Shipping my own car from Netherlands to Japan

Hello All :)

I would like to ask you guys.. due to my job, I am going to work in japan from coming few years. And I would like to ship my car from Netherlands to Japan. May I know do I need to pay very expensive tax for importing my own car to japan?
And which paper work I need to prepare? If so, How to exchange my license plate from dutch to Japanese one?

cheers
Regards

Martin

Would you really want to drive a left-hand-side steering wheel in a country where you operate a vehicle from the right hand side?

When some Japanese workers are relocated from Honshu Main Island of Japan to Okinawa Island, they buy a used car in Okinawa, and resell when they get back to Honshu. The Same way works for you from NL to JPN.

Thanks guys..

but the problem is my car was still in leasing and if i sold my car i will lose quite alot of money. So i just want to see will it be possible to sending my car to Japan for daily life use....

thanks :)

I can't tell you the cost (aside from "a lot"), but here are some other things to consider:

1) You will want to make sure that you will be able to get warranty coverage for repairs in Japan.

2) You will want to make sure that your lease agreement allows you to take the car to Japan/out of the EU.

3) Whatever the cost is to ship the car to Japan, double it (and then add some more for inflation and the tendency of things in Japan to cost more) because you will also have to ship your car back to the Netherlands when the lease is up, unless you buy out the lease. If you buy it you may find you have a hard time selling your car in Japan someday in the future.

4) It is possible that your car does not meet some sort of safety standards/emission standards for the Japanese market (I am only speculating here), which might make your car impossible to insure or license in Japan.

You will want to do a lot of careful research. Good luck.

Hello ..

Thanks for your reply. On the contract, It didn't said it cant bring my car out of Europe. its seem like I purchase the car as loans. I have the owner document from audi.

For the safety, I think it will be fine, as they have the same model from japan. And I need to upgrade the navigation to japan one.I been ask a shipping company. they told me it cost around 1400pounds. and they can collect my car in Belgium. and it take around 28 days for delivery.

But the important is, where can I change my license plate from Netherlands to japan? Which department I need to contact to?

Thanks

regards

Martin

This thread reminds me of the phrase "carrying coals to Newcastle". Contact the Japan consulate closest to you for definative information.

That's not a bad quote. But 28 days is a bit optimistic.
You may be able to drive on a foreign registration for a time, but some conversion (e.g. headlights) might be needed and a mandatory inspection depending on the car's age. when you need to register it, some import tax will also be payable, unless can prove you will not leave it in the country.
You shipping agent should be able to advise on the paperwork and requirements, although they will be more used to shipping used cars in the other direction. If you're shipping agent can't handle the customs/conversion side of things, look for another than has links to a Japan-side operation to organise this for you.

What about parking? you will have to rent a full time parking.Not necessarily easy to find. Have you checked the price of gas, toll fees etc.?

I know a Japanese family that could only find a reasonable indoor parking a few km from their home. They only used the car on weekends..

Hi, Yes, The apartment I going to rent was with a parking space. And I surely the gas will be much cheaper than Holland..( the most expensive gas in the world!)

But if I try to told them the car will not be sold in japan and it only for personal use. Which paper work I need to make for giving out to japan gov.?

thanks :)

You will probably pay 5% tax on total value.
+ registration/inspection fee + any conversion necessary.
Your shipping agent can do the paperwork on a commission basis which will be much easier for you.
Talk to you shipping agent, if they can't help you find a specialist. If you ship in a container (if your car will fit) rather than a ro-ro, you can also use the spare space to ship your other stuff. You shouldn't pay taxes on used personal items that you intend to take out of the country when you leave.

Thanks Mr Shippy...

I will try to contact them. But may I know when my car arrive Japan. Where should I go and exchange a Japanese license plate ? And do I need to pay lots of money when I exchange my license plate?


Thanks

Regards

Martin

I haven't seen discussed one important aspect of this; he doesn't own the car. He says it is leased. I would forsee many complications because of that.

Hello.

The car was own by me. But it was having car finance on it.

But i was holding ceft of owership and registration doc.

Will it be fine for that?

I don't know your country's law.
In Japan lease and loan are different. loan is borrowing money, and lease is borrowing a car (in this case). even if a loan, car owner is the financing company, until all the money have been paid.
If you do not pay money every month(or every year) to the financing company, what happens ? Does the company have the right to take away your car from you, and to sell your car to recover money ? If so, you may violate the contract, if you bring your car to Japan.
Do you have the right to sell your car to a third person ? If not, your car is not your property.

What part of Japan are you headed? If it's Tokyo, driving and parking is a huge pain in the AS*

My friend shipped his car from UK to Japan and it costs 5000 pounds with all paperwork and licence plate. It took about 1 1/2 month to arrive in Japan. ;)

PS: And you need proof that you have a parking place before you can ship your car.