REGULATIONS FOR SANA CORPORATION

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Sana Corporation specializes in exporting high-quality Japanese vehicles to customers worldwide. We handle the entire process from sourcing and inspection to documentation and shipping, ensuring a seamless and reliable export experience for our clients. As a registered vehicle exporter based in Japan, we are committed to full compliance with all applicable Japanese and international regulations governing the vehicle export industry.

Business Registration Requirements

To operate as a vehicle exporter in Japan, Sana Corporation has obtained the following mandatory licenses and registrations:

  1. Secondhand Dealer License (古物商許可証): Required for buying and selling used vehicles in Japan. This license is issued by the Public Safety Commission under the jurisdiction of the prefectural police.
  2. Business Registration: Proper registration with the Japanese government as a corporation engaged in the export business.
  3. Customs Registration: Registration with Japan Customs as a foreign trade operator to facilitate export declarations and procedures.

Restrictions on License Eligibility

The following individuals are ineligible to obtain a secondhand dealer license in Japan:

  • People with a criminal record
  • Underage individuals
  • Adult wards/people under guardianship
  • People who have had their secondhand dealer license revoked in the past 5 years
  • People with certain mental health conditions

VEHICLE SOURCING AND ACQUISITION

Purchasing Vehicles in Japan

Sana Corporation sources vehicles through the following channels:

  1. Auto Auctions: The primary source for quality used vehicles in Japan, where owners and dealers sell vehicles through auction groups such as JAA, JU Group, TAA, USS, and ZIP.
  2. Dealerships: Direct purchase from authorized dealers and used car dealerships.
  3. Private Owners: In some cases, direct purchase from individual vehicle owners with proper documentation.

Storage Requirements

When dealing with used vehicles, Sana Corporation maintains:

  1. Dedicated Storage Facilities: Proper storage places (parking lots) for vehicles after purchase, as required by Japanese regulations for secondhand dealers.
  2. Yard Facilities: Secured storage near ports for vehicles awaiting export, operated by authorized yard agents.

VEHICLE INSPECTION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

Pre-Export Inspection Requirements

All vehicles exported by Sana Corporation undergo rigorous inspection processes:

  1. JAAI Inspection: The Japan Auto Appraisal Institute conducts mandatory inspections for exported used vehicles to ensure reliability and roadworthiness.
  2. Inspection Standards: Vehicles must pass an 80-point test covering functionality, exterior and interior appearance, safety features, and mechanical condition.
  3. Odometer Verification: Verification that the odometer has not been tampered with, with documentation provided through the NAK Individual Mileage Search System when required.

Inspection Criteria

The JAAI inspection covers:

  1. Functionality: Ensuring safe driving in compliance with safety regulations.
  2. Exterior Appearance: No significant damage requiring panel work, no corrosion, and properly painted surfaces.
  3. Interior Appearance: Clean interior without excessive staining or damage.
  4. Mechanical Condition: Properly functioning engine, transmission, and other critical components.
  5. Safety Features: Verification of all safety equipment in working order.

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION AND PROCEDURES

Essential Export Documentation

For each vehicle exported, Sana Corporation prepares and processes:

  1. Export Certificate (輸出抹消仮登録証明書): Official document issued when a vehicle is deregistered for export, confirming the vehicle’s authenticity and history.
  2. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the vehicle’s specifications, value, and transaction terms.
  3. Bill of Lading (B/L): Transportation agreement between the shipping company and Sana Corporation, serving as proof of shipment and ownership transfer document.
  4. Packing List: Including model details, color, weight, dimensions, and packaging information.
  5. Export Declaration Form: Submitted to Japanese Customs for export clearance.

Vehicle Deregistration Process

Before export, all vehicles must be properly deregistered:

  1. Registration Deletion Application: Submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) through the Transportation Office or Motor Vehicle Inspection and Registration Office.
  2. Certificate of Registration Deletion: Obtained from MLIT and valid for six months from the date of issue.
  3. Certificate of Notice of Planned Export: Required for vehicles whose registration has already been deleted.

Customs Clearance Procedures

The export customs clearance process involves:

  1. Export Declaration: Submission of the export declaration form to Japanese Customs with all supporting documents.
  2. Document Verification: Customs checks all documentation for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  3. Physical Examination: When required, physical inspection of the vehicle by Customs officials.
  4. Export Permit: Issuance of the export permit after successful document verification and inspection.

STRATEGIC EXPORT CONTROLS

Export Control Regulations

Sana Corporation complies with Japan’s strategic export control regulations:

  1. Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA): The primary law governing export controls in Japan.
  2. Export Trade Control Order: Cabinet order specifying goods subject to export control.
  3. List Controls: Regulations for specifically listed strategic items.
  4. Catch-all Controls: Regulations for non-listed items that may have dual-use applications.

Compliance Requirements

To ensure compliance with export control regulations, Sana Corporation:

  1. Conducts Classification: Determines whether exported vehicles fall under controlled items.
  2. Performs Transaction Reviews: Evaluates transactions under catch-all regulations.
  3. Obtains Necessary Permits: When required, applies for and obtains permits from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS

Shipping Methods

Sana Corporation offers the following shipping options:

  1. RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off): Vehicles are driven onto specialized vessels and secured for transport.
  2. Container Shipping: Vehicles are loaded into shipping containers for added protection.

International Shipping Documentation

For international shipping, Sana Corporation prepares:

  1. Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping company, containing vessel information, cargo details, ports, and departure date.
  2. Export Certificate with English Translation: Official deregistration document with certified translation for customs clearance in destination countries.
  3. Commercial Invoice: Detailing customer information, incoterms, vehicle specifications, and price.
  4. Shipping Instructions: Provided to the shipping line with all necessary details for proper handling and delivery.

Marine Insurance

Sana Corporation provides comprehensive marine insurance coverage:

  1. Coverage Scope: Protection against complete loss, total destruction, and major damage to vehicles during transit.
  2. Insurance Types: Ocean marine cargo insurance for international shipments and inland marine cargo insurance for domestic transport.
  3. Coverage Period: From when Sana Corporation takes custody of the vehicle until delivery at the destination port or as specified in the insurance terms.

DESTINATION COUNTRY REQUIREMENTS

Import Regulations by Region

Sana Corporation assists clients with navigating import regulations in destination countries:

  1. Documentation: Preparation of all required documents specific to the destination country.
  2. Compliance Verification: Ensuring vehicles meet the technical and environmental standards of the destination country.
  3. Age Restrictions: Advising on vehicle age limitations that vary by country.
  4. Duty and Tax Calculation: Providing estimates of import duties and taxes applicable in the destination country.

Special Considerations for China

For exports to China, Sana Corporation observes the following regulations:

  1. Import Restrictions: Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted for registration and use in China.
  2. Eligibility Requirements: Only certain categories of individuals can import vehicles, including diplomats, foreign experts, and staff of joint ventures or foreign-owned enterprises.
  3. Vehicle Standards: Vehicles must meet EURO IV standards for registration in Beijing, and diesel vehicles are generally prohibited.
  4. Age and Condition Requirements: Vehicles manufactured prior to January 1, 2005, require rigorous inspection, and imported vehicles must be less than one year old and in good condition.

FINANCIAL AND TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Export Taxes and Fees

Vehicles exported from Japan may be subject to:

  1. Consumption Tax Exemption: Exported vehicles are generally exempt from Japan’s consumption tax.
  2. Export Processing Fees: Administrative fees for export documentation and processing.
  3. Inspection Fees: Costs for mandatory pre-export inspections.

Currency and Payment Regulations

Sana Corporation complies with Japan’s financial regulations:

  1. Foreign Exchange Regulations: Adherence to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act for international financial transactions.
  2. Payment Methods: Offering secure payment options in compliance with Japanese banking regulations.
  3. Transaction Reporting: Reporting large-value transactions as required by Japanese financial authorities.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY STANDARDS

Japanese Vehicle Standards

All vehicles exported by Sana Corporation meet:

  1. Japanese Safety Standards: Compliance with the Safety Standards for Road Trucking Vehicles set by the Ministry of Transport.
  2. Emissions Standards: Adherence to Japanese emissions regulations, which are among the strictest globally.
  3. Quality Certification: Vehicles undergo quality certification to ensure they meet all applicable standards.

International Standards Compliance

Sana Corporation ensures vehicles comply with:

  1. Destination Country Standards: Verification that vehicles meet or can be modified to meet the technical requirements of destination countries.
  2. Environmental Regulations: Confirmation of compliance with emissions and environmental standards of importing countries.

TEMPORARY IMPORT/EXPORT PROCEDURES

Carnet System for Temporary Exports

For temporary vehicle exports, Sana Corporation utilizes:

  1. Carnet Documentation: International Customs document under the “Customs Conventions on the Temporary Importation of Private Road Vehicles”.
  2. Application Process: Submission of the “Application for an authentication of the carnet” to the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or a guarantee organization.
  3. Validity Period: Carnets are valid for one year and facilitate duty-free admission of vehicles for non-commercial purposes.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE

Export Risk Mitigation

Sana Corporation implements comprehensive risk management:

  1. Marine Cargo Insurance: Mandatory insurance coverage for all exported vehicles to protect against loss or damage during transit.
  2. Coverage Scope: Protection against risks such as ship sinking, fire, and major damage during transportation.
  3. Claims Process: Established procedures for filing insurance claims in case of damage or loss.

Export Credit Insurance

For additional financial protection, Sana Corporation utilizes:

  1. NEXI Coverage: Insurance through Nippon Export and Investment Insurance for protection against commercial and political risks.
  2. Coverage Rates: Up to 97.5% coverage for political risks and 90% for commercial risks under Export Credit Specific Insurance.

COMPLIANCE AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Anti-Corruption Measures

Sana Corporation maintains strict ethical standards:

  1. Transparent Practices: All business operations are conducted with full transparency and in compliance with anti-corruption laws.
  2. Documentation Accuracy: Ensuring all export documentation accurately reflects the true condition and value of vehicles.

Regulatory Compliance Monitoring

To stay current with changing regulations, Sana Corporation:

  1. Maintains Regular Updates: Continuous monitoring of changes in export regulations and requirements.
  2. Staff Training: Regular training for staff on compliance requirements and procedures.
  3. Audit Procedures: Internal audits to verify compliance with all applicable regulations.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries regarding vehicle exports and import regulations, please contact Sana Corporation:

Address: 〒341-0055 Saitama, Misato City, 1-180 Khamiguchi, Rumiere A102, Japan
Email: info@sanacorporation.com
Phone: +81-90-3577-2464