Answers to the most common questions from dealers. If yours isn't here, just ask us.
Japan Auto Supply has successfully exported vehicles to dealers across the world, and that number continues to grow. Japan's auction system is one of the most regulated in the world — every vehicle is graded by independent third-party inspectors with no ties to the seller, and comes with a detailed auction sheet documenting condition, mileage, and accident history. You know exactly what you're buying before you bid.
Get in touch with us via the contact form or WhatsApp to get started. Once registered, you'll deposit the required amount to activate your bidding access. From there, our bilingual team will guide you through selecting vehicles, reviewing auction sheets, placing bids, and managing the full export process. The entire auction is at your fingertips.
Your deposit will be fully refunded to the account you provided upon request. A standard bank transfer fee will be deducted from the deposit to cover the cost of the return transfer.
No need to deposit again. Your deposit remains active and you can continue bidding on other vehicles straight away. Keep bidding until you secure the right vehicle — there are thousands of listings across Japan's auctions every week.
If you choose not to proceed after winning a bid, your deposit will be forfeited and your account will be closed. You will no longer be able to purchase vehicles through Japan Auto Supply. We strongly advise only bidding on vehicles you are fully prepared to purchase — please do not bid unless you are ready to pay the full invoice.
Every vehicle sold through a Japanese auction comes with a detailed auction sheet produced by independent inspectors. The sheet covers exterior condition panel by panel, interior condition, mechanical notes, accident history, and an overall grade from 1–5. We translate the full auction sheet into English and provide it to you before you place a bid, so there are no surprises.
There is always a degree of risk with auction vehicles, as they are sold as-is. That said, Japanese auctions are among the most transparent in the world and the vast majority of vehicles arrive in the condition documented on the auction sheet. For added peace of mind on high-value purchases, we can arrange an independent pre-purchase mechanical inspection at an additional cost — just ask us before bidding.
We ship to most countries worldwide. To confirm availability for your specific destination and to understand the relevant import requirements, we recommend contacting your local customs office or reaching out to us directly. Our team can advise on shipping options, documentation requirements, and estimated timelines for your port.
Import duties and taxes vary by country and vehicle type — this is something you will need to verify with your local customs authority. As a general reference, Germany for example charges 10% customs duty plus 19% VAT on imported vehicles. We provide all the necessary export documentation (invoice, bill of lading, export certificate) to support your customs clearance process.
Both options are viable depending on your destination and priorities. Container shipping fits 3–5 vehicles per container depending on size and protects your vehicle from weather — a container to Germany, for example, costs approximately $2,500. Note that containers are generally not covered by insurance, and there is a small risk of minor contact marks during loading. RO-RO (Roll-on Roll-off) is priced by the vehicle's volume at approximately $80 per cubic metre, and insurance is available for around ¥5,000 JPY. However, RO-RO is not available to every country — Mediterranean and Black Sea destinations must use container shipping. Contact us and we'll recommend the best option for your route.
Yes — every vehicle's auction sheet includes the chassis number. For Mercedes-Benz vehicles, you can enter the chassis number directly into the manufacturer's database to check the vehicle's full origin and service history. If you'd like to verify a specific vehicle's chassis number before bidding, just ask your agent.
Once you win a bid, an invoice will be issued and full payment is required within 3 business days. Late payment will result in your deposit being forfeited and the vehicle being relisted for sale. We strongly advise against bidding if you are waiting on pending funds or future payments — please ensure the full amount is ready and available before placing a bid.
We handle all the export documentation on our end, and at your destination port there are licensed logistics and customs clearance companies that manage the arrival process. We send them the necessary documents in advance, and they will contact you directly when your vehicle arrives to arrange customs clearance, port pickup, and inland delivery if needed. If you're unsure who to use, we can connect you with trusted partners in your destination port.