To export a used car from Japan you typically need the vehicle's export (deregistration) certificate, a commercial invoice, customs export clearance (the export permit) and a bill of lading from the shipping line, plus any inspection certificates the destination country requires. Requirements vary by destination, so confirm with your freight forwarder.
This guide is general information for exporters, not tax or legal advice. Rules change and depend on your situation, so confirm details with your tax advisor (税理士), customs broker or freight forwarder.
The core document set
| Document | Japanese | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Export certificate (deregistration) | 輸出抹消仮登録証明書 | Shows the vehicle has been deregistered in Japan for export; carries the chassis number |
| Commercial invoice | インボイス (商業送り状) | States buyer, vehicle and price; destination customs uses it to value the car |
| Export permit | 輸出許可書 | Proof of customs export clearance; also evidence for the consumption tax export exemption |
| Bill of lading (B/L) | 船荷証券 | Issued by the shipping line once the vehicle is loaded |
| Auction sheet | オークションシート | Condition record from the auction, often requested by buyers |
Many destinations also require a pre-shipment inspection or conformity certificate. Your forwarder or the buyer's broker can tell you exactly which one.
Where paperwork goes wrong
A small error in the chassis number, consignee name or invoice details can delay clearance. The usual cause is the same data being retyped in several places. Keep one master record per vehicle, and generate every document from that record.
- Check the chassis number on the certificate, invoice and booking match character for character.
- Confirm the consignee name and address before the invoice is issued.
- Keep a copy of every document against the vehicle record. You will need them for tax evidence as well as for customs.
How Car Business Pro helps
Car Business Pro keeps chassis number, auction, purchase, customer and invoice details together in one vehicle record, detects duplicate chassis numbers on import, and lets customers view their own invoices in a secure portal.
Quick answers
What documents do I need to export a car from Japan?
Typically the export (deregistration) certificate, commercial invoice, customs export permit and bill of lading, plus any inspection certificate the destination requires.
Why do chassis number errors matter?
The chassis number links the export certificate, invoice, permit and shipping record. A mismatch can delay customs clearance and weaken your proof of export for tax purposes.