How to Import Classic Cars to Singapore From Japan

How to import Classic cars to Singapore

Among automobile enthusiasts, importing Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles to Singapore has grown in popularity. These automobiles provide a unique driving experience and are renowned for their distinctive designs, cutting-edge technology, and outstanding performance. Nonetheless, the Singaporean government has established a number of rules and specifications that must be followed in order to import JDM cars. This entails handling import fees, obtaining the required certificates, and guaranteeing adherence to emissions regulations. This article will examine the procedures and factors that went into introducing these sought-after cars to Singapore and will provide readers an understanding of the advantages and difficulties of being a JDM car owner in this dynamic city-state.

What Japanese Cars can you import into Singapore

Vehicles from the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) must be imported into Singapore by following a strict set of rules established by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Here is a quick summary of the fundamental laws and regulations:
 

Eligibility Criteria

• The vehicle must be less than three years old from the date of manufacture at the time of importation.
• Cars must meet the Euro VI emission standards to ensure environmental compliance.

Pre-Importation Inspection

• All imported vehicles must undergo a thorough inspection by an LTA-recognized inspection center to ensure they meet the required safety and technical standards.

Documentation Requirements

• Importers must provide several key documents, including the original manufacturer's invoice, a bill of lading, the vehicle registration document from the country of origin, and a technical specifications sheet.

Customs Clearance and Taxes

• Upon arrival, the vehicle must be declared to Singapore Customs. Importers are required to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the car's Customs value, which includes the car's price, insurance, and freight costs.

Vehicle Registration

• To register the vehicle in Singapore, it must pass the inspection and comply with the safety, emission, and technical standards. Additionally, importers must pay a registration fee and secure a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) through bidding.

Modifications and Compliance

• Any necessary modifications to meet local regulations (such as converting the speedometer to display kilometers per hour) must be performed by an authorized workshop.

Registering a Vehicle

There are two methods to register your vehicle:

1. Through a Motor Dealer:
   
   
   • As of August 28, 2023, registration applications via a motor dealer (Electronic Service Agent) require login and authorization through Singpass 2FA at one “motoring.lta.gov.sg.”
      
2. Self-registration at LTA Customer Service Centre:
   
   
   • Step 1: Apply for a Vehicle Approval Code (VAC) through VITAS.
   • Step 2: Submit the prerequisite documents.
   • Step 3: Pay registration fees and charges.
   • Step 4: Affix your registration number plates.
   • Step 5: Seal your registration number plates (if required).
   • Step 6: Display side markings (if required).

Vehicle License Plate

License plates must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle, with the vehicle number clearly shown. Learn about the permitted colors and lettering dimensions for vehicle license plates to ensure compliance.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the LTA guidelines.

Understanding the Classic Vehicle Scheme

Under the Classic Vehicle Scheme, you can import and register a vintage automobile, motorbike, or scooter for usage in Singapore.

Classic cars need to have been in existence for at least 35 years when they were first registered. Older vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters, that were produced prior to January 1, 1940, fall under the Vintage Vehicle Scheme.

New registrations for automobiles and taxis that run only on diesel will be banned starting in 2025. All newly registered automobiles and taxis must have cleaner energy models (e.g., electric, hybrid) starting in 2030. The Classic Vehicle Scheme will not apply to the import or registration of automobiles.

Usage restrictions for classic vehicles

You can only use your classic vehicle for 45 days in a calendar year under the Classic Vehicle Scheme, including weekends and public holidays. You must display a valid Day Licence each time you use it.

Registration requirements

In order for your car to be registered in Singapore, it must have been imported from a foreign nation at least 35 years ago.

You are not able to re-register your car as a classic vehicle if it was deregistered in Singapore during the period it was part of the program.

In order for your automobile, motorbike, or scooter to be eligible for re-importation and re-registration under the Classic Vehicle Scheme, it has to fulfill the following requirements:

Regarding cars: Deregistered before July 1st, 2000, or if deregistered on or after July 1st, 2000, it had to be less than 35 years old and couldn't have been a classic automobile at that time.

Implementation of the Road Traffic Act and its Relative Laws

The Road Traffic Act's Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Construction and Use) and Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Lighting) Rules must be followed by all historic cars in order for them to remain roadworthy.

Modifications Applied to the Vehicle: The classic car needs to be brought back to its original condition. Before being imported, the vehicle should not have undergone any conversions, adjustments, or modifications. It is not permitted to have a kit vehicle, such as a replica or a vehicle restored using new or old parts.

Right-hand drive: All classic vehicles imported and licensed for operation in Singapore have to be right-hand drive vehicles.

Import and Register Procedure

1. Verify that your car satisfies the technical and registration criteria.
    
2. Use a shipping agency to arrange for the vehicle's shipment to Singapore.
    
3. Make plans to acquire an Inward Cargo Clearance Permit with your shipping agent.
    
4. Choose if you want a motor dealer to register the car for you or if you want to register it yourself. A car dealer will handle all or most of the following procedures if they register the vehicle on your behalf.
    
5. Your importer has to use the Vehicle Inspection and Type Approval System (VITAS) to submit an application for vehicle approval. The car needs to be inspected at an LTA-Authorized Inspection Center (AIC) after being approved.
    
6. Register and pay at the LTA Customer Service Center (10 Sin Ming Drive, Singapore 575701) by submitting the required paperwork.
    
7. Pick up your receipt and Registration Notification Letter from the LTA Customer Support Center.
    
8. Unless a retained or bid vehicle registration number is used, a vehicle registration number will be allocated to the historic car upon successful registration. You have seven calendar days to seal the vehicle registration number plates at an LTA-Authorized Inspection Center (AIC) after attaching them to your car. The traditional car number plate looks like this.

Buying a JDM with ZervTek

Using an agent reduces the likelihood of any more issues that could arise if you handle the process on your own. You will be able to streamline the importing and buying process with ZervTek, particularly with regard to auctions. 

For those who appreciate JDM cars, bringing a Toyota MR2, Nissan Hakosuka—one of the most recognizable Skyline models—to Singapore can be an exciting adventure. Buyers can select from a wide variety of Hakosuka models offered by Zervtek based on factors like year, mileage, condition, and more. You can create personalized budgets for each vehicle and obtain wholesale prices when you buy from Zervtek. Our experience guarantees a smooth import procedure that complies with all applicable regulations and laws, thus realizing your dream of owning a vintage JDM automobile in Singapore.
 

Auction process

1. Create an account on the our auction website and strike up a pleasant conversation with one of ZervTek's agents. After you supply the agent a description of the car you are thinking about, including the model, mileage and condition.
    
2. Together, you and the agent can extensively examine cars from several auctions in order to choose the ideal fit. You can browse through upcoming listings and choose what to bid on using the translated auction sheets provided by ZervTek and car pictures. Additionally, ZervTek can do their own additional inspection on certain auction houses to get more photos and videos to examine the vehicle's overall condition, braking performance, and engine performance.
    
3. After that, in order to participate in the auction procedure, you need to provide a security deposit. Deposits can be made by international bank transfer or using Wise or Paypal. In the event that your bids are unsuccessful, and you decide to stop going ahead with the process, the deposit is fully refundable. Remember it's normal to lose the majority of bids, thus it is preferable to continue until you receive a winning bid. 
    

1. Following a successful bid, you will receive an invoice, which you can pay within the specified time frame using one of the company's payment options. Following this formula will determine the final price:
   
   
    
2. After the processing and verification of payment, ZervTek will coordinate the shipment procedure. Copies of the documents will be sent digitally before and once the car departs the domestic port, the original documents will be sent via DHL. ZervTek takes care of everything up to the destination port.
    

After the processing and verification of payment, ZervTek will coordinate the shipment procedure. Copies of the documents will be sent digitally before and once the car departs the domestic port, the original documents will be sent via DHL. ZervTek takes care of everything up to the destination port.

Conclusion

If you require assistance or have any inquiries, feel free to reach out to our dedicated sales team. We're here to help!

You can find all the necessary links below.

• sales@zervtek.com
• WhatsApp
• Auction site

Thank you for choosing ZervTek Co., Ltd. We appreciate your trust in our services and look forward to serving you with excellence and integrity.