Importing a car from Japan with SCL Rotterdam

Looking for professional help with importing a car from Japan? Are you moving to the Netherlands and want to bring your Japanese car with you? Or are you planning to purchase a specific Honda, Subaru, or Nissan in Japan and need an expert for the import process? SCL Rotterdam specializes in car imports from Japan and offers professional advice on import duties, VAT, and the necessary paperwork.

Moving your car from Japan to the Netherlands

If you’re moving from Japan to the Netherlands and want to import your car as part of your household goods, we can guide you through the entire process. There may even be tax benefits available. Let us handle the entire import process for your Japanese car so that you have nothing to worry about. We ensure that all important documents are available on time at various agencies, such as customs.

Importing and clearing your Japanese car with SCL

We manage the entire car import process from Japan, even if you’ve arranged the shipping separately. Once the car arrives in the Netherlands, we assist with registering the car with the Dutch Road Traffic Service (RDW). Additionally, we ensure all necessary documents are in order. Our service begins with the transport in Japan and continues through to license plate registration in the Netherlands.

Careful transport and no paperwork worries

We arrange the transport of your Japanese car in a safe and careful manner. You can choose from various transport options, such as Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) and container shipping. We’re happy to inform you about the different options and provide a quote so you have a clear picture of the costs.

Japanese car registration in the Netherlands

We guide you through the entire import process, from the car’s export in Japan to its import at the Dutch border and finally, registration. With our expertise and experience, you can be sure that this process will be quick and cost-effective, without unnecessary delays.

Costs of importing a car from Japan

The costs for importing a car from Japan consist of several components:

• Import duties: Taxes on goods imported from non-EU countries. The amount depends on the type of car and its value.
• VAT: Charged on the total amount, including transport and insurance costs. The amount depends on the value of the car.
• APK (Dutch roadworthiness test): The car must meet Dutch APK requirements before it can be registered.
• Documentation: Such as the original registration certificate, purchase invoice, and additional documents.

Tax benefits when importing a moving vehicle

You may qualify for tax benefits when importing a moving vehicle if you meet certain conditions:

• The car was purchased before your move to the Netherlands.
• The car has been used in the Netherlands for at least six months after the move.
• The car is being imported as part of your household goods.
• The car was in your possession before the move.
• Proof such as the purchase invoice or insurance papers is required.

Duration of the import process

Importing a car from Japan can take several weeks to months, depending on the distance, mode of transport, and necessary paperwork. Generally, it takes longer than importing from, for example, the United States, due to the greater distance and longer sea voyage.

Advantages with SCL Rotterdam

At SCL Rotterdam, you benefit from various advantages:

• More than 15 years of experience in registering Japanese cars in the Netherlands.
• Everything under one roof: From customs clearance to registration, purchase assistance on location, and modifications in our workshop. We offer the complete package.

Reliable transport options

When importing a car from Japan, various transport options are available:

• Ro-Ro transport: Often organized by the seller in Japan through an auction house.
• Container shipping: A safer and more secure transport option for your car.

Import ports

Common ports for import are Rotterdam and Antwerp. The usual destinations in Japan are Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya, and Yokohama. We recommend that the seller in Japan arrange the shipping due to cost advantages. SCL Rotterdam is happy to assist upon arrival in Europe with unloading, customs clearance, and registering the car.

Is importing a car from Japan a challenge for you?

We know what customs require and what needs to be arranged when importing a car from outside the EU. In some cases, we can even reduce your import costs, so you don’t incur unnecessarily high expenses when importing.

Contact us for more information

Are you looking for a specialist in car imports from Japan, or do you want to know more about costs and transport options? Contact us without obligation or request a quote. At SCL Rotterdam, we are happy to assist you!

Rely on our more than 15 years of experience and comprehensive service to make your car import run smoothly. We are here to guide you through every step of the process so that you can enjoy your new Japanese car in the Netherlands.