Pre-shipment inspection: which countries require it

Many countries require a pre-shipment inspection of a used car in Japan before it can be loaded for export, to confirm roadworthiness, mileage and sometimes emissions or radiation levels. Knowing whether your destination requires one is essential, because a missing certificate can block clearance on arrival.

These inspections are carried out in Japan by approved agencies such as JEVIC, JAAI and others, depending on the destination's chosen provider. The inspector checks the car against the destination country's standards and issues a certificate that travels with the shipping documents.

A range of African and other markets mandate this step, including several in East and Southern Africa, while requirements and approved agencies vary by country and change over time. Because the rule is set by the destination, you must confirm your own country's current requirement before buying.

If an inspection is required, build the time and cost into your plan, and make sure the car will pass, since a failed inspection means delay or a car that cannot be shipped as intended. A correctly graded auction car in good condition is far more likely to pass cleanly.

ASTONISHING CARS arranges the required pre-shipment inspection for your destination and includes it in a transparent CIF quote, so your car arrives with the right certificate and clears without inspection-related delays.