Costs & Process
Everything you need to know about importing a vehicle from Japan auctions to Europe and the rest of the world — step by step.
Choosing the right vehicle is the first and most important step in the import process. At Wexportautos, we leverage our direct access to Japan's most reputable auction houses to source high-quality vehicles that match your exact needs and budget. Our team ensures every purchase is backed by professional inspections and transparent bidding practices.
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We act as your official auction broker, granting you entry to Japan's extensive vehicle inventory.
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Vehicles at very low prices, often in excellent condition with low mileage.
- 03
Most vehicles come with complete service history and maintenance records.
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Large variety of high-end European brands with left-hand drive.
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Many vehicles are originally manufactured in Europe and imported to Japan — already compliant with EU regulations, no technical modifications required.
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No public access. Exclusive auctions restricted to licensed companies. Official houses: ussnet.co.jp · zipco.co.jp · bay-auc.com
Our Own
Auction
Platform
Unlike resellers, we operate our own proprietary auction system — giving you direct access to Japan's auto market with no unnecessary markups. Register free, deposit, and start bidding today.
- Hundreds of LHD-ready vehicles listed weekly
- Classic, new, iconic vehicles and much more
- Full auction history and complete grading sheets provided by official auction house inspectors
- Refundable deposit — no risk to get started
- Bid yourself or request assisted bidding
- English-language support throughout
Exported
Served
Fee
Access
No experience needed. Our team guides you through every step of the bidding and export process.
Browse Current Listings →From search to ship, our team handles every step on your behalf to ensure you get the vehicle you deserve.
Based on your preferences, budget, and specifications, we filter thousands of vehicles across multiple auction houses in Japan to find the best match.
Before bidding, our expert team conducts thorough in-person inspections to verify the vehicle's condition and documentation, so you can buy with confidence.
Japan's auctions are private and restricted to licensed companies. We place bids directly, always aiming to secure the vehicle at the best possible price within your budget.
Our team shares media and data exclusively available to registered auction members — extra photos and direct links to Interior 360°, Undercarriage HD, and Wheel inspections. Ask our team for this at any time.
Remember that Japanese vehicles require a specialised chassis number decoder for the Japanese Domestic Market — a standard international VIN decoder will not work. Use a service specifically designed for Japan's domestic registry, such as CAR VX below.
Japan's first vehicle history report service. Covers domestic auction records, chassis inspections, and ownership history.
See a real VIN history report ↗Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63 · Verified example report
A simple deposit system — you stay in control of your budget at every step.
Only 10% deposit of your maximum budget is required to bid — for example, €1,000 for a €10,000 budget. We cover the remaining 90% if your bid wins. The full remaining balance + FOB rate + shipping must be paid before shipment.
Your deposit can be reused for future auctions or refunded upon request. No questions asked.
The vehicle is resold to recover our 90%. Any proceeds from the resale, after all transaction and resale fees, will be returned to the client from their deposit.
Non-payment after winning a bid will in most cases result in the total loss of the initial deposit. Please make sure you fully understand the entire process and are certain about your decision before sending any deposit.
Payments past the agreed date may incur late fees.
We offer three secure payment methods. All transactions are handled with full traceability and buyer protection where applicable.
Bank Transfer
The standard payment method for all transactions. Preferred for full balance payments once the bid is won. Offers full traceability and is available worldwide via SWIFT or SEPA transfers.
- Available for all transactions and amounts
- Preferred for full balance payments
- Full traceability via bank records
- Standard processing times apply (1–3 business days)
PayPal Products & Services
PayPal Products & Services is available exclusively for the 10% initial deposit and for new clients. It provides an extra layer of buyer protection and dispute resolution, making it the ideal option if this is your first transaction with us.
- Available for 10% deposits & new clients only
- Buyer protection & payment security included
- Full traceability & dispute resolution
- Instant payment — no bank processing delays
- Ideal for first-time clients seeking extra assurance
Wise
Wise is one of our trusted banking partners and has processed a large volume of client payments from around the world. It is a regulated financial platform that allows you to send money internationally in multiple currencies with low or zero fees for Wise account holders — fast, transparent, and fully tracked.
- Send deposits in multiple currencies with no hidden fees
- Free transfers for Wise account holders
- Real exchange rate — no markup on conversion
- Instant or same-day payments in most cases
- Full payment tracking via the official Wise platform
- Trusted by clients across Europe, Asia, and the Americas
Please do not send any deposit without a reference or without having contacted our team first. All payments must be agreed and confirmed with us before being processed.
| Vehicle Price (¥) | FOB Fix Rate (¥) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 999,999 | 0 |
| 1,000,000 – 1,999,999 | 0 |
| 2,000,000 – 2,999,999 | 0 |
| 3,000,000 – 3,999,999 | 0 |
| 4,000,000 – 4,999,999 | 0 |
| 5,000,000 – 5,999,999 | 0 |
| 6,000,000 – 6,999,999 | 0 |
| 7,000,000 – 7,999,999 | 0 |
| 8,000,000 – 8,999,999 | 0 |
| 9,000,000 – 9,999,999 | 0 |
| +10,000,000 | 0 |
* Approximate values. Verify live rates before payment.
- Auction house fees
- Local taxes — Japan Consumption Tax (JCT)
- Export documentation & certificates
- Transport from the auction to the port of origin
- Port handling charges
- Vehicle loading on board
- Shipping of vehicle documents & accessories by postal service
- Administration & coordination with the customs agent at destination
- Our commission as export agents & brokers
We ship from Japan to Europe and destinations worldwide. Transit time is approximately 6–8 weeks in both cases.
Vehicles are driven directly onto the ship and securely fastened for transport. The most cost-effective option for standard running cars — faster loading and unloading, reduced port handling fees. Ideal for complete vehicles without loose parts or accessories inside.
NYK Line
Armacup
Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Vehicles are loaded inside a sealed 40ft shipping container, providing maximum protection from weather and port handling. Especially suitable for high-value, classic, or non-running vehicles. Up to 3 vehicles can be shipped per container, and spare parts or accessories can be included alongside the cars.
Note: 2 vehicles is the standard configuration. A third vehicle depends on the size and condition of each car and may incur additional costs, as extra precautions and handling are required.
* Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season, destination, or international circumstances beyond our control.
Importing a vehicle involves more than shipping. Every car must pass through customs clearance — a process that ensures compliance with national regulations, proper taxation, and safety standards. This applies worldwide, not only in Europe.
How Customs Clearance Works
When a vehicle arrives at port, customs authorities verify documentation, assess import duties and taxes, and inspect the vehicle if necessary. Required documents typically include the Invoice, Bill of Lading, and Export Certificate.
Duties & Taxes
For vehicles imported from outside the EU, import duty is around 10%, and VAT ranges from 19%–25% depending on the country. Classic vehicles over 20–30 years old may qualify for exemptions or reduced VAT rates depending on the destination country.
Vehicle Registration & Licensing
After customs clearance, vehicles must be registered and receive license plates before being driven legally. Fees vary by country and may include technical inspections, insurance, and local taxes.
For German, European, or clients in countries where registering non-EU vehicles is complex, we offer a European Registration Service via Germany. The vehicle is shipped to Germany, undergoes full EU homologation and TÜV inspection, and receives German registration documents valid throughout the EU.
Delivery options include client pick-up in Germany or delivery to the final destination country.
This price does not include any technical modifications that may be required to meet European standards. The exact total can only be determined after a thorough inspection at our partner workshops in Germany. Costs can vary significantly depending on the make, model, and condition of the vehicle. For estimates or advice, please contact our team before proceeding.
We work with trusted customs agents in key destination countries. If you need references from our previous shipments or up-to-date information on local import regulations and procedures, contact us and we will connect you directly with the right agent for your country.
We coordinate end-to-end logistics from Japan to Bremerhaven (Germany), followed by a T1 transit directly to our customs agent in Embrach, Switzerland. For homologation and vehicle registration in Switzerland, please contact:
We manage the full process from Japan to Jebel Ali Port, Dubai — including customs declaration, UAE homologation, and RTA vehicle registration. For coordination and more information, contact:
For customs declarations and assistance with import procedures and vehicle registration in Norway, we work with a trusted local partner. Please contact directly:
Every vehicle import requires the following official documents. We handle and coordinate all of them as part of our export service.
Invoice
The official purchase invoice issued by the auction house or seller. It states the vehicle's purchase price in Japanese Yen, the buyer's details, and the seller's details. Customs authorities use it to calculate the applicable import duties and taxes. It is the primary document for valuation purposes.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The official transport contract issued by the shipping company. It confirms that the vehicle has been loaded onto the ship and is en route to the destination port. It identifies the consignee (buyer), the shipper, the vessel, and the port of destination. Required by customs to release the vehicle upon arrival.
Export Certificate
Issued by the Japanese authorities, this document certifies that the vehicle has been officially deregistered in Japan and is legally cleared for export. It includes the vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis), make, model, and year. Essential for re-registering the vehicle in the destination country and proving its legal export from Japan.
When vehicles arrive at the destination port, the customs agent handles unloading and payment of government taxes on your behalf. The following costs apply in addition to the CIF price above.
Destination country — Germany (EU example)Note: This service applies to EU countries and does not include any additional homologation work the vehicle may require to comply with European standards. For quotes in other countries, please contact us.
* Approximate values based on exchange rates at time of sale. Taxes and duties are indicative and may vary.
The same 2017 McLaren 540C sold through a European dealer averages €150,000 on the market. With Wexportautos, your total landed cost — taxes, shipping and registration included — comes to just €94,040.
Register for free, place your deposit, and let our team source your vehicle directly from Japan's most exclusive auctions. The car of your dreams has never been this affordable.
Other questions you may have before getting started.
Auction vehicles are sold "as is" and do not come with any auction or manufacturer warranty — it is comparable to buying a used vehicle from a private individual. The most important thing is to verify the vehicle's condition thoroughly; that matters more than any warranty.
That said, Japan is globally renowned for the care taken of vehicles and their consistently low mileage, which makes buying used cars from Japan more reliable than almost anywhere else in the world.
Yes. At all times the vehicle is covered. Any damage or total loss during transit — from the auction to the destination port — is insured by shipping insurance policies with licensed carriers. You can purchase additional coverage if required.
Every country has its own laws and regulations regarding vehicle imports, and these change frequently. We strongly recommend that you contact a qualified customs agent or import specialist in your country before proceeding with any purchase or import.
Japan has one of the world's most developed public transport networks, which means cars are used far less frequently for daily commuting than in most countries. Japanese owners also tend to take exceptional care of their vehicles — regular servicing, strict roadworthiness inspections (Shaken), and a cultural emphasis on cleanliness and maintenance all contribute to vehicles being in outstanding condition with remarkably low mileage relative to their age.
This is one of the primary reasons why importing from Japan offers such extraordinary value.
Although Japan drives on the left side of the road with right-hand drive vehicles, a significant number of high-end European brands — such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, and Lamborghini — were originally manufactured in Europe as left-hand drive and subsequently imported into Japan by dealerships or private buyers.
Japanese collectors and enthusiasts have always had a strong appetite for European prestige cars, regardless of steering configuration. This makes Japan an exceptional source for LHD European models that are already compliant with EU regulations, often well-maintained, and available at significantly lower prices than in European markets.
Wexportautos' primary registration is in the United States of America. Filing Number: C1544633.
1001 S Main St, Suite 600
Kalispell, MT 59901
United States
Hoshino Building 3F, 8-11-10, Nishi-Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023
Why registered primarily in the US? Access to the US banking system and its fiscal advantages make it the most practical and efficient option to offer our service globally, while allowing us to continue operating our logistics in Japan without complications.
We only accept pre-arranged office visits as we are often at auction or on-site inspections. If you simply show up without prior arrangement, you will most likely miss us. Please contact us in advance to schedule a meeting.
According to international shipping regulations, all fuel must be removed from vehicles prior to loading onto the ship. This applies to both RoRo and container shipments. You will need to bring fuel to the port when collecting your vehicle.
This is possible, but only via container shipping. RoRo does not accept objects inside the vehicle during transit. If you require additional parts to be shipped alongside your car, please let us know and we will arrange a container accordingly.
We strongly recommend performing a full service and fluid change on the vehicle upon arrival. After a long international voyage, it is standard practice to check and replace engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and other fluids before driving the vehicle. This ensures it is in optimal condition from day one.
Unfortunately this is not possible once the vehicle has been loaded. The Bill of Lading acts as the official shipping contract and confirms the vehicle's departure port and destination port. Once issued, it cannot be amended.
Yes, absolutely. There are no restrictions on reselling in the vast majority of countries once the vehicle is properly registered. In fact, many of our clients are car dealers and investors who import vehicles specifically for resale — and they consistently achieve excellent margins thanks to the price advantage of importing directly from Japan.
Yes. Let us know exactly what vehicle you are looking for and we will do everything possible to source it at the best price from Japan — the world's best marketplace for finding exceptional vehicles at extraordinary value.
Up to 3 vehicles can be shipped per 40ft container, provided the necessary safety precautions and loading arrangements are in place. 2 vehicles is the standard configuration; a third vehicle depends on the dimensions and condition of each car and may incur additional handling costs.
In these cases, the vehicle is shipped to a transit country and transported overland to the final destination. A good example is Switzerland: vehicles are shipped to Bremerhaven, Germany, and then transported by road across the border into Switzerland.
We coordinate this process with our network of trusted customs agents in each country. Contact us and we will arrange the full logistics chain for you.
Contact us — we are always happy to offer competitive rates for high-volume clients and those looking to build long-term business relationships. We value repeat partnerships and will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Whether you're looking for your next personal vehicle, already run a car sales business, or you're an investor or collector of exclusive models — we can help you save thousands through our trusted sourcing and export process.
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