Moving Companies To Japan from Hawaii

1. Can I Import My Personal Items To Japan?
2. How Do I Import A Vehicle To Japan?
3. A-1 Auto Transport

As the state closest to Japan, Hawaii has a lot in common with the island nation. The two are nearly the same size and both located in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is 2,471 miles from the continental United States and 4,108 miles from Japan.

There are many Japanese expats living in Hawaii. In fact, they represent the second largest ethnic group in the state. That means that Hawaiians are often quite familiar with Japanese culture. Japanese is widely spoken in Hawaii, and it is featured on many road or business signs. This might be surprising to some people, who may think only of Pearl Harbor when they think of the two.

Even so, an international move can be tough. This guide is intended to provide you with the basics of what you need to know to import your household goods to Japan from Hawaii.

Can I Import my Personal Items to Japan?

Yes. What’s more, personal effects are free of duty if they meet requirements. They must be items that have been owned by you for at least a year and are being imported for your ongoing personal use. The goods should be cleared within six months of your arrival in Japan. You will need to be able to provide a detailed packing list.

While you do not need to physically attend the clearance procedure, you will need to have already arrived in country.When you do arrive in Japan, you will need to present to immigration the following documents:

• Customs declaration
• Passport (officials will need to see the photograph page and the page with the Japanese entry stamp)
• Visa or residence card

How Do I Import a Vehicle to Japan?

In Japan, the entire importation process is typically handled by an import agent who will deliver the vehicle to the owner after it has been properly processed and registered.

On your behalf, the import agent will handle the following:

• Customs – A customs declaration form must be submitted when the vehicle passes through customs. Here the automobile acquisition tax must be paid. This tax is calculated at 5% of the depreciated value of the vehicle. When the car is cleared, a custom clearance certificate will be awarded.
• Emissions test and preliminary inspection – The vehicle is then delivered to the testing center for inspection. This process can take about a week.
• Registration – Your car will need to be registered at the Land Transport Bureau office. Vehicle taxes will be paid and the car registration certificate (shaken sho) is awarded.
• National Number Plates - Cars cannot be driven in Japan without a national number plate, which can only be obtained once all other importation steps are complete.
• Parking Space Certificate - To own a car in Japan you must have a registered parking space. You can apply for a registered parking space at your local police station or transport bureau office. You can also apply online. You will be required to provide documentation and processing takes about a week.

A-1 Auto Transport

The multi-step process of clearing your vehicle through Japanese customs requires coordination and logistics. You will need help moving your vehicle from site to site through the process, since you cannot legally drive it on the roadways until you have cleared customs. Working with A-1 Auto Transport will take away this stress.

Our professionals can help with everything from packing, inventory, shipping logistics, transport, declaration, and delivery. They are experts in international shipping who have done the hard work of learning the ins and outs of international imports so that you don’t have to. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation shipping quote.