How to Import a Used Luxury Car from Japan: Auction Grades, Paperwork and Country Rules (2026)

Importing a used luxury car from Japan comes down to four checks: what the auction grade means, whether the mileage and history hold up, whether Japan’s export papers are in order, and whether your country lets that car in at its age. This guide covers all four, plus what to inspect on petrol, hybrid and electric cars. Rules change, so each legal statement below names its source and the date we read it (2026-10-22).

WATTSHIP’s luxury database lists the models we track, including Lexus, Toyota and Nissan entries. The landed cost tool adds up the full price. This guide is general information and not legal, tax or financial advice.

Why do people import used luxury cars from Japan?

Buyers look to Japan for three practical reasons: written auction inspections, right-hand-drive cars for left-hand-traffic markets, and models sold mainly in Japan, such as the Toyota Century. None of these makes a car safe to buy unseen, and every destination decides separately whether it can be registered.

• Written inspections. Japanese auction houses publish an inspection sheet with a grade, a damage diagram and comments for each car. The sheet is an opinion on one day, so treat it as a starting point.
• Right-hand drive. Japanese-market cars are right-hand drive, which suits markets that drive on the left, such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.
• Japan-only models. Some trims and body styles were sold only in Japan. Browse examples such as the Toyota Century or the Nissan GT-R in the database.
• Fit to your market. Cars are built to Japanese specification, not necessarily to yours. The age rules below decide whether a given car can be registered at all.

What does a Japanese auction grade mean?

A Japanese auction grade is an inspector’s score for the whole car on one day, usually from 6 or S at the top down to 1, with separate marks for repair history. Each auction house sets its own grading rules, so the same number can mean slightly different things at different houses.

What do S, 6, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5 and 3 mean?

Higher numbers mean fewer scratches, dents and repairs, and lower mileage in some houses’ rules. One importer guide that summarises USS rules (revised 2015) lists S and 6 as near-new, 5 as having only inconspicuous marks, 4.5 and 4 as light wear or minor repair, and 3.5 and 3 as needing panel work or re-trimming. Treat those as examples from one house, not a universal key. For a walk-through, see our guide to reading a Japanese auction sheet and auction sheets explained.

What do the interior letters A to E mean?

The interior letter rates how much reconditioning the cabin needs, from A (little or none) to E (major work throughout). The same USS-based guide notes that houses differ here: one house’s grade 4.5 can require interior B or better while another accepts C. For a luxury car, ask what the letter means at the specific auction.

What do R and RA mean on an auction sheet?

R and RA mark vehicles with repair history. Importer guides disagree on the exact difference, and the USS-based guide says RA is shown by some houses only as a lighter repair-history guide. Ask your exporter or an independent inspector to state in writing what the mark means on that sheet, what was repaired, and to send photos of the panel.

How do I read the damage diagram and comments?

The diagram marks scratches, dents, repaints, rust and replaced panels with code letters, and the codes differ between houses. The comments often matter more than the grade. A 4.5 with a repainted roof and a water-damage comment is not the same car as a 4.5 with a clean diagram. Ask for a translation of every comment, and match the chassis number on the sheet to every other document. Our chassis code guide shows how to read it.

How do I check mileage and history on a used car from Japan?

Compare dated records, because no single document proves lifetime mileage. A reading that drops between two dated documents needs a written explanation before you pay, such as a documented meter replacement.

Which documents show the mileage?

One importer-education guide lists the shaken (vehicle inspection) certificate remarks, auction records, the maintenance book and a JEVIC odometer certificate as the records to compare. It notes that auction records only exist for cars that went through auction, and that the JEVIC odometer certificate is separate from JEVIC’s other inspection certificate. Ask the exporter for each and check that the dates and readings line up.

Has odometer tampering been reported on Japanese imports?

Yes, in at least one market. MaltaToday reported allegations that cars bought in Japan had their odometers altered after arrival and that inspection documents were falsified, and later reports described police action and court charges. The cases are allegations, and we do not name parties. The practical point is that the buyer should verify mileage independently rather than rely on the seller’s documents alone.

How else can I verify condition and history?

Japan has no single public ownership history, so build one from documents: the inspection certificate, the service book with dealer stamps, receipts and recall records, and any earlier auction sheet. Ask how many owners the car has had and how long the exporter has held it. Physical checks help too: steering wheel, pedal and seat wear should fit the mileage, and silt, damp or rust under the carpet and in the sills can show water exposure. For a pre-purchase inspection, see Japan inspection and our used-car history guide.

What export paperwork does Japan require?

Japan requires a car to be deregistered before export. Japan Customs states that the owner applies to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) for deregistration and gets a Certificate of Registration Deletion in advance. This is the document most buyers call the Japanese export certificate.

What is the export certificate and how long is it valid?

For a registered car, Japan Customs says the owner obtains the Certificate of Registration Deletion before export. For a car that is already deregistered, the owner returns that certificate and obtains a Certificate of Notice of Planned Export. Japan Customs states that both certificates are valid for six months from the date of issue.

Which other documents should the exporter provide?

A typical set is the deregistration or export certificate with a translation if your authority needs one, the commercial invoice, the bill of lading, the auction sheet and any inspection report, the service book, and any extra destination papers such as an emissions or safety declaration. Check the chassis number and make and model on every document, because a mismatch can delay clearance or block registration. Your destination authority tells you which certificate it accepts.

How should I pay and what should the contract say?

Use a written contract that names the vehicle, price, inclusions, inspection arrangements and what happens if the car differs from its description. Do not pay in full before you have seen the export certificate and pre-shipment photographs. Our auction buying walk-through covers the steps in order.

Can I import a Japanese luxury car into my country?

It depends on the car’s age and your country’s rules. The table gives each authority’s published age rule as read on 2026-10-22. It is not legal advice, so confirm with the authority or a licensed importer before you buy.

Check the build month on the chassis plate or export certificate, not the model year. Other buyers ask about the UAE, Pakistan and Bangladesh. We could not confirm current official rules for those markets from primary sources, and reports disagree, so check with the destination customs or transport authority before buying.

How do I import a used luxury car from Japan to the US (25-year rule)?

The US generally allows a Japanese-market car in for road use once it is at least 25 years old, and treats younger cars as needing to meet federal safety standards. 49 U.S.C. 30112(b)(9) lists “a motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old” as outside the section’s prohibitions, and CBP states that vehicles under 25 years old must comply with FMVSS. EPA publishes a separate provision for vehicles over 21 years old. Read our 25-year rule explained and the US import guide.

How do I import a used luxury car from Japan to the UK?

Cars with up to eight passenger seats that are over 10 years old are listed by GOV.UK as exempt from vehicle approval. Newer cars need approval, and other registration steps still apply. See the UK import guide.

How do I import a used luxury car from Japan to Australia, and what is the luxury car tax?

Vehicles built or significantly modified more than 25 years ago can apply for a concessional entry approval from the Department of Infrastructure, and the department notes that approval does not guarantee state registration. Luxury car tax (LCT) is a separate tax on cars above a threshold value. The Australian Border Force (Customs Notice 2026/19) states that from 1 July 2026 the LCT thresholds are $91,661 for fuel-efficient vehicles and $80,809 for other vehicles. The ATO page we found describes a 33% rate on the amount above the threshold, but we could not open it directly, so confirm the rate and how your car’s value is calculated with the ATO. See the Australia import guide.

How do I import a used luxury car from Japan to New Zealand?

NZTA says a vehicle must meet the New Zealand standards that apply at its date of manufacture, then get a border inspection and entry certification before registration. For light vehicles from Japan, NZTA’s guidance refers to an original deregistration or export certificate issued by MLIT. Check the NZTA page for the current emissions codes and stability-control requirements. See the New Zealand import guide.

How do I import a used luxury car from Japan to Canada?

Transport Canada states that a vehicle qualifies if it is 15 years old or older, based on the month and year of manufacture. The vehicle must also be in a regulated class and cannot be a bus. Provincial registration is separate. See the Canada import guide.

Can I import a used luxury car from Japan to Kenya?

KRA lists a used vehicle age limit of less than 8 years from the year of first registration. Trade guidance disagrees on whether the date counts from manufacture or first registration, and on pre-export inspection requirements, so confirm with KRA and the Kenya Bureau of Standards before you buy. See the Kenya import guide.

Which luxury models do people ask about most?

Three searches come up repeatedly: Lexus, Toyota Century and Nissan GT-R. Whether you can import one depends on its build date and your country’s rule in the table above, not on the badge.

• Lexus. Browse the Lexus catalogue. Check the build month against the age rule for your country.
• Toyota Century. The Century was built mainly for the Japanese market. See the Toyota Century entry and the other generations in the database.
• Nissan GT-R. See the Nissan GT-R entry. Our GT-R history post gives background.

Model details in the WATTSHIP database come from public sources and are marked with their confidence level on each page. Check specifications against the car’s own documents before you buy.

What should I inspect before buying?

Inspect the same core items on every car, then add checks that depend on the drivetrain.

What should I check on every car?

• Chassis number against all documents, and that the plate matches.
• Paint thickness and panel gaps, which show repair.
• Rust at sills, door bottoms, floor pans, suspension mounts and exhaust.
• Tyre brand, age and wear pattern.
• Brake discs and pads, suspension bushes and shock absorbers.
• Windows, seats, screen, air conditioning, cameras and driver-assistance sensors.
• Air suspension, if fitted, which can be costly to repair.
• A diagnostic scan for stored fault codes, and evidence that recalls were done.

What should I check on petrol and diesel cars?

Check service history for oil changes, oil leaks and turbo noise on turbocharged engines, timing chain or belt evidence, cooling-system condition, and smooth gear changes. Ask the manufacturer or a specialist whether the engine expects a fuel grade your local pumps supply.

What should I check on hybrid cars?

Ask for the hybrid battery’s condition from a diagnostic read, not just a warning light. Check the battery cooling fans and filters, the inverter and the 12-volt system, and whether your market has qualified high-voltage service and replacement-battery supply.

What should I check on electric cars?

Get a battery state-of-health reading, and check the DC fast-charging connector. The US Department of Energy describes CHAdeMO as a common DC fast connector among Japanese automakers, while CCS and J3400 (NACS) are used elsewhere. Confirm which your local chargers support and whether a tested adapter exists. Also check software and region locks on navigation and connected services, the on-board charger rating, and whether the manufacturer and battery warranties apply in your country. Our battery health guide goes deeper.

How much does it cost to import a used luxury car from Japan?

The auction price is the start, not the total. Add auction and exporter fees, inland transport in Japan, deregistration and documents, inspection, shipping and insurance, import duty and taxes, port and clearance charges, destination compliance work, registration and a first service. Keep a contingency for repairs, because luxury parts can be costly. The landed cost tool puts the stages in one calculation, and our import cost guide explains each line. We do not quote duty or tax rates here, because they differ by country, change, and some (like Australia’s LCT) depend on the car’s value.

Should I ship by RoRo or container?

RoRo means the car is driven onto a vehicle-carrying ship. A container means the car is loaded into a sealed container. Which suits you depends on the car, route and quotes you get, so ask forwarders for current prices. See container vs RoRo shipping.

What are the red flags when buying a used luxury car from Japan?

• A price far below comparable cars with a vague reason.
• Photos that do not show the chassis plate, odometer and engine bay.
• Reluctance to provide the auction sheet, service book or export certificate.
• Mileage that does not match across documents.
• Pressure to pay in full before you have seen documents.
• Chassis number discrepancies between documents.

Check the auction calendar for timing, and compare any offer with the landed cost before committing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a used luxury car from Japan to the US?

The US generally allows a car once it is at least 25 years old, and younger cars must meet federal safety standards (49 U.S.C. 30112(b)(9); CBP, read 2026-10-22). The build month matters, so check the plate.

What does grade 4.5 mean at a Japanese car auction?

It is an overall condition score near the upper-middle of the scale, but each auction house sets its own rules. One importer guide summarising USS says 4.5 can allow minor repairs and requires a stated interior letter, so read the sheet, not just the number.

What do R and RA mean on a Japanese auction sheet?

They mark repair history. Guides differ on the exact difference, so ask the exporter to state in writing what the mark means and what was repaired.

What is the Japanese export certificate?

Japan Customs describes a Certificate of Registration Deletion for a deregistered car, or a Certificate of Notice of Planned Export for a car already deregistered. Both are valid for six months from issue.

How can I check the real mileage of a used car from Japan?

Compare several dated records: the shaken certificate remarks, auction records, the maintenance book and a JEVIC odometer certificate. A reading that drops needs a documented explanation.

Can I import a used car from Japan to the UK?

GOV.UK lists cars with up to eight passenger seats that are over 10 years old as exempt from vehicle approval. Newer cars need approval, and other registration steps still apply.

Is there a luxury car tax on imported cars in Australia?

Australia has a luxury car tax on cars above a threshold value. Customs Notice 2026/19 sets the thresholds from 1 July 2026 at $91,661 for fuel-efficient vehicles and $80,809 for others. Confirm the rate and your car’s value with the ATO.

Can I import a used car from Japan to Canada?

Transport Canada states that a vehicle qualifies if it is 15 years old or older, based on the month and year of manufacture, and falls in a regulated class.

How old can a car be to import to Kenya?

KRA lists an age limit of less than 8 years from the year of first registration. Confirm the current rule and pre-export inspection requirements before buying.

Is a Toyota Century or a Nissan GT-R easier to import than other cars?

The same age rules apply to every model. What matters is the car’s build month and your country’s rule, not the badge.

Sources

All sources were opened or searched on 2026-10-22. Where a page could not be opened, the entry says so and the related statement is worded to match.

• Japan Customs, Export of used vehicles (FAQ 5502), accessed 2026-10-22.
• Cornell LII, 49 U.S.C. 30112, accessed 2026-10-22.
• CBP, Importing a Motor Vehicle, accessed 2026-10-22.
• EPA, Learn about importing vehicles and engines, accessed 2026-10-22.
• Transport Canada, Importing a vehicle from countries other than the US and Mexico, accessed 2026-10-22.
• GOV.UK, Exemptions from vehicle approval, accessed 2026-10-22.
• Australian Department of Infrastructure, How to import your older vehicle and Concessional RAV entry approvals, accessed 2026-10-22 (pages timed out when opened; wording taken from search summaries of the department pages).
• Australian Border Force via Freight & Trade Alliance, Customs Notice 2026/19, Luxury Car Tax thresholds for 2026-27, accessed 2026-10-22.
• ATO, Luxury car tax rate and thresholds, accessed 2026-10-22 (access blocked; rate taken from a search summary only).
• NZTA, Used vehicles from Japan, accessed 2026-10-22 (page returned no text; wording taken from a search summary).
• Kenya Revenue Authority, Procedure for importing a motor vehicle, accessed 2026-10-22.
• JDM Buy Sell, Auction grading and Verify mileage, accessed 2026-10-22. This is an importer-education site, not an official body; it summarises USS rules.
• US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, electricity stations, accessed 2026-10-22.
• MaltaToday, Hundreds cheated in racket involving tampered mileage on Japanese second-hand car imports, accessed 2026-10-22 (article could not be opened; described from search results and later headlines).
• WATTSHIP luxury database (src/data/luxury-db.json), entries retrieved 2026-10-19, confidence per entry.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.