Learn with us
The paperwork behind the journey.
A car leaving Japan is accompanied by a small set of documents, each with a job to do: proving where the car came from, releasing it at the port, declaring its value and, for some destinations, confirming an inspection before export. This guide explains them one by one. What your country asks for is covered in your country guide.
Not one pack for everyone
Which documents you receive, and which you need, depends on the car, the shipping method and above all the destination. The four below are the ones relevant to most Japanese exports. Your country guide says what your own authorities expect, and we tell you what to expect for your particular car before it ships.
Export certificate
- What it is. The Japanese document issued when the car is de-registered for export, sometimes called the de-registration certificate. It records the car’s identity, including the chassis number, and its registration history in Japan.
- What it is for. It is the car’s origin document. Destination authorities rely on it for customs and registration, so it is supplied with an English translation.
- When you receive it. After de-registration, which happens during export preparation. We tell you when it has been issued and how it is being sent.
- Who may ask for it. Customs on arrival and your registration authority. Keep the original safe.
Bill of lading
- What it is. The shipping line’s receipt for the car, naming the vessel, the port of loading, the port of discharge and the consignee.
- What it is for. It is the document used to release the car at the destination port. Without it, or the release it supports, the port will not hand the car over.
- When you receive it. After the car has been loaded and the vessel has sailed, when the shipping line issues it.
- Who may ask for it. The port, the clearing agent and customs at your destination.
Invoice
- What it is. The commercial invoice for the car, stating the vehicle, the parties and the price.
- What it is for. Customs at the destination use it to assess any duty and tax on the import, and it is your record of the purchase.
- When you receive it. With the purchase and shipping documents as they are issued; see Payment Methods for how invoicing follows the stages.
- Who may ask for it. Customs, your clearing agent and, in some countries, the registration authority.
Pre-shipment inspection certificate (where applicable)
- What it is. A certificate from an approved inspection body in Japan, issued before export, confirming the car has passed the check that some destination countries require.
- What it is for. It is a compliance document for the destination, not a condition report. Whether it applies depends entirely on your country.
- When you receive it. Before the car sails, as the inspection has to be completed before loading.
- Who may ask for it. Customs or the registration authority in countries that require the inspection. Your country guide says whether yours does.
Keeping track of them
We tell you which documents to expect for your car, when each has been issued and how it is being sent, and we flag anything your destination asks for that is unusual. If you are using your own clearing agent, let us know early so the documents can be addressed correctly. If Rindo is handling the import for you, the documents are used on your behalf and you receive them for your records.
What does your country need?
Document requirements differ by destination. The country guide explains what applies where you are, and we tell you which documents to expect for your car.