Japanese Car Import Glossary

Importing a car from Japan comes with its own vocabulary. Here are the terms you'll meet most often, in plain English.

FOB (Free On Board)

The price of the vehicle loaded onto the ship at the Japanese port, excluding international freight and insurance.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

The price including the vehicle, marine insurance and ocean freight to your destination port.

C&F / CFR (Cost and Freight)

The price including the vehicle and ocean freight, but not insurance.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

A shipping method where the car is driven onto and off the vessel. Usually the cheapest option.

Container shipping

Shipping the vehicle sealed inside a container — more protection, and you can share space or include parts.

Auction grade

A numeric/letter score (e.g. 4, 4.5, R) assigned by the Japanese auction house summarising the car's overall condition.

Auction sheet

The official inspection report from the auction, with the grade, mileage, equipment and a diagram of any damage.

JEVIC / JAAI

Independent agencies that perform pre-shipment / roadworthiness inspections required by some importing countries.

Export Certificate (de-registration)

The Japanese document proving the vehicle has been de-registered for export; required for import and registration abroad.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

The shipping document issued by the carrier that serves as the contract of carriage and receipt for the vehicle.

Demurrage

Charges that accrue when a vehicle or container sits at the destination port beyond the allowed free period.

HS Code

The Harmonised System tariff code customs uses to classify the vehicle and determine duty.

Shaken (JCI)

Japan's compulsory vehicle inspection/roadworthiness certificate; relevant to a car's in-Japan history.

Kei car

A Japanese light vehicle class with small engines (≤660cc) — economical and popular for export to several markets.

JDM

Japanese Domestic Market — vehicles originally built for sale within Japan.

Right-hand drive (RHD)

Steering on the right, standard in Japan; an advantage for RHD countries and a consideration for LHD ones.

Pre-shipment inspection (PSI)

A mandatory inspection before shipping required by some countries to confirm condition, mileage and roadworthiness.

Mileage / odometer (km)

Distance the vehicle has travelled, shown in kilometres; verified on the auction sheet.

Ready to put it into practice? See import rules by country, understand the costs, or browse our inventory.