Plan the next buying step
Use this earlier article as background. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority or agent for the exact product, importer and route. The country EV import-guide directory is a starting point for passenger-EV enquiries; parts, machinery and other vehicle categories require their own assessment.
Keep the shipment scope explicit with the customs clearance and vehicle approval checklist. Have the destination assess the actual vehicle specification and approval route separately from customs release before scheduling road use.
Request a destination-specific sourcing and shipping quotation with the product identity, quantity and delivery scope.
Shipping Chinese-Made vehicles to Japan will need to take a close look at the documents required and also will need to plan in advance, to make sure you comply with both the Japanese transport laws and environmental regs. In this article, I give you a full, professionally-compiled report on the offshore and away trade of cars from China to Japan, consisting of how to do all the licensing of the vehicle, shipping, customs clearance, and finally registration in Japan.
1. Pre-Export Preparations in China
1.1 Export Authorization and Enterprise Credentials
To begin the process, exporters must meet the following requirements:
Valid Export License: Issued and recorded by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).
Customs Registration Number: Registered with China’s customs as a foreign trade operator.
Japan Importer Proxy Authorization: The Japanese consignee or importer must issue a formal letter of authorization if a proxy is used for customs clearance.
1.2 Essential Vehicle Documentation
All documents should be translated into Japanese or English and certified:
Certificate of Conformity (COC): Must include accurate VIN, engine number, emissions, and chassis details.
Commercial Invoice: Detailing vehicle FOB or CIF value, HS code, and product description.
Packing List: Includes model, color, gross/net weight, dimensions, and packaging method.
Certificate of Origin (COO): Signed by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or authorized agency.
1.3 Japanese Vehicle Standard Certification (MLIT)
Before export, vehicle specifications must be assessed to comply with:
MLIT Regulations (Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
JIS/JPN Emissions Standard: Japanese standards are significantly stricter than China’s GB standards—Euro 6 equivalent or higher is often required.
Modified Vehicles (Right-Hand Drive): If converting from left-hand drive, a certified modification certificate must be included.
Lighting and Safety Devices: Vehicles must comply with Japanese photometric standards and side mirror angles.
2. International Transportation
2.1 Shipping Methods
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro): Ideal for batch exports of standard vehicles. Cost-effective but requires vehicles to be operational.
Containerized Shipping: Suitable for high-value models or modified vehicles. 1×40’HQ typically fits 2-3 sedans or SUVs.
Lead Time: Transit to major ports like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, or Nagoya usually takes 7–15 days.
2.2 Booking and Documentation
Book shipping at least 30 days in advance due to frequent congestion at Japanese ports.
Ensure container photos are retained to prove pre-loading condition in case of insurance claims.
3. Import Clearance Procedures in Japan
3.1 Import Declaration Submission
Upon arrival at the Japanese port, the consignee or their licensed customs broker must submit the following to Japan Customs:
Import Declaration (Yushutsu Shinsei-sho)
Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)
Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice and Packing List
COC and COO documents
The entire process is filed electronically via the NACCS system (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System).
3.2 Customs Duties and Taxes
Tariff Rate: 5% for passenger gasoline vehicles.
Consumption Tax (Shohi-zei): 10% applied to CIF value + customs duties.
Special Automobile Acquisition Tax: May apply for high-displacement or luxury vehicles.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): May enjoy tax exemptions or reduced rates under Japan’s Green Vehicle Promotion Scheme (subject to local prefecture policies).
Duty Calculation Formula:
Import Tax = (CIF Value × 5%)
VAT = (CIF + Duty) × 10%
4. Vehicle Inspection and Compliance Verification
4.1 Technical Inspection
After customs approval:
MLIT will inspect:
VIN, chassis layout, and modification records
Emissions performance and particulate filters
Braking and lighting systems
Compliance of on-board electronics with Japan Radio Law (especially for navigation, radar, and Bluetooth modules)
4.2 Environment and Safety Compliance
For EVs and hybrid vehicles:
Submit UN38.3 Battery Safety Certification
Include MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for lithium batteries
4.3 Final Delivery
Once approved, the consignee receives a Customs Release Order (Hozei Shomeisho) and can schedule vehicle pickup. Note that large ports may require appointment-based vehicle removal.
5. Post-Clearance Procedures: Registration and Road Use in Japan
5.1 Vehicle Type Registration
Submit documents to the local Transport Bureau to obtain:
Shaken Registration Certificate (proof of technical inspection)
Temporary Plate (valid for 5–15 days pending permanent registration)
Emission & Noise Compliance Report (required for public road use)
5.2 Final Steps
Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance (Jibaiseki Hoken) is mandatory.
License Plate Issuance is completed after submission of Japanese domicile proof and vehicle insurance.
6. Risk Mitigation and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Key Compliance Triggers:
Do not import vehicles older than 10 years (for new registration).
Avoid low-value invoicing—Japan Customs enforces strict market value benchmarks.
Unmodified left-hand drive vehicles may be denied registration.
Ensure right-side mirrors and lighting meet MLIT angle and photometric requirements.
Wooden packaging requires IPPC-marked fumigation certification.
7. Conclusion: Exporting to Japan Requires High Technical Readiness
Japan’s automotive import market offers opportunities for electric, hybrid, and high-quality fuel vehicle exports, but entry barriers remain high. Exporters must prioritize:
Technical certification (MLIT, JIS, emissions)
Accurate documentation (COC, COO, Invoice)
Trusted local partners (customs agent, legal translator)
Work with Auto From China: Your Reliable Export Partner
At Auto From China, we support B2B clients across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in exporting new energy and gasoline vehicles from certified Chinese manufacturers to Japan. Our end-to-end services include:
Vehicle modification (RHD conversion)
Documentation support for MLIT and KC certifications
Container loading, Ro-Ro bookings, and shipping insurance
Customs compliance and Japan-based delivery coordination
Contact us today for a full quotation, compliance plan, and logistics schedule.
