How to Import Cars From Japan Step by Step

Importing a car from Japan is a well-established process with decades of infrastructure supporting it. This step-by-step guide walks you through every stage. Part of our import cars from Japan topic cluster.

Step 1: Choose Your Vehicle

Browse our inventory or learn about the best options in our best Japanese cars to import guide. For brand-specific recommendations: Toyota, Lexus, or Nissan. For performance vehicles, see JDM cars for export. For auction buying tips, see our Japanese used cars auction guide.

Step 2: Vehicle Inspection

Japanese cars come with detailed auction grade sheets that rate exterior, interior, and mechanical condition. We verify these ratings and can arrange additional inspections upon request.

Step 3: Purchase & Documentation

We provide a formal sales contract and handle the purchase. Export documentation includes: Certificate of Deregistration (export certificate), Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List.

Step 4: Shipping

Your vehicle is shipped from Japanese ports (Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe) via RoRo or container. See our car shipping from Japan guide for transit times and costs. Transit: Southeast Asia 5–10 days, Middle East 12–18 days, Africa 15–25 days, Americas 20–35 days.

Step 5: Customs Clearance

We provide all documents needed for your local customs clearance. Check import taxes for Japanese cars and Japan car export regulations for compliance requirements.

Get Started

Browse Japanese vehicles in our inventory or contact us for a free quote.