Importing after purchase

At this point, you should have purchased your car

Overview

For a quick overview of the entire import process, see the list below:

1. Purchase car
2. Wait for the Bill of Lading
3. Once the Bill of Lading draft is received, send the information to an ISF filer as soon as possible
4. Wait for the shipment notification
5. Once the vehicle is shipped, file a customs clearance
6. Pay the port fee
7. Wait for the landing date
8. After the landing date, confirm vthethe ehiclevehicle is ready for pickup by calling the port
9. Pick up the vehicle

For more details on each step, see the sections below:

Forms after purchase

Once your vehicle is loaded onto a vessel, the shipping company will mail you the:

1. Export certificate (Japanese)
2. Export certificate (English)
3. Purchase invoice
4. Bill of Lading (unless it was surrendered)

Export certificate

The export certificate is, in a way, the Japanese title to your vehicle. You will need this to register your vehicle for a title in your state.

Bill of Lading

A bill of lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to the shipper that serves as a receipt for the goods shipped, a contract outlining the terms of transportation, and a document of title evidencing ownership. It details the type, quantity, and destination of the cargo and must accompany the goods during transit to ensure proper delivery and transfer of ownership.

If you received the original bill of lading, you must sign it and send it to the shipping company.

Surrendered Bill of Lading

If your shipping company surrendered your bill of lading, then you do not need to send it to the shipping company. Take a copy of the surrendered bill of lading to the port when picking up your vehicle.

ISF form

The Importer Security Filing (ISF) provides U.S. Customs with advance shipment data to pre-screen cargo for security risks, ensure compliance, and facilitate faster release.

The ISF is supposed to be submitted at least 24 hours before the vessel's loading. However, you can complete it as soon as your seller provides the necessary shipping details, and it’s best to file as early as possible. Since you usually don’t receive the Bill of Lading until after your vehicle is en route, focus on submitting the ISF as soon as that document arrives rather than worrying about the 24-hour rule. If you miss the deadline, you should still submit the filing promptly to minimize the risk of fines and penalties.

You’ll need the seller’s invoice and the Bill of Lading to complete your ISF.

Many online companies will file an ISF for you:

• Easy ISF
• Eezy Import
• Turbo ISF

Sample ISF form

After your ISF has been filed, ensure that it is confirmed.

Tracking shipment

The proximity of the destination port to Japan will affect the time it takes to receive the vehicle.

You can track your vessel at Marine Traffic

Customs clearence

Picking up the Kei car

 from the port

Once the vessel has arrived at the port, it can take 2 business days for the port to inspect and clear the vehicle. Call the port to confirm that the car is ready for pickup.

To pick up the car from the port, you will need the Delivery Order. However, you don't have to be the person picking up the car. See Autotransport for more details.details on another person picking up your car.

Delivery order

The exampledelivery order is needed by the person picking up the vehicle. Below is an example: