TL;DR To legally export a vehicle from Japan, you must first complete the Japanese car deregistration process and then apply for a Japanese car export certificate. This official document proves the car has been removed from Japan’s registry and is cleared for international shipment. The export certificate is required for customs clearance and vehicle registration in most destination countries. Missing documents, unlicensed exporters, or translation errors can delay or block your shipment.
Introduction
Buying a car in Japan for export has become a big businessy. Japanese vehicles are known for their distinctive design, impressive engineering, and in many cases, their legendary status among car lovers. From classics like the Nissan Skyline and Mazda RX-7 to dependable sedans and tough SUVs, Japan’s domestic models have earned fans all over the world. They’re especially popular in car modding circles and racing scenes, thanks to their performance potential and strong aftermarket support. Whether it’s for a personal collection, track use, or resale, the global demand for Japanese cars just keeps growing.
Exporting a car from Japan isn’t just about finding a buyer and booking a ship. There’s a bit more to it, especially when it comes to the paperwork. One of the most important documents you’ll need is the Japanese car export certificate. Whether you’re an individual sending a car overseas or a dealer handling multiple exports, knowing how Japan’s deregistration process works is important.
If the paperwork isn’t in order, your car could get stuck at customs or even rejected by the destination country. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from how to get the export certificate to officially deregistering your vehicle and making sure you have all the right documents.
What is a Japanese Car Export Certificate?
A Japanese car export certificate is an official document issued by the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association (for kei cars) or the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) through local Transport Bureaus.
The Japanese car export certificate confirms that a vehicle has been formally deregistered in Japan and is no longer intended for domestic road use. This certificate is a key part of the Japan car export documentation process and serves as legal proof that the vehicle is eligible for export.
While it may sound similar to deregistration, the two documents serve different purposes. The deregistration certificate (also known as a Japanese car de-registration certificate) confirms the vehicle has been removed from Japan’s road registry.
The export certificate, on the other hand, provides the details required to export the vehicle, including ownership history, technical specs, and legal clearance. It’s essentially an internationally recognized and accepted version of the deregistration document.
You’ll need a Japanese car export certificate in the following situations:
- When you’re shipping a used vehicle overseas for resale, private use, or collection
- If you’re exporting a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicle to meet import and registration requirements abroad
- When required by customs authorities in the destination country for clearance or legal registration
Without this certificate, your export may be delayed or rejected entirely.
Japanese Car Deregistration Process
Before you can obtain a Japanese car export certificate, you must first complete the Japanese car deregistration process. The car deregistration process formally removes the vehicle from Japan’s domestic road registry and legally prepares it for export.
Whether you’re exporting a passenger car, a kei car, or a commercial vehicle, deregistration is the first step in the Japan vehicle export process.
Step-by-Step: How to Deregister a Car in Japan
Submit a Deregistration Application
Deregistration applications are filed at your local Transport Bureau (運輸支局, Unyu Shikyoku) to begin the process. A completed deregistration application form (Form No. 3) will need to be submitted.
Prepare and Submit Required Documents
The following documents are typically required as part of the car deregistration process:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (Shaken-sho)
- Personal identification (passport or residence card for foreigners)
- Personal seal (inkan) and Seal Registration Certificate (for individuals)
- Application Form (Form No. 3)
- Certificate of Parking Space Cancellation (if previously registered)
- License plates (both front and rear must be returned)
Return the License Plates
A key step for the deregistration process in Japan is returning the vehicle’s license plates. These must be handed in to the local Transport Bureau as part of the official cancellation procedure.
Receive the Deregistration Certificate (廃車証明書, Haisha Shomeisho)
Once approved, the Transport Bureau will issue a Japanese car de-registration certificate. This certificate confirms that the vehicle has been removed from Japan’s active road registry and is no longer permitted for use on public roads.
Apply for the Export Certificate
After receiving the deregistration certificate], you can now apply for the Japanese car export certificate.
Role of Japan’s Transport Bureau
The Transport Bureau (under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) oversees all vehicle registration and deregistration matters in Japan. They are responsible for verifying your documents, issuing the deregistration certificate, and processing export applications.
For kei cars (660cc and under), the procedure is similar but handled by the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association instead of the Transport Bureau.
With the right documents and proper submission, the entire process can usually be completed within a single day.
How to Obtain a Japanese Car Export Certificate
Once you’ve completed the Japanese car deregistration process, the application for the Japanese car export certificate can be made. The car export certificate is necessary to legally ship your vehicle out of Japan and receive customs clearance in the destination country.
Who Issues the Export Certificate?
The Japanese car export certificate is issued by the local Transport Bureau under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). For kei cars (light vehicles under 660cc), the issuing authority is the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association.
These agencies are responsible for verifying deregistration, confirming legal ownership, and validating that the vehicle meets export eligibility standards.
Steps to Obtain the Export Certificate
Complete Vehicle Deregistration
Before applying, you must have already received the Japanese car de-registration certificate (Haisha Shomeisho) from the Transport Bureau, confirming the vehicle has been removed from Japan’s road registry.
Submit an Export Application
File an export application at the same Transport Bureau where the vehicle was deregistered. You’ll need to complete the designated application form and include supporting documents such as:
- Deregistration certificate
- Vehicle registration number
- Proof of identity (passport or residence card)
- Any applicable customs forms or dealer paperwork
Provide Required Vehicle Information
During the application, you’ll need to confirm various vehicle details, such as:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Chassis number
- Engine displacement
- Year of manufacture
- Final destination country
Receive the Export Certificate
Once your application has been approved, the bureau will issue an export certificate for Japanese vehicles, confirming that the vehicle is approved for international shipment.
What the Certificate Contains
The Japanese car export certificate will include the following information:
- Basic vehicle details (make, model, chassis/VIN, year)
- Owner information
- Date of deregistration
- Certification of non-registration for domestic use
- Clearance for export
This certificate is a mandatory requirement for import approval in most countries and is often required to register the vehicle abroad. Without it, your car may be denied entry or flagged for additional inspections at the port of arrival.
How to Read a Japanese Car Export Certificate
Once you receive your Japanese car export certificate, it’s essential to understand what the document says—especially if you’re planning to register the vehicle in another country. The certificate is written entirely in Japanese, which can be challenging for exporters, importers, and overseas vehicle buyers. Learning how to read a Japanese car export certificate will help ensure a smooth registration process and prevent costly delays due to translation errors or missing data.
Key Fields Explained
The Japanese car export certificate contains several important fields that provide legal and technical information about the vehicle. Here’s a list of the most commonly used fields and what they mean:
- 車名 (Shamei): Vehicle make or brand (e.g., Toyota, Nissan, Mazda)
- 型式 (Kata-shiki): Model type or chassis code (e.g., GF-FD3S for Mazda RX-7)
- 車台番号 (Shadai Bango): Chassis or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- 原動機の型式 (Gendōki no Katashiki): Engine model code
- 排気量 (Haikiryo): Engine displacement in cc
- 初度登録年月 (Shodo Touroku Nengatsu): First registration date (year and month)
- 用途 (Youto): Vehicle use classification (e.g., private, commercial)
- 自動車の種別 (Jidousha no Shubetsu): Vehicle category (e.g., sedan, truck, kei car)
- 抹消登録年月日 (Masshou Touroku Nengappi): Date of deregistration
This information is essential for verifying the car’s eligibility for import, checking compliance with foreign vehicle regulations, and completing local registration procedures.
Translation Tips
Because the certificate is issued in Japanese, it’s often necessary to have it translated for use with foreign customs and motor vehicle departments. While automatic translation tools like Google Translate can offer a rough idea, they often struggle with industry-specific terms and layout formatting.
Here are a few practical tips for accurate translation:
- Use an official or certified translator experienced in Japan car export documentation
- Keep the format and order of information consistent with the original certificate for easy verification
- Double-check technical terms like engine codes, displacement, and registration dates, they must match your shipping and customs paperwork
- Where possible, include side-by-side translations (Japanese term and English equivalent) to avoid confusion
Accurate translation of your Japanese car export certificate ensures your vehicle meets the legal requirements for car export from Japan and helps avoid unnecessary administrative issues when registering your JDM vehicle abroad.
Legal Requirements for Car Export from Japan
Exporting a vehicle from Japan is a legal process that requires companies to follow strict compliance rules. Whether you’re a private individual or a licensed exporter, meeting the car export from Japan legal requirements is required to ensure your vehicle clears customs both in Japan and in the destination country.
These regulations are designed to prevent fraud, ensure safety, and maintain proper records of all vehicles leaving Japan’s domestic market.
National Requirements
Before any vehicle can be legally exported, it must be:
- Formally deregistered with Japan’s Transport Bureau (or the Light Motor Vehicle Association for kei cars)
- Issued a valid Japanese car de-registration certificate (Haisha Shomeisho)
- Cleared for export through the Japanese car export certificate, which confirms legal eligibility for overseas shipment
You must also return both license plates and ensure that any unpaid road tax or outstanding fees are settled before deregistration is finalized.
In addition, exporters must:
- File a proper export application with supporting documents
- Ensure that the vehicle is not subject to any theft reports, finance liens, or pending investigations
- Report the export to the Japanese customs authority using the NACCS (Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) or through a licensed customs broker
JDM Export Considerations
Exporting JDM vehicles (Japanese Domestic Market cars) comes with its own set of considerations. These vehicles were built specifically for use in Japan and may not meet foreign road safety or emissions standards. When exporting a JDM car, make sure to:
- Confirm whether the destination country permits right-hand drive vehicles
- Check if the model or chassis code is listed on any import restriction or compliance list (e.g., U.S. 25-Year Rule)
- Understand any necessary modifications or certifications required for road registration abroad
- Ensure that the Japanese car export certificate reflects the correct specifications, especially for collector cars and high-value exports
Importers of performance models like the Nissan GT-R, Toyota Chaser, or Mazda RX-7 often need this certificate as part of their import requirements to satisfy customs and roadworthy inspections in their home country.
VIN and Inspection Records
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Chassis Number listed on the export certificate for Japanese vehicles must match all other documentation, including:
- Deregistration papers
- Shipping invoices
- Customs declarations
Any mismatch can result in shipping delays or rejection at the port of entry. It’s also common practice to also attach vehicle inspection records, known in Japan as shaken documents, which show the service history, mileage, and condition of the car prior to export.
Additionally, buyers often request:
- Auction sheets (if purchased through a Japanese vehicle auction)
- Odometer verification reports
- Maintenance logs or translated inspection summaries
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Exporting a Vehicle
Exporting a vehicle from Japan involves a series of regulated steps, each with its own documentation, legal requirements, and timing. Unfortunately, even experienced exporters sometimes make avoidable errors that lead to delays, rejected shipments, or even financial loss.
Some examples of common mistakes include:
Errors in Documentation
One of the most common mistakes is inaccurate or incomplete paperwork. Since export procedures are strictly regulated, every detail, from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the date of deregistration, must be consistent across your documents.
Common errors include:
- Misspelled names or mismatched chassis numbers
- Submitting documents in the wrong format or language
- Forgetting to include supporting items like a Japanese car de-registration certificate or shaken records
- Using outdated forms for the deregistration or export application
Always double-check that your Japanese car export certificate, deregistration papers, customs declarations, and shipping invoices all align. Even a small error can result in significant delays or issues.
Not Deregistering Before Shipping
Attempting to export a vehicle without first completing the deregistration process is one of the most serious and costly mistakes. Japan’s Transport Bureau requires that all vehicles be officially removed from the road registry before they can be issued an export certificate.
If you miss this step:
- The vehicle may be rejected at the shipping port or held by customs
- You won’t receive the export certificate for Japanese vehicles, which is mandatory for international shipping
- You may remain liable for taxes or penalties if the vehicle is still technically “registered” in Japan
Using Unlicensed or Unregistered Exporters
In Japan, only licensed dealers or authorized export agents can legally handle vehicle deregistration and file export paperwork. Working with an unlicensed exporter or broker is a major risk that can result in:
- Fraudulent paperwork or forged export certificates
- Vehicles being sold without your consent
- Legal trouble if customs authorities detect non-compliance
To protect your investment, verify that your exporter:
- Is registered with the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA) or similar regulatory bodies
- Can provide transparent documentation, including the official Japanese car export certificate and registration history
- Has a proven track record and verifiable shipping references
FAQs
What is the difference between a deregistration certificate and a Japanese car export certificate?
The deregistration certificate (廃車証明書, Haisha Shomeisho) confirms that a vehicle has been officially removed from Japan’s road registry and is no longer allowed for domestic use. It’s an internal document used by the Transport Bureau as proof that the vehicle is off the road.
The Japanese car export certificate, on the other hand, is issued after deregistration and includes all necessary technical and legal information to allow the vehicle to be exported abroad. It is the internationally recognized document required by customs and registration authorities in the destination country.
How long does the process take to deregister and obtain an export certificate?
The full process, if all documents are in order, can usually be completed within one business day at your local Transport Bureau. This includes:
- Submitting the deregistration application
- Returning license plates
- Receiving the deregistration certificate
- Applying for and obtaining the export certificate
However, delays can occur if documentation is incomplete, or if the Transport Bureau has a backlog. For kei cars, processing through the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association may follow a similar timeline.
Can you export a car without deregistering it first?
No. You must deregister the vehicle first before it can be legally exported. The deregistration certificate is required in order to apply for the export certificate.
Attempting to export a car while it’s still registered in Japan can result in:
- Customs delays or rejection
- Legal liabilities for road tax or traffic violations
- Inability to obtain the export certificate, which is mandatory for shipping
What languages are Japanese car export certificates available in?
The Japanese car export certificate is issued only in Japanese. This is why translation is often required for use abroad. Many importing countries will ask for a certified English translation to register or inspect the vehicle.
It’s strongly recommended to work with a certified translator or a legal service familiar with Japan car export documentation to avoid errors. Accurate translation helps prevent issues at customs and speeds up vehicle registration in the destination country.
Conclusion
Exporting a car from Japan is more complicated than just loading it onto a ship, it’s about making sure every detail is handled correctly, especially when it comes to paperwork. The Japanese car export certificate is a mandatory requirement for getting the vehicle out of Japan.
From deregistering the car with the Transport Bureau to applying for and translating the export certificate, every step needs to be done properly to avoid delays or complications at customs. Whether you’re exporting a classic JDM model for a collector or sending multiple vehicles as part of your business, understanding the process is essential.
