Tag Archives: Import from Japan

WHO IS JEVIC?

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Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center Co Ltd (JEVIC) is the service provider contracted by the Zambian Bureau of Standards to complete Roadworthiness Inspections on all used vehicles being exported from Japan, Singapore, Dubai, United Kingdom and South Africa to Zambia.

JEVIC is a Japanese registered Company located in Yokohama Japan and was established in 2001. They have quickly grown to be recognized as the leading inspection company in the motor industry. JEVIC has branch offices in New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom, and inspection capabilities in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

JEVIC is not a shipping line, customs agent, freight forwarder, or involved in the purchasing or selling of vehicles. JEVIC is a totally independent organization completing and undertaking various Pre- Shipment Inspections for both government and non-government organizations worldwide. The mainstream inspections being that of used vehicles.  JEVIC is widely known as the ‘Specialist in Used Vehicle Inspections’, and provides customers with the guarantee of total impartiality and assurance through ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation in the fields of vehicle structural integrity, odometer fraud and bio-security (JEVIC is the first privately owned inspection company to be accredited by the ISO/IEC 17020). For detailed information visit www.jevic.com.

With Japan being the largest source of used vehicles for many African markets, JEVIC provides the best in customer service with more than 35 approved inspection facilities throughout Japan and an even more impressive nationwide team of qualified inspectors.

Having been successful in the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) public tender process in 2007, JEVIC conducts the mandatory Pre-shipment Roadworthiness Inspections (RWI) for Kenya. In early 2009 JEVIC were also nominated by the Zambian Bureau of Standards to complete a similar inspection for used vehicles being exported to Zambia. All used vehicles exported from Japan, Singapore, Dubai, United Kingdom and South Africa to Zambia are required to undergo this important Roadworthiness Inspection.

BENEFITS and COSTS

This inspection undertaken by JEVIC was initiated by the Zambian National Bureau of Standards (ZABS) to minimize the risk of unsafe and substandard vehicles entering the Zambian market thus ensuring health, safety and environmental protection for Zambians. These benefits far out way the cost of inspection. The cost of inspection from Japan is a set fee of JPY13,625 (approximately US$135), and is charged to the exporter. By having such an inspection completed, many issues such as stolen, damaged, misrepresented and unsafe vehicles are stopped prior to entering Zambia. Importers and end users can therefore be assured that the vehicle they are importing is Roadworthy.

For detailed information visit www.jevic.com.

Who to Trust???

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There are a few unscrupulous people taking advantage of unsuspecting Africans wanting to buy a good cheap used vehicle from Japan. How to determine who to trust is difficult, but follow some simple rules and you shouldn’t go wrong.
Know who you are dealing with. One-man or two-man operations can easily move around, change their mobile numbers, or set up new names for their business. A website is easy to set up and doesn’t cost so much these days. Check the company you are dealing with at your local Embassy in Tokyo. Also check for an office phone number. Most scammers run their business from their mobile phone and don’t have an office. You can also check with your local clearing agents or just ask a friend or someone who imported their own vehicle.

Everyone loves a bargain. But sometimes the price seems so unbelievably cheap that it is too hard to pass up. In Japan there is a saying, “if it is that cheap, then it is too cheap to buy”. In other words, if it is too cheap then there must be something wrong with it. Check the websites and get an idea of the average market price. If there is a huge discrepancy then you should be wary. Remember, an exporter who has no intention of exporting a vehicle to you can quote you any cheap price you want. He doesn’t care how cheap because he isn’t losing any money on the deal, rather, he makes 100% on your payment.
An unscrupulous exporter will target vehicles at the Japanese auctions that have done high kilometres, and in poor condition. They will wind the odometer back and do a few quick-fix repairs to make the vehicle seem it is better than it is. In many cases the cars breakdown to an unrepairable state within 6 months. How many people do you know who have been taken by these tactics and lost their money. Most unscrupulous dealers arrange these things once the vehicle is out of Japan (either at the port in Africa or in another country). Ask to look at the “Export Certificate” from the exporter. The export certificate is issued by the Japanese Transport Authority and shows the last registered mileage on the certificate. Some exporters will change the year of the vehicle and re-register it in another country before selling it to Africans.

Importing direct from Japan is a safe way to ensure the vehicle you receive is genuine. A good exporter knows that a good reputation ensures a lifetime of business. Poor condition cars ensure loss of business. A bad reputation can grow 2 to 3 times faster than a good one. Reputation takes time to build and must be earned the hard way. Reliable exporters advertise constantly in local newspapers and magazines. Unscrupulous people are in it for a fast buck. Don’t waste your hard earned money by not taking a little precaution and getting taken by the appeal of “a bargain of a lifetime”.

How Easy is it to Import my Own Vehicle Direct?

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Importing your own vehicle direct from Japan is as easy as learning the ABC. Check different exporters’ websites for the best car that suits your budget and needs. Many exporters have their stock for free viewing on the internet. Some exporters allow you to submit your order on-line, others request you to send them your details for invoicing purposes.

Once you receive your invoice check the details. The invoice should show your full name, address, and contat details. It should also show the make/model of the vehicle you are buying, the year, and the full chassis number. The freight and insurance costs should be shown separately on the invoice. If not, request for the costs to be indicated separately on the invoice. The exporter’s bank account details should also be indicated.

Take the invoice to your bankers and request for a telegraphic transfer to be sent to the bank account details as indicated on the invoice. The bank will convert the currency on the invoice and advise you the equivalent Kwacha to pay them, including bank charges. Some exporters will allow payment by instalments, however you should consider the extra bank charges you need to pay for each instalment. Mention the invoice number and vehicle reference in the details of payment of the telegraphic transfer. Send a copy of the bank receipt and invoice to the exporter by fax or e-mail so they can apply your payment immediately.
Once the exporter has your payment they will arrange shipment of your vehicle. They need to contact the various shipping companies to book your vehicle on the next available vessel (usually at the end of the month and/or the middle of the month). Sometimes, the new car manufaccturers have a back-log of new cars to ship and shipment may be delayed as a result. New car manufacturers receive priority booking over used cars as a policy of all shipping companies. These ships load the vehicles by driving on and off the vessel. They are referred to Ro-Ro vessels. When there is a delay for booking used vehicles on Ro-Ro vessels, some exporters ship their clients’ vehicles in containers. Container vessels are weekly, but the costs are higher in some cases. The sailing time for vessels from Japan to Durban or Dar-Es-Salaam is usually 3 to 4 weeks, however the total average delivery time after payment is effected can take from 6 to 8 weeks.

You should arrange a local clearing agent to clear your vehicle from the vessel. A good clearing agent will advise you the exact date of arrival of the vessel, the date you can collect your vehicle, and calculate the wharf charges and clearing costs to pay. They can also arrange for delivery of your vehicle to your door step.
Once you have the vehicle you need to register it locally, then enjoy the driving. A word of advice, always check the engine before driving the vehicle over a long distance. Some of the vehicles need to be topped up with oil and water, and the brakes need to be checked. Also, all vehicles are shipped with minimal fuel in the tanks. This is a safety requirement by the shipping company to avoid fire hazards on board the vessels. Therefore remember to take enough money to fill up your vehicle.