When exporting motorcycles from Japan to overseas, there are two main methods: “ocean freight” and “air freight.Here, we will explain all aspects of motorcycle export in an easy-to-understand manner, including the characteristics of each, approximate costs, necessary procedures and documents, and how to receive the motorcycle locally.This guide is useful for everyone involved in the international transportation of motorcycles, from individual customers to used motorcycle store owners.
Note: If the purpose is to temporarily enjoy motorcycle touring abroad, the procedures and required documents are different from those for permanent exports described in this guide, as the procedures are based on a Carnet (Temporary Import/Export Certificate).For temporary touring purposes, please refer to the separate Carnet application.
Characteristics of marine transportation (container ship)
Advantages
- Low cost: The most economical way to transport
- Can be sent with just one vehicle: with consolidated shipping, you can send a single vehicle.
- More economical for multiple units: send in bulk and the cost per unit goes down!
- No problem for large motorcycles: no matter how big or heavy they are, they can be shipped
Demerits
- Time-consuming: 1-2 months required to reach destination
- Unstable schedule: weather and port conditions can cause delays
- Beware of hidden costs: additional costs such as handling fees at ports
For ocean transport, it is important to securely fasten and pack the motorcycle.Usually, they are secured to wooden crates or pallets, and are secured with belts by specialized companies to prevent them from moving inside the container.Safety measures should also be taken, such as emptying the gasoline and disconnecting the battery terminals.
Features of Air Transportation
Advantages
- Fast: reach your destination within a few days
- Stable schedule: only a few days of delays
- Great for urgent cases: you need your bike on the ground right away!
Demerits
- Expensive: several times the cost of ocean transport
- Large motorcycles are especially expensive: rates are determined by size and weight
- Strict hazardous material regulations: complete de-fueling and battery removal are required
Air shipments are generally shipped in special wooden boxes.Some destinations do not have direct flights and may combine trucking via hub airports.
Estimated transportation costs
For ocean transportation
- For just one unit: approx. 70,000-100,000 yen for a mixed container (pure shipping freight)
- For multiple units: several tens of thousands of yen per unit with a full container load
For air transportation
- For one unit: approx. 200,000-500,000 yen (depending on distance and weight)
- For multiple units: Basically, the cost is equal to the number of units (with some discounts)
*These are approximate transportation costs only.Customs clearance fees, insurance, local taxes, etc. will be charged separately.
Export Procedures and Required Documents
Procedures on the Japanese side
- Motorcycle cancellation registration: Obtain a “Temporary Export Cancellation Registration Certificate” from the Transport Branch Office.
- Documents required for export customs clearance:
- Invoice (commercial invoice)
- Packing list (VIN, weight, etc.)
- Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill
- Export Cancellation Registration Certificate
Normally, a customs broker will file on your behalf, but it is also possible for an individual to file.No Japanese consumption tax is charged at the time of export.
Procedures in the importing country
Import customs clearance is required upon arrival in the country.Generally, the required documents are:
- Cargo invoice (English or local language)
- Certificate of cancellation of registration in Japan
- Shipping documents (B/L or Air Waybill)
- Importer’s identification
- Tax Payment Documents
- Technical Standards Compliance Certificate (varies by country)
Taxes in the importing country
In many countries, the following taxes are applicable:
- Customs duty: approx. 10% of the vehicle value (varies widely from country to country)
- Excise tax: levied according to engine displacement (varies widely from country to country)
- Value-added tax (VAT): 15-25% in most countries (on the total of vehicle price + customs duties + excise taxes)
- Registration fee: required for first registration (varies from country to country)
Proof of compliance with the environmental and safety standards of the importing country is also required.In particular, emission regulations and lighting standards vary from country to country, so it is important to check in advance.
How to pick up locally
Pick-up at port/airport
The most basic way to receive the bike, you pick it up yourself at the port or airport cargo area.You will complete customs clearance and tax payment yourself and pick up the motorcycle.This is more cost-effective, but more time-consuming.
Door-to-door delivery
In this method, you request a customs broker or logistics company to deliver your goods to a designated address.This is very convenient because they handle everything from customs clearance to delivery on your behalf, but the cost is higher.If you are not familiar with overseas transportation, this method is safe.
For those considering exporting used motorcycles
We offer the export and import agency services described in this guide.We can help you bridge the gap between Japanese motorcycles to foreign countries and foreign motorcycles to Japan.
With passion and sincerity as our first priority, we will handle each and every vehicle with care.We welcome individual customers as well as business-to-business transactions.We provide comprehensive support for customs clearance, documentation, and transportation arrangements, so you can leave everything to us with peace of mind.
Please feel free to contact us first.Your bikes to the world, the world’s bikes to you – let us help you.
Contact us here