seven is registration and collection. ASTONISHING CARS manages steps two to five for you and guides you through clearance and registration in your country.