Glossary of Japanese Used Car Import Terms
Glossary of Japanese Used Car Import Terms
Buying a Japanese used car involves terminology from auctions, shipping, and customs that most first-time importers have never seen before. This glossary explains the terms you will run into on an auction sheet, an exporter's invoice, or a customs form, so you can read listings and paperwork with confidence and ask your exporter better questions before you pay a deposit.
Auction and Vehicle Condition Terms
Auction sheet: A standardized inspection report produced by a Japanese auction house before a car is sold. It grades the vehicle's exterior, interior, and overall condition and notes any repairs, rust, or accident history using a diagram and a numeric or letter grade.
Auction grade: A single score (commonly 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, or R/RA for repaired vehicles) summarizing overall condition on the auction sheet. Higher numbers mean better condition; grade 6 or S is close to new, while R and RA indicate prior accident repair.
Chassis number: The vehicle's unique identification number in Japan, roughly equivalent to a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) used in other countries. Always confirm the chassis number matches the auction sheet and the export documents.
Grade out car / grade-out: A vehicle that no longer qualifies for a specific auction grade, often due to age or accumulated wear, and is sold at a lower price as a result.
Drive Type and Vehicle Specification Terms
RHD (Right-Hand Drive): The steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle, standard for Japanese domestic market cars. Most JDM used cars are RHD unless specifically exported as LHD.
LHD (Left-Hand Drive): The steering wheel is on the left side, required for import into countries like the United States and most of continental Europe. Fewer used JDM vehicles are available in LHD configuration.
JDM (Japanese Domestic Market): Refers to vehicles and parts originally built and sold for use within Japan, often prized abroad for models and trims never officially exported new.
Kei car (Kei jidosha): A Japanese vehicle class with a small engine (660cc or less) and compact exterior dimensions, taxed and regulated differently in Japan. Kei cars and kei trucks are popular low-cost imports in many countries.
Shipping and Pricing Terms
FOB (Free On Board): The vehicle price quoted at the port of loading in Japan, before freight, insurance, and destination charges are added. This is the base price you will usually see on an exporter's listing.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The total price including the FOB cost plus ocean freight and marine insurance to your destination port. CIF is a more complete estimate of landed cost than FOB alone, though duties and local fees are usually still separate.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): A shipping method where vehicles are driven directly onto and off the vessel, generally cheaper than container shipping but offering less protection and no space for extra cargo.
Container shipping: Vehicles are loaded into a shipping container, alone or shared with another vehicle, for extra protection and the ability to include spare parts or personal effects. Typically costs more than RoRo.
Customs and Compliance Terms
Bill of Lading: The shipping document issued by the carrier that proves ownership of the cargo and is required to collect the vehicle at the destination port.
Import duty: A tax charged by the destination country's customs authority, usually calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's FOB or CIF value. Rates vary widely by country and vehicle type.
RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles): The Canadian program that administers compliance for vehicles imported into Canada, relevant mainly for vehicles under Canada's 15-year age exemption.
Clearing agent: A licensed professional or firm that handles customs clearance, duty payment, and paperwork on your behalf at the destination port.
Understanding these terms will help you read auction sheets and exporter listings accurately, ask sharper questions before you commit to a purchase, and avoid surprises once your vehicle reaches port. If a term you encounter isn't listed here, ask your exporter to explain it in writing before you pay.
