FAQ. Everything about importing cars from Japan.

Standard timing is about three months. Actual lead time depends on where the car is bought (USS Tokyo / Yokohama / HAA Kobe and others), the chosen ocean route and current freight availability. After the car lands in Europe, add up to two weeks for customs clearance, excise tax and VAT.

Total price consists of the auction price in yen plus Japanese-side fees (dealer commission, domestic transport in Japan, transport insurance, ocean freight from 450,000 JPY) and European-side fees (unloading and clearance in Rotterdam from 500 EUR, 10% duty, 21% VAT) plus Polish excise of 3.1% for engines up to 2.0 L or 18.6% above, due when the car is registered in Poland plus domestic delivery from 1,900 PLN net. Every quote is prepared individually.

Flat 8,000 PLN net fee, regardless of the car's price. The same rate applies to a popular car and a supercar — we charge no percentage commission on the vehicle price. This is our fee for running the whole process; it is separate from the import costs (auction price, Japanese-side fees, shipping, duty, VAT and excise), which we settle at their real rates.

Cars at Japanese auctions cannot be inspected in person, but our inspector on the ground checks every lot before the bid: paint thickness measurement, photos, technical assessment. You receive the original auction sheet, its translation and our inspection report with photos and video.

Two standard options. First, a container to Gdynia with full protection, recommended for higher-value cars or rare paintwork. Second, RoRo to Hamburg or another European port — the car drives onto the ship on its own wheels, a faster and cheaper route. We agree on the route together for every car.

Yes, cars from Japan typically need technical modifications, including headlight adaptation to local standards. On top of that, a sworn translation of paperwork (export certificate from Japanese, purchase invoice, customs invoice) is required for registration. We arrange everything on your behalf. There is no separate route for cars older than 25 years, because that threshold is a US rule. In Poland a car imported from Japan takes the SKP roadworthiness test whatever its model year.

We have direct access to the largest Japanese auction networks: USS (Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama), HAA Kobe, TAA Kyushu, JU Gifu, BAYAUC, ARAI Oyama and LAA. Combined, that means tens of thousands of cars a week. We work with verified partners in Japan and operate our own holding lot in Tokyo, with no middlemen.

The scale is 1 to 6 (overall) and A to D (interior). S/6 is museum grade, 5 is showroom, 4.5 is very good, 4 is good, 3.5 is used with flaws, 3 is heavily used, 2/1 is fit for restoration, R/RA is post-accident. A “4.5 B” car is very good overall with a slightly worn interior.

Basic ocean-freight insurance is included: cover against damage during the voyage. On request we arrange full insurance for the whole import — transport to the guarded yard in Japan, the wait for freight, the voyage, and the stay before customs clearance. We agree the scope before bidding.