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What can you import?

When importing cars from Japan to Canada, the primary rule to remember is the 15-year policy. According to Canadian regulations, most vehicles manufactured outside of North America, are eligible for import only if they are 15 years old or older (not including Quebec).

As time progresses, the range of vehicles eligible for importation from Japan to Canada is expanding. Not only are classic or niche cars like the Toyota Century or Supra now importable under the 15-year rule, but newer models and trims are also becoming available for import.

We follow few simple steps for purchasing and importing a vehicle to make your experience as hustle-free as it could be.

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Start your journey

When decided to purchase a car or machinery with us, go to "Auctions" tab and create an account, provide a $1000 deposit to activate your account for bidding; this deposit will go towards car costs and partially cover it. You will be able to find more information on how to use and read auction sheets in the same "Auction" tab.

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Choose the right car

After your account is activated, you are ready to start bidding for all available lots. Begin with choosing your make, model, desired mileage range and the year - be considerate of the production month as well to maintain 15 years import policy. We contact you to confirm the bid and approve it in our system. If someone overbid you, just repeat the process until you win desired car.

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Pay for the vehicle

After your winning bid auctions should receive the payment within 4 business days. At this stage client pays full amount of the invoice and waits for the car to be delivered. NOTE: GST and PST, fixed a/c fee and inspection fees are paid separately.

Usually invoice icludes the following:
- JDM Express agency fee - $300/$500 depending on chosen package
- Vehicle winning price
- Inland transportation from auction to port - $150-$350 depending on a distance
- Shipping RORO/Container

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Exportation

Prior to shipping all vehicles that leave Japan are required to undergo de-registration. Our team in Japan handles this process along with other documentation required to export a car from Japan. We prepare export certificate and translate it to English. The car is being inspected to be reasonably clean to pass soil inspection.

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Shipping

JDM Express works with major shipping lines to have more options with containers and Roll-On Roll-Off vessels (RORO). We give you a choice of what shipping method to choose from and we will provide you will all pros and cons of each method

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Importation

When the car arrives to Vancouver port we proceed according to the service package you chose with us. We either notify you that the car is arrived at port and handle the docuemnts over to you. Or We go through customs clearance, prepare the vehicle for safety inspeciton and pass it with qualified service shops. NOTE: taxes, a/c and inspection fees are paid ceparately.

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Registration

Our team will assist you with vehicle registration by providing all necessary documents and walking you through registration process. Generally it does not differ from a regular registration process, despite few details.

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Pick It Up And Drive Away

Once the car is registered, you are now a happy owner of unqique and reliable automobile. Congratulations!