An Update: Some not so terrible news

As I have mention previously, I am embarking on this quest of importing a car from Japan as an adventure. With all adventures, there are highs and lows. While this isn't quite a low, it is a bit unexpected, but I am glad I did my due diligence and got it clarified up front.

In my previous post I mentioned that I was going to attempt "informal entry" with my import, which is reserved for imports valued under $2,500. What I thought this meant was my budget for purchase price of the Cappuccino needed to be under $2,500. However, after getting in contact with Mathew Matusiak at Japan Car Direct I learned that the "value" of an import includes all service and exporter fees (but excludes shipping).







In the grand scheme, this means a couple of things. First, my purchase will be valued over $2,500 so I will be required to do a "formal entry" for customs import. This requires the use of a customs broker to complete most of the paperwork and submit it as well as the fees to customs. If you hadn't already figured out, this means more money out of my pocket. It should only be a couple hundred dollars extra, and the silver lining is that it takes a bit of the leg work and paperwork off my shoulders and leaves it to the experts.


It seems as thought Japan Car Direct has their own customs broker (or someone here they work with), so I will be investigating whether to go with them or a third party.  Witty Melon blog has some recommendations, and I have also worked with a broker in an old job.


I am hoping to get a few more posts out before the holidays, and then beginning in January have a phone call with Japan Car Direct and get rolling on looking for a Cappuccino.

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