Rules and regulations on importing Japanese used car in the U.A.E

Japan is the world's leading source of automobiles and is known for ages for delivering high quality vehicles at competitive prices. Japan is one of the important sources of automobile industry and its various brands are exported to almost all parts of the globe. Like new vehicles, used vehicles from Japan are also famous across the world. U.A.E. is one of the major importers of Japanese used vehicle, as vehicles offered by Japanese makers are reliable, safe, and high on quality. Importation of used vehicle in U.A.E. is not difficult, but it is important to get the vehicle registered, insured and roadworthy in order to drive on the roads of U.A.E.

Used cars that are more than four years old, are not allowed to be shipped in the U.A.E. Importation of only left-hand drive vehicles are allowed in the U.A.E. Even though one can also import a right-hand drive vehicle, but the vehicle won't get register, hence one cannot use it on the roads of the U.A.E.

Required Documents for importation:-

• Export certificates issued by the Traffic Department (Title of ownership)
• Purchase/Commercial Invoice
• Copy of Passport
• Origin of certificate
• Original Bill Of Lading(BOL) - It should include make, model, chassis number, engine number, color and type of car.
• U.A.E. residence permit or visa page copy (endorsed on passport)
• Authority letter (will be obtained by client upon arrival in Dubai)
• Copy of Diplomatic Card (Diplomats only)
• Report on Car Condition from load port
• Insurance policy

Customs Inspection and Fees:-

• Upon arrival of the vehicle, all imported vehicles are subject to inspection/ evaluation by a customs in the U.A.E.
• Tinted window cars are not allowed to be imported. A fine will be imposed on the vehicle and will require all windows to be replaced.
• Customs duty is at present 5% of the value estimated by customs on used motor vehicles.

Vehicle Registration:-

• After duty payment is made, the importer must register the car and obtain local license plates at the Dubai Police-Traffic Dept. A Vehicle Clearance Certificate (V.C.C.) for each vehicle upon clearing customs will be provided by Dubai customs, which should be submitted to the Dubai Traffic Police for the registration.
• A valid U.A.E driver's license must be possessed by drivers. One must possess a valid U.A.E Residence Visa when applying for a driver's license.
• Annual basis vehicle registration is must in the U.A.E.

Japanese used car importers in the U.A.E enjoy great freedom of choice when selecting cars for import. Some of the most popularly imported models of vehicles in UAE are Toyota and BMW. Buyers, who are looking to buy Japanese used cars, should get themselves thorough with import rules and regulations for smooth customs clearance.

The most recommended port for shipments from Japan going to the U.A.E is Jebel Ali although other ports such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are also used. Generally, common shipping method RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) method is used for vehicle shipment. However, on request of customers more expensive method called container shipment method is arranged.