KTJAPAN buying desk · 20 October 2026
Key facts
- The destination country decides the inspection, not the exporter.
- Inspections happen at an approved yard in Japan before loading.
- A failed inspection delays shipment; minor faults can often be repaired first.
Which countries need an inspection in Japan
- Kenya: Certificate of Roadworthiness from the KEBS-appointed inspection company in Japan (Kenya Bureau of Standards).
- Jamaica: pre-shipment inspection and sanitisation by Autoterminal Japan, ATJ (Jamaica Trade Board).
- Tanzania: Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) in Japan, required since 20 July 2022 (Tanzania Bureau of Standards).
- New Zealand: biosecurity cleaning before loading, then border inspection and entry certification in New Zealand (NZTA).
For other destinations we check the current rules for your vehicle before bidding. See each country page for details and official links.
What inspectors check
- Chassis number and odometer against the export certificate.
- Brakes, steering, suspension, lights and exhaust.
- Visible corrosion and accident damage.
- Cleanliness: soil, seeds and insects are removed for biosecurity.
Timing and cost
We book the inspection once the car reaches the export yard, usually within a few days of purchase. The fee is shown on your invoice or quote.
Your next steps
- Tell us the destination before you buy.
- We confirm which inspection applies.
- We book the inspection at the export yard.
- The certificate travels with your shipping documents.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the car fails?
We tell you what failed. Small items such as bulbs or wipers are fixed and re-inspected; larger repairs are quoted first.
Can I skip the inspection to save time?
No. Where the destination requires it, the car may be refused or fined on arrival without it.
Sources & review
Jamaica Trade Board motor vehicle import requirements; Tanzania Bureau of Standards notice on PVoC for used vehicles from Japan; KEBS used-vehicle import notices; NZTA "Used vehicles from Japan". Checked 20 October 2026.