FAQ: General questions:

Where is your office?
Our office and workshop are located in the east part of Osaka, Japan. Our street address is 5-5-27 Nishiishikiri-cho, Higashi Osaka, Osaka, Japan. The post code is 579-8013. Our telephone number is 072-984-6651 (the country code for Japan is +81). Our fax number is 072-984-6652 (the country code for Japan is +81).

What are your office hours?
We are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am-8:00pm (Japan time). We are closed on the following days: the second Sunday of every month, New Year`s holiday (several days either side of January 1st), Golden week (several days at the end of April and beginning of May), Obon/summer holiday (several days in mid-August). The specific dates of any long holidays will be announced on our website.

What languages do you do business in?
Japanese and English

What are the rules/regulations for importing a vehicle?
For export rules and procedures for your country (including pre-export inspection lists) please visit your country`s appropriate government authorities. We strongly suggest that prior to importing a vehicle, you research what is expected of you as a vehicle importer in your country and that you understand all responsibilities and risks. For cars exported from Japan to New Zealand, several things must be noted…

1. Shipping; used cars in Japan can be shipped from all major Japanese ports to all major     New Zealand ports (including Auckland, Dunedin, Lyttleton, Napier, Tauranga and Wellington)

2. Age restrictions; used cars in Japan can be shipped to New Zealand if they were made in 2005 or later. Some exceptions can be granted if the vehicle is a `special interest` vehicle, or if the car was registered in Japan under your name.

3. Emission standards; all vehicles must meet the emission and noise standards issued by the New Zealand government. Detailed information about these standards can be found　on the New Zealand Transport Agency website
(http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/vehicle-classes-and-standards/environmental-standards/)

4. Entry permission; all vehicles must be Entry Certified. Detailed information can be found on the New Zealand Transport Agency website
(http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/warrants-andcertificates/entry-certification/)

5. Right hand drive only; all used or new cars must be Right Hand Drive. Exceptions can be made for vehicles of special interests such as antique cars, special purpose vehicles, motorsport cars, machinery or hearses.

6. Vehicle documentation; you must be in possession of all related vehicle documents, i.e DeRegistration / Export Certificate, Commercial Invoice and Bill of Lading in order to receive your vehicle. All these documents will be provided by 6 Degrees and will be sent to you via DHL courier.

7. Quarantine service (or MAF); Before a vehicle can be released to you in New Zealand, it must pass quarantine service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).

Can you show me the condition of the vehicle(s)?
Yes, we will provide detailed photos of the vehicle(s) to help you make an informed decision.

Can you ship parts with the vehicle(s)?
No, we cannot put anything inside the vehicle, unless it is shipped by container.

How long will it take to get my car?
Shipping times vary greatly so please contact us to find out more information on this. If you are buying a car from Japan for delivery to New Zealand, we estimate the total time to be between 4-7 weeks. This includes payment confirmation, booking a shipping vessel, shipping the vehicle(s), clearing and delivery. Buying and paying:

What is a Proforma invoice?
The Proforma invoice is the final estimate of costs involved based on the chosen vehicle(s) and freight costs. In order to receive an invoice, please follow these steps…
1. Visit our website and click on `enquiry`.
2. Fill out the form and send it to 6 Degrees.
3. After we receive your enquiry we can start the search for your new car, and begin negotiations.
4. After both you (the Purchaser) and 6 Degrees (the Seller) agree on the price and conditions, you will be notified and an invoice will be sent.

What costs are included in the FOB price?
The term FOB price (Free On Board / Freight On Board) refers only to the cost of the vehicle. An Agent fee and freight charges will be added to this price when the vehicle is purchased from 6 Degrees. You will also be responsible for any costs after receiving the vehicle (port clearing costs, import duties, taxes and any additional fees required by your country).

What is an Agent fee?
The Agent fee is a payment of 100,000yen (one hundred thousand yen) which we add to the price of each car. This is to cover our costs which include (but are not limited to) finding, bidding for, deregistering, checking and cleaning vehicles.

What are freight charges?
The freight charges include transporting the vehicle from the place of purchase, to the 6 Degrees workshop in Osaka, as well as the cost of shipping the vehicle (by sea) to the Purchaser.

What is an Auction login fee?
If you so choose, we can arrange a login password to the Japanese car auction site. You can use this login to search for cars. It will cost 2,000yen (two thousand yen) per month. This login does not allow bidding for / buying cars.

What currencies do you accept?
Primarily we accept payment in Japanese yen. Please note that all payments must be in the form of a bank remittance so that the buyer and seller both have official written records of all transactions. We will not accept payment by cash, credit card or L/C (letter of credit).

What kind of payment methods can I use?
Currently we accept payment in the form of a bank remittance.

Can you provide a receipt for payment?
We do not provide receipts. The bank remittance provides an official written record of the payment transaction for both the buyer and seller.

How long does it take for my bank remittance to be transferred to your bank account?
Please allow a minimum of 3 (three) business days for your bank remittance to be reflected in our bank account. While this delay may cause some inconvenience, it is the average amount of time for interbank transactions.

What are the regulations for importing cars?
Please visit your country`s appropriate government authorities to learn more about car import regulations. The regulations differ greatly from country to country. For cars exported from Japan to New Zealand, several things must be noted…

1. Shipping; used cars in Japan can be shipped from all major Japanese ports to all major New Zealand ports (including Auckland, Dunedin, Lyttleton, Napier, Tauranga and Wellington)

2. Age restrictions; used cars in Japan can be shipped to New Zealand if they were made in 2005 or later. Some exceptions can be granted if the vehicle is a `special interest` vehicle, or if the car was registered in Japan under your name.

3. Emission standards; all vehicles must meet the emission and noise standards issued by the New Zealand government. Detailed information about these standards can be found on the New Zealand Transport Agency website
(http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/vehicle-classes-and-standards/environmental-standards/)

4. Entry permission; all vehicles must be Entry Certified. Detailed information can be found on the New Zealand Transport Agency website
(http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/warrants-and-certificates/entry-certification/)

5. Right hand drive only; all used or new cars must be Right Hand Drive. Exceptions can be made for a vehicles of special interests such as antique cars, special purpose vehicles, motorsport cars, machinery or hearses.

6. Vehicle documentation; you must be in possession of all related vehicle documents, i.e DeRegistration / Export Certificate, Commercial Invoice and Bill of Lading in order to receive your vehicle. All these documents will be provided by 6 Degrees and will be sent to you via DHL courier

7. Quarantine service (or MAF); Before a vehicle can be released to you in New Zealand, it must pass quarantine service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).

Who is responsible for bank transfer fees?
The buyer is responsible for all bank fees. Please confirm the fees with your bank before closing the purchase agreement with 6 Degrees. Documentation:

What documents am I supposed to receive from 6 Degrees regarding the shipment of my vehicle?
You (as a vehicle importer) will receive;

1. Bill of lading (B/L): Bill of lading; a document issued by a carrier, or its agent, to the shipper as a contract of carriage of goods. It is also a receipt for cargo accepted for transportation, and must be presented for taking delivery at the destination.

2. Insurance document (if your purchase is CIF): Cost, Insurance, and Freight; a term of sale signifying that the price invoiced or quoted by a seller includes insurance and all other charges up to the named port of discharge.

3. Export certificate (also called a `De-registration certificate` or `Cancelation of registration`): A document that confirms the noted items are being legally exported from their country of origin (i.e., the car’s previous registration in Japan has been cancelled).

4. Commercial invoice: A document required by customs to determine the true value of the imported goods for assessment of duties and taxes. **If your government requires, we will also send; Inspection certificate: Certification that the vehicle passed the required pre-export inspection and, therefore, meets the required specifications and is in good condition and correct quantity when leaving the port of departure. Export permit (also called a `Bill of entry`): A document issued by the Japanese Customs Office that ensures the shipment is in compliance with applicable export control measures.

What is a consignee?
The consignee is the vehicle`s owner-to-be. Please list the consignee`s full name (as it appears in his/her passport) without any mistakes or abbreviations as well as their correct contact information. Please note that any mistakes will hold up the shipping/delivery process and you will be responsible for any additional fees and time.

Why must I provide the full name and contact information of the consignee?
Shipping companies require that this information is complete and correct. The Bill of lading (B/L) is an official document that determines/proves the owner of the cargo and, therefore, the consignee`s full name and address, as written on his/her passport or ID must be used.

What is the DHL delivery address?
This is the address to which we will send your documents (including the B/L). Please ensure that the name and address are complete and correct to avoid any delays or additional costs.

Can I track the documents you send?
Yes, tracking information for the documents sent by DHL will be provided to you. Please wait for 24 hours before contacting us with problems regarding tracking. The tracking log begins providing information once the package has been physically picked up and scanned into DHL’s system by the DHL representative.

How can I verify that all the information is correct on the B/L before it is sent?
We can send you a PDF file of the B/L by email if you require it.

Can I ask you to change the vehicle information on the B/L or any other documents?
No, altering information on the B/L is illegal. 6 Degrees will not participate in any illegal actions, regardless of the reason. My country`s customs office is asking for a `Packing list`.

Can you provide one?
We do not provide a packing list, but our `Commercial invoice` (A document required by customs to determine the true value of the imported goods for assessment of duties and taxes) will replace it. Vehicles and inventory:

What kind of vehicles do you export?
We can export many different kinds of vehicles from Japan including domestic vehicles (cars made in Japan) and those vehicles from Europe or America. The vehicles we export include cars, trucks (excluding commercial trucks), vans, and buses. Please contact us with any questions or requests you may have, and our staff will do their best to match you with a vehicle.

Can you show me the condition of the vehicle(s)?
Yes, we will provide detailed photos of the vehicle(s) to help you make an informed decision.

Can you ship parts with the vehicle(s)?
No, we cannot put anything inside the vehicle, unless it is shipped by container.

Can you install wheels, audio systems or other parts to my new car?
Yes, we can repair or customize your car before shipping it. Please contact us for more information.

Booking and Shipping:

What information is needed from me in order for you to book a shipping vessel?
The information below is required to book a shipping vessel for your cargo. Please read the following carefully and provide us with all requested information. Most information is required by the contracted shipping companies; not 6 Degrees.

1. Port of Discharge: Your nearest port where the vessel will unload your cargo.

2. Vehicle Destination: Where the vehicle will actually be used. Please provide the name of the country where the vehicle will be registered for use.

Consignee: This is the vehicle’s “owner-to-be.” Please list the consignee’s full name as well as the “real” name shown on his/her passport or ID, full address (without any abbreviations), and phone number(s). **Also, when providing us with your booking information, it is important to understand the following: Your booking will be delayed by the shipping company if the consignee’s full name and address are not provided. Complete information must be provided. The consignee’s name cannot have any spelling mistakes. Even the smallest error can be subject to a B/L amendment, which may cost you additional fees and time.

How long will it take the shipping vessel to arrive at my local port?
We do our best to ship your vehicle so that you receive it in a timely manner. You will be notified of the average time for shipping based on our previous experience.

Why are there so many changes/delays to the shipping schedule?
Sometimes changes/delays do occur. We apologize but the changes are made by the contracted shipping companies and we, as exporters, do not have authority to intervene with their decisions.

Is tracking available for the shipping vessel?
No, unfortunately this information is not provided.