Pre-Shipment Inspection: JEVIC vs JAAI vs QISJ and Who Requires Them

Several destination countries require a pre-shipment inspection in Japan before a used vehicle is loaded, and three names come up most often: JEVIC, JAAI, and QISJ. These bodies carry out checks while the car is still in Japan, which is far cheaper and faster than discovering a problem after the vehicle has crossed the ocean.

The inspections typically cover roadworthiness and mechanical condition, mileage verification to deter odometer tampering, and a biosecurity or cleanliness check for soil and contamination. Some markets also require structural or emissions-related checks, and the resulting certificate travels with the shipment as proof at the destination border.

Which body you use is usually dictated by the destination rather than preference, because importing countries specify the inspection programmes they recognise. Markets such as New Zealand, parts of Africa, and the Caribbean are commonly associated with mandatory pre-shipment inspection, and the accepted provider can differ from one country to the next.

Because the list of recognised inspection bodies and the exact scope of their checks change over time, confirm which certificate your destination currently requires before booking shipment. Verify with the destination authority or your inspection provider so the vehicle is not held or rejected on arrival for the wrong paperwork.