The process of purchasing a vehicle from Japan through an auction
Step 1 - Deposit payment
The deposit amount depends on the price of the car you wish to purchase and must be transferred to the provided IBAN.
- €1000 Deposit: Allows bidding on cars up to 1,500,000 JPY
- €2000 Deposit: Allows bidding on cars up to 2,500,000 JPY
- €2500 Deposit: No price limit on bids
- €5000 Deposit: Required for first-time buyers bidding over 5,000,000 JPY
If you do not purchase a car, the deposit can be withdrawn at any time. If you do purchase a car, the deposit can either be used toward the payment or refunded after full payment is completed.


Step 2 - Placing a bid
Step 3 - Invoice Payment and Vehicle Shipment
Once your bid is successful, you can view the invoice on the “My Vehicles” page and complete the payment via bank transfer. The payment must be sent within 10 business days and should reach Japan on time. After the payment is received, the car is prepared for shipping, and detailed photos are uploaded to the system. Shipping details, including vessel information, are also updated, allowing you to track the shipment online. The vehicle typically arrives at the port 4-10 days after purchase.


Step 4 - Vehicle Delivery and Port Procedures
Your vehicle arrives at the destination port approximately 45-55 days after payment. A week before arrival, important documents like the service book and spare keys are sent to you via DHL, while export documents and invoices are sent to the port agent. Once the vehicle reaches the port, the customs agent will contact you for clearance. In EU countries, taxes can be paid at the arrival port. To register the vehicle in your name, you will need the export certificate and its translation.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy a vehicle from Japonic Trade?
Yes, it is safe. Before the company was established, nearly 200 vehicles were delivered safely to their owners. After the company was founded, this number has multiplied.
How can I buy a vehicle from Japonic Trade?
Register for free and deposit the required amount to be able to place a bid on vehicles. After that, the entire auction is yours!
What happens to my deposit if I can't find the vehicle I want?
Your deposit will be refunded to the account you provided upon request. The necessary transfer fee will be deducted from your deposit.
I placed a bid but didn’t win the vehicle I wanted. What should I do? Do I need to deposit again?
You can bid again the next day, and you do not need to deposit again. Keep bidding until you get a vehicle.
I won the bid for a vehicle, but what happens if I decide not to buy it?
A €1,000 deduction will be made from your deposit. To purchase another vehicle, you will need to deposit again.
How do I know the exact condition of the vehicles? Are there any accidents or scratches?
We have prepared an Auction Guide for you, please review it carefully.
How can I know if there is a mechanical issue with the vehicle? What if I buy a faulty car?
We are here to ensure that you do not buy a faulty car. However, if you are a mechanic or buying it for parts, you must inform us so that we do not cancel the vehicle.
Do you ship vehicles to my country?
You can find out by contacting your country’s customs office or doing some online research.
How much tax will I have to pay in my country?
That is something you need to find out. We are based in Japan. For example, in Germany, the customs duty is 10%, and VAT is 19%.
Is it better to ship by container or RO-RO?
Container shipping can fit 3, 4, or 5 vehicles, depending on size. For example, the container cost to Germany is approximately $2,500. However, there is a small chance of scratches during container transport. Containers do not have insurance, whereas RO-RO insurance can be purchased for 5,000 JPY. The benefit of containers is that your vehicle is protected from rain, hail, and snow.
RO-RO shipping is not available for every country. Mediterranean and Black Sea countries must use container shipping. The transport fee is based on the vehicle’s volume, approximately $80 per cubic meter. Both options are available for Germany. The choice is yours.
Can I see the chassis numbers of the vehicles?
Yes, every vehicle’s auction sheet contains the chassis number. For Mercedes vehicles, you can enter the chassis number to check its origin and history.
How is the payment processed after I purchase a vehicle?
You must pay the invoice within 10 days. If the payment is delayed, your deposit will be forfeited, and the vehicle will be put up for sale again. It is advised not to buy a vehicle if you are relying on future payments or pending funds. This has happened before, and we don’t want you to face any issues.
How do I pick up the vehicle from the port? I have never done this before.
There are logistics companies at the ports that handle these processes. For example, in Germany, we typically send the necessary documents to Cross Trans, and they will call you when your vehicle arrives.