Singapore is a nation of 65 islands and almost as many languages. The people of Singapore speak many languages, with Mandarin, English, Malay, Hokkien, and Cantonese being the most common. Sadly, none of these languages are likely to help you in Japan, except for possibly English.
Japan is more ethnically homogenous than Singapore, with 98% of residents being Japanese. In Singapore, the nation is more culturally varied, with 76% of residents identifying as Chinese and 15% of the nation identifying as Malay.
You will have a lot of important decisions to make before importing your goods. What should you bring? What are you allowed to bring? What does it cost? Who can I contact for help? This guide should answer all these questions and more.
Can I Import my Household Items to Japan?
Yes. What’s more, personal effects are free of duty as long as they meet requirements. Your items must 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.
Japan does offer one distinct advantage for customs clearance: you do not need to physically attend the clearance procedure, but you will need to have already arrived in country by the time your goods have arrived.
How Do I Import a Vehicle to 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. The import agent will handle the following:
Step One: 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.
Step Two: Emissions test and preliminary inspection – The vehicle is then delivered to the testing center for inspection. This process can take about a week.
Step Three: Registration – Your car will need to be registered at the Land Transport Bureau office. Vehicle taxes will be paid at the Land Transport Bureau office and the car registration certificate (shaken sho) is awarded.
Step Four: 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.
Step Five: Parking Space Certificate – To own a car in Japan you are required to register at your local police station or transport bureau office to receive a registered parking space. You can apply online or in person but be advised you will need to provide documentation and the process takes about a week.
Leave it to the Experts
Must people work with a shipping agent when importing goods to Japan, and for good reason. You can’t fake an understanding of the Japanese language, and the requirements are complex. Contact A1 Auto Transport for expert guidance.
Our team of international shipping agents has experience with the international shipping laws governing your move, keeping you in compliance every step of the way. Don’t let unwelcome surprises needlessly complicate your move from Singapore to Japan, contact A1 Auto Transport for a free, no-obligation shipping quote today.
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