How to Import Used Cars from Japan to Singapore

Author: EVERYCAR REVIEW Category: How to import Japanese Used Cars

Introduction

Importing a used car from Japan to Singapore can be a straightforward process if you are well-informed about the regulations and procedures. This guide provides detailed instructions for Singaporean users interested in importing Japanese used cars.

Import Regulations in Singapore for Japan Used Cars

Restriction in Number of Years:
Maximum age: 3 years old

Shipping Ports:
Singapore

Shipment Time:
RoRo (09-14 Days)

Shipping Schedule:
RoRo (Fortnightly)

Shipping Line:
Samudera Shipping Line Pte Ltd.

Inspection:
No Inspection

Right-hand-drive used Japanese vehicles are permitted for import in Singapore.

Guidelines for Importing Used Vehicles in Singapore

  • The age of the used vehicle is calculated from the date of first registration in a foreign country. If the date is unknown, the age is determined based on the date of manufacture.
  • A surcharge of S$10,000 will be levied for registering all imported used vehicles.
  • Vehicles must meet Euro II emission standards. An inspection is required by LTA/ENV test laboratories abroad.
  • Safety glasses in the vehicle must have at least 70% light transmittance and must not be coated with metallic oxide.
  • Modifications to the car must be certified by the manufacturer or an authorized agent.
  • The car must use unleaded petrol.
  • Air-conditioners must be free of CFC.
  • Seat belts must be fitted in all seats.
  • Car brakes and clutch linings must be asbestos-free.

Important Preparations to be Made

  • Obtain an EEC Certificate of Conformity (copy) if the vehicle is of European origin.
  • Obtain a Completion Inspection Certificate if the vehicle is of Japanese origin.
  • For vehicles not of Japanese or European origin, a Certificate of Compliance with Exhaust Emission Standards, Safety Glass certificate, and a test report from an authorized laboratory is required.
  • For new cars, provide invoices or receipts as proof of newness.
  • For used cars, provide certified proof of vehicle registration.
  • Provide technical specifications and brochures from the vehicle manufacturer for foreign models.
  • Submit a declaration form proving that brakes and clutch linings are asbestos-free.
  • An Inward Cargo Clearance Permit should be prepared by the shipping agent through the Trade Development Board (TDB) and the Customs and Excise Department (CED) via Tradenet.
  • Obtain the Open Market Value (OMV) of the vehicle from the Customs and Excise Department. Customs duty is 41% of the car’s value.

Documents Required for Import of Vehicles

  • Bill of Lading
  • Export certificate
  • Proforma invoice
  • Freight and insurance documents
  • Windscreen test and exhaust emissions test documents
  • Bills of incidental charges (if required)
  • Vehicle registration certificate
  • Confirmation letter from the manufacturer (stating the date of manufacture)

Procedure for Registering Vehicle in Singapore

  1. Send all required documents to the New Registration Department of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for verification. The time and date for vehicle inspection will be decided.
  2. Obtain a Temporary Certificate Of Entitlement from the LTA if no inspection is done.
  3. Get the Vehicle Registration Application Form from the Singapore Network Services Service Centre (SNS).
  4. Submit the required documents to the New Registration Section of the LTA.

Documents Required for Registration of Used Japanese Cars in Singapore

  • Temporary Certificate of Entitlement
  • Car registration application form
  • PARF benefits notification/ COE Rebate
  • Passport (original)
  • Company Registration Certificate (certified copy, if the vehicle is registered in the company’s name)
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • Bidding of Vehicle Registration Number (if applicable)

Registration Fees:

  • S$1000 for private cars.
  • S$5000 for company cars.

Documents to be Collected from the New Registration Section:

  • Registration card or log card
  • Certificate of Entitlement
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • Road tax disc

Recommended Japanese Used Car Export Companies

Top Recommended Japanese Used Car Export Companies for International Customers

  • SBT Co. Ltd.
  • Be Forward
  • EVERY Co., Ltd.
  • Qualitex Trading
  • Autorec Enterprise Ltd.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and efficient process when importing a used car from Japan to Singapore.

If you want to know more details about Japanese used vehicle exporting, please refer to Wikipedia.