Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: 10 July 2026 | Effective: 10 July 2026

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the car-in-japan.com website and all vehicle export services provided by CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. (“Company”, “we”, “us”). CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. is incorporated under the laws of Japan with its registered office at 289-1099, Harumi Ofuisutaway (24-kai), Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

By accessing our website or placing an order, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms. Please read Sections 14 (Limitation of Liability) and 16 (Dispute Resolution) carefully before using our services.

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 Key Terms

“Agreement”: These Terms together with any Order Confirmation, Invoice, and Shipping Documents
“Buyer/You/Customer”: The individual, company, or entity purchasing vehicles or services from us
“Vehicle”: Any automobile, truck, van, bus, or motorised vehicle listed in our inventory or sourced on your request
“Order Confirmation”: The written document we issue confirming acceptance of your order
“Deposit”: The advance payment required to confirm an order (typically 50% of vehicle price)
“CIF”: Cost, Insurance and Freight to the named destination port
“FOB”: Free on Board at the named Japanese port of origin
“Bill of Lading (B/L)”: Shipping document confirming receipt of goods for shipment
“Inspection Report”: Our 150-Point Digital Inspection Protocol document provided before shipment
“Japanese Auction Grade”: The standardised vehicle condition grade issued by Japanese auction houses

2. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

2.1 Binding Agreement

By using our website, submitting an inquiry, or placing an order, you confirm that: (a) you are at least 18 years of age, (b) you have legal authority to enter a binding commercial agreement, (c) if acting on behalf of a company, you have authority to bind that entity, and (d) you have read and agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.

2.2 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms. Material changes will be communicated with 30 days advance notice. Orders confirmed before a change take effect are governed by the Terms in force at the time of Order Confirmation.

3. SERVICES DESCRIPTION

3.1 Japanese Vehicle Export Services

CAR IN JAPAN provides:

Vehicle Sourcing: Locating certified new and pre-owned Japanese vehicles through our network of authorized dealerships, fleet operators, and Japan’s major auction networks (USS, JAA, TAA, JU)
150-Point Pre-Export Inspection: Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, structural, and cosmetic inspection
Export Documentation: All Japanese export documentation including export certificate, deregistration, tax clearance, and customs declaration
Shipping and Logistics: RoRo or container shipping to your designated destination port under CIF terms
Auction Representation: Bidding at Japanese auctions on behalf of registered buyers
Dealer Supply Programs: Wholesale supply arrangements for authorized dealer partners

3.2 Services NOT Included

Unless explicitly agreed in writing, our services do NOT include: destination-country customs clearance, import duties payment, inland transport from destination port, vehicle registration in destination country, or post-delivery repairs beyond our 30-day inspection warranty.

4. VEHICLE LISTINGS

4.1 Japanese Vehicle Standards

All vehicles sourced from Japan meet Japanese Shaken (vehicle inspection) standards or equivalent quality for export-condition vehicles. We source from Japan’s secondary market, which is governed by rigorous maintenance and grading standards maintained by Japanese auction houses and licensed inspection bodies.

4.2 Auction Grade and Inspection Report

Where vehicles are sourced from Japanese auctions, the auction grade and inspection report are provided to the Buyer. These documents are the authoritative reference for vehicle condition. The Inspection Report issued for your specific vehicle governs over any general website description.

4.3 Listing Accuracy

Vehicle availability is subject to change without notice. Photographs are representative. Mileage is verified against Japanese automotive databases with a tolerance of ±2%. We reserve the right to withdraw any listing before Order Confirmation.

5. ORDERING PROCESS

5.1 Purchase Steps

Vehicle Selection: Browse inventory or submit specifications
Quotation: We issue written quotation valid 30 days
Inspection Report: 150-Point report provided for specific vehicle
Deposit Payment: 50% deposit confirms the order
Order Confirmation: Issued upon receipt of cleared deposit funds
Final Payment: Remaining 50% before vessel departure
Shipping: Vehicle shipped to your port; Bill of Lading issued
Document Transfer: All export documents transferred upon receipt of final payment

5.2 Order Confirmation

An order is only confirmed when: (a) we have received your 50% deposit in cleared funds AND (b) we have issued a written Order Confirmation. Prior to these two conditions, no binding contract exists and we may sell the vehicle to another buyer without liability.

6. PRICING AND PAYMENT

6.1 CIF Pricing

All prices are quoted in USD under CIF terms unless otherwise agreed in writing. CIF pricing includes: vehicle cost, 150-Point inspection fee, Japanese export documentation and deregistration, sea freight to the agreed destination port, and port handling at origin. CIF pricing EXCLUDES: destination country import duties, VAT, taxes, local port handling, inland transport, and vehicle registration fees.

6.2 Payment Terms

Standard: 50% deposit within 5 business days of quotation acceptance; remaining 50% before vessel departure. Fleet orders (15+ vehicles): flexible terms negotiable.

6.3 Accepted Payment Methods

We accept: Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) [primary method], Letter of Credit (L/C) for corporate clients on orders above USD 50,000, and Western Union/MoneyGram for urgent smaller payments. We do NOT accept credit cards, PayPal, or cryptocurrency. We will NEVER request payment to accounts not stated in our official invoice. If you receive different bank details via any channel, contact us immediately at [email protected].

6.4 Late Payment

Late payments may attract a fee of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance. We reserve the right to cancel the order and retain the deposit as liquidated damages if final payment is not received by the agreed due date.

7. VEHICLE INSPECTION — 150-POINT PROTOCOL

7.1 Inspection Scope

Every vehicle exported by CAR IN JAPAN undergoes our 150-Point Digital Inspection Protocol covering: engine compression and diagnostics, transmission and drivetrain, brakes and suspension, all electrical systems and OBD scan, body and paint condition, interior condition, tyre condition, and Battery State-of-Health for EVs and hybrids. You receive a complete digital dossier including 30+ photos and video walkthrough.

7.2 Buyer Review

The Inspection Report is provided before final payment. By making the final payment, the Buyer acknowledges acceptance of the vehicle condition as described in the Inspection Report.

8. JAPANESE AUCTION SOURCING

8.1 Auction Network

CAR IN JAPAN has direct access to Japan’s major auction networks including USS (Used Car System Japan), JAA (Japan Auto Auctions), TAA (Toyota Auto Auction), and JU (Japan Used Motor Vehicle Dealers) auctions. We represent buyers at auction on a confirmed-instruction basis only.

8.2 Auction Grades

Japanese auction houses apply standardised grading: Grade 5 (excellent) through Grade 1 (poor). We provide the official auction sheet and grade for every auction-sourced vehicle. The auction grade and inspection report together constitute the definitive condition reference for the vehicle.

8.3 Auction Risk

Auction purchases are binding on the hammer. Buyers who authorize us to bid accept that successful auction purchases are final. We conduct pre-auction research and provide grade information, but physical inspection occurs post-auction for logistics reasons in most cases.

9. SHIPPING AND RISK

9.1 CIF Shipping Terms

Unless otherwise agreed, all vehicles are shipped on CIF terms. Risk of loss or damage transfers to the Buyer upon loading at the Japanese port of origin (FOB point). We arrange and pay for sea freight and standard cargo insurance to the destination port. You are responsible for destination customs clearance and all costs at the destination port.

9.2 Title Transfer

Legal title transfers to the Buyer upon receipt of full payment in cleared funds. We retain title until full payment is confirmed. Export documents are released only upon receipt of final payment.

9.3 Shipping Methods

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is standard for most vehicles. Container shipping is available for high-value or delicate vehicles at additional cost. We ship from Japan’s major ports including Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya, and Osaka. Port of origin is determined by vehicle location and destination route.

9.4 Timeline

Estimated shipping timelines: East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam): 14-21 days. West Africa (Lagos, Tema): 21-28 days. Middle East: 18-25 days. Times are estimates subject to port congestion, vessel schedules, and force majeure events.

10. INSURANCE

10.1 Standard CIF Insurance

Standard cargo insurance (Institute Cargo Clauses B or equivalent) is included in CIF pricing, covering the vehicle during sea transit to the destination port.

10.2 All-Risk Insurance

All-Risk cargo insurance (Institute Cargo Clauses A) is available as an upgrade at approximately 3-5% of vehicle value. Strongly recommended for high-value vehicles. Request at Order Confirmation.

11. CUSTOMS AND IMPORT COMPLIANCE

11.1 Japanese Export Compliance

We are responsible for ensuring full compliance with all Japanese export regulations including MLIT requirements, customs declarations, and export licensing. All vehicles exported by CAR IN JAPAN comply with Japanese export law.

11.2 Buyer's Import Responsibility

The Buyer is solely responsible for: obtaining import permits and licenses in the destination country, paying all import duties/VAT/excise taxes, ensuring the vehicle meets destination country technical standards, engaging a licensed customs broker, and complying with all applicable destination country laws regarding vehicle importation.

11.3 Prohibited Countries

We do not export to countries subject to United Nations, Japanese government, or applicable international sanctions. We reserve the right to cancel any order without penalty if we determine it would violate applicable export control laws.

12. WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES

12.1 CAR IN JAPAN Guarantees

We guarantee: (a) the Inspection Report accurately describes the vehicle condition at the time of inspection, (b) mileage is verified against Japanese automotive databases, (c) all vehicles have clean unencumbered title with no outstanding finance, theft records, or legal claims, (d) no salvage, flood-damaged, or frame-damaged vehicles are exported, (e) all export documents are genuine and legally valid, and (f) a 30-Day Inspection Warranty covering material mechanical defects not disclosed in the Inspection Report.

12.2 Warranty Exclusions

Our warranties do NOT cover: normal wear and tear, damage during shipping, damage caused by misuse, accident, modifications, or incorrect maintenance, cosmetic defects disclosed in the Inspection Report, or issues caused by destination country fuel or road conditions.

12.3 30-Day Warranty Claims

To claim: (a) notify us in writing within 30 days of port delivery with photographic evidence and a qualified mechanic’s diagnostic report, (b) allow us to commission an independent inspection. Maximum liability under this warranty: 10% of vehicle purchase price or USD 2,000 per vehicle (whichever is lesser).

12.4 Disclaimer

EXCEPT AS STATED IN 12.1, ALL VEHICLES ARE SOLD “AS INSPECTED”. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

13. CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

13.1 Cancellation Before Final Payment

The 50% deposit is non-refundable after Order Confirmation. Exceptions: (a) vehicle materially differs from the listing before Inspection Report issuance (full refund), (b) vehicle price changes more than 5% after deposit (Buyer may cancel, full refund).

13.2 Cancellation After Final Payment

Once the Bill of Lading is issued, the sale is final and non-refundable. Buyer may transfer shipment rights to a third party (USD 100 administration fee applies).

13.3 Refund Processing

Approved refunds processed by bank transfer to the Buyer’s originating account within 7-14 business days. International transfer fees are borne by the Buyer.

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

14.1 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR ECONOMIC LOSS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

14.2 Cap on Liability

OUR TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF ANY SINGLE VEHICLE TRANSACTION SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID FOR THAT SPECIFIC VEHICLE. FOR OTHER CLAIMS, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED USD 500.

14.3 Force Majeure

We are not liable for failure or delay caused by acts of God, natural disasters, pandemic, war, port strikes, vessel delays, government actions, or any other event beyond our reasonable control. We will notify you promptly of any Force Majeure Event.

15. INDEMNIFICATION

15.1 Your Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. and its officers, employees, and agents from claims arising from: (a) your violation of these Terms, (b) your violation of applicable law, (c) content or information you provide that is false or misleading, or (d) your unlawful use of our vehicles or services.

16. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

16.1 Good Faith Negotiation

In the event of any dispute, the parties shall first attempt resolution through good faith negotiation. The disputing party shall notify the other in writing. Both parties have 30 days to attempt resolution before pursuing other remedies.

16.2 Arbitration

Unresolved disputes shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration administered by the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) in Tokyo, Japan, conducted in English by a single arbitrator under the JCAA Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction.

16.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Japan. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) shall NOT apply.

16.4 Time Limitation

Any claim must be commenced within 12 months of the cause of action arising. Claims not brought within this period are permanently barred.

17. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

17.1 Our IP

All website content, including vehicle photographs, inspection reports, pricing data, and software, is the exclusive property of CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. or its licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.

18. ANTI-BRIBERY AND ETHICS

18.1 Standards

CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. maintains a zero-tolerance policy on bribery, corruption, and money laundering, in compliance with the Japanese Unfair Competition Prevention Act and applicable international anti-corruption laws.

19. GENERAL PROVISIONS

19.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any Order Confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the parties.

19.2 Severability

If any provision is found invalid, it shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary or severed. Remaining provisions continue in full force.

19.3 Notices

All legal notices must be in writing to: [email protected] or: Legal Department, CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD., 289-1099, Harumi Ofuisutaway (24-kai), Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

19.4 Language

These Terms are written in English. In any conflict between the English version and any translation, the English version prevails.

20. CONTACT

Legal and General Enquiries

Sales: [email protected]
Legal: [email protected]
Privacy: [email protected]
Website: car-in-japan.com
Registered Address: 289-1099, Harumi Ofuisutaway (24-kai), Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Business Hours: Monday–Saturday 8:00–18:00 JST