Country-Specific Regulations on Importing Japanese Used Cars
Second hand cars or used cars, especially the Japanese used cars, have always been the number one preferred choice by automobile buyers, particularly by those buyers who can’t exactly afford a full manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for vehicles. Although Japanese used cars for sale are widely accepted and purchased by any country all over the world, each country has its very own specific regulations on importing the used cars from Japan due to several reasons, and every country has various different regulations when it comes to importing the used cars from Land of The Rising Sun.
Among the countries with strict and specific regulations on importing used cars from Japan include Malaysia, Singapore, and United Kingdom. In Malaysia, the packing list of the vehicles carried by the ship or inside the cargo should have proper and detailed descriptions of all contents, and every information and details need to be written in English only. For individual car owners who’d just came back from overseas and would like to bring their used Japanese cars to Malaysia, they’ll have to present several important documents to the officer in charge at the Ministry International Trade & Industry (MITI). Such documents may include original passport and copies, original and copy of Registration Card, Ownership Certificate, and insurance of the previous country where the car was used.
In Singapore, individual vehicle owners who would like to bring in their own used Japanese car to the country must first complete the ‘Declaration of Facts for Motor Vehicles’ form. The completed form must then be presented along with these documents: commercial invoice, Bill of Lading (B/ L), freight and insurance paper, related documents about the vehicle, vehicle’s registration, Vehicle Data Card, and a confirmation of date letter by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Under the LTA regulation, only vehicles that are less than 3 years from its first registration date may be allowed in Singapore, and a surcharge of $10,000 may apply.
In United Kingdom, for the individual car owners who have vehicles aged more than 3 years, they are required to pass the roadworthiness test before it is licensed and registered. Also, vehicles with a valid CoC are allowed to be imported by businesses and individuals minus any restriction. Importers should take note that they’ll need to present a proof of 12-month continuous residence (other custom forms are not allowed as a substitute), and EC documents like household bills (it should also cover the 12-month period).