PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES (POVS) Part 1 -Japan

[SGT_OKINAWA]

I was just daydreaming and got on the subject of POV regulations, so thought I would post right from the Joint Travel regulation (JTR)

:first:

I just hope that I can help someone who is lucky enough to go to Japan. :crying:

8. PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES (POVS): -Japan

a. POV shipments are subject to embargo or waiver requirements. Effective 1 April 1996, the Assistant Secretary for Defense (for Management Policy) has granted limited case-by-case, waiver authority to Commander USFJ for shipment of post 1976 type vehicles to Mainland Japan only. Okinawa continues to be under an embargo status and is not included under this waiver authority. The waiver authority for Mainland Japan has been further delegated by USFJ to Component Commanders. When requesting a waiver the following information should be included: make/year/model of vehicle and vehicle identification number (VIN), if equipped with California emission. All DoD/military members/employees must obtain prior approval from their respective service authority in Japan named in para 8e. All imported motor vehicles must be registered by the Government of Japan.

1. All DoD/service members must be counseled on the following items: the high cost of initial registration of their POV in Japan ($3000 to $5000 dollars per vehicle based on 100 Yen to $1.00 US dollar), availability of parts and qualified maintenance, and emission testing ($3,000 to $5,000).

2. POVs shipped to Japan are either category A or B.

(a) Category A are POVs manufactured prior to 31 March 1976. Category A POVs will have to meet the insurance, taxes, registration fees and local vehicle emission standards and safety requirements (headlights, color of bulbs, MPH to KPH speedometer, etc.). This category will not require a waiver. Category A POVs may be shipped to Mainland Japan or Okinawa, Japan as appropriate. Estimated cost per vehicle is between $500 to $1000 based on 100 Yen to $1.00 US dollar.

(b) Category B are POVs manufactured after 31 March 1976. Category B POVs will have to pass the Japanese Vehicle Emission Standards (JVES), plus the above mention items (insurance, tax, and registration requirements). This category will require a waiver (component services) and is authorized for shipment to Mainland Japan ONLY! Estimated cost per vehicle is between $3000 to $5000 based on 100 Yen to $1.00 US dollar.

(c) Due to the remote locations and size of the installations of US Naval Base Sasebo, MCAS Iwakuni and Misawa AB, there are no on-base facilities authorized to modify or inspect vehicles to meet Japan emission and safety standards. The estimated cost per vehicle may be $2,000 to $5,000 based on 100 Yen to $1.00 US dollar regardless of vehicle category A or B.

(d) Oversized vehicles, i.e., special purpose vehicles, campers, motor homes, recreational vehicles, exceeding 12 meters in length 2.5 meters in width and 3.8 meters in height will not comply with Japanese registration standards. Modifications, including installed camper shells, cannot protrude more than 15cm from each side of the vehicle. Total vehicle weight cannot exceed 20 tons: axle weight-10 tons; and wheel weight-5 tons.

(e) Members should contact their sponsors and/or transportation offices concerning the current cost of owning and operating POVs in Japan.
3. Diesel passenger vehicles shipped to the Kanto plain: "Government of Japan vehicle regulations concerning some diesel-powered vehicles are in effect in the Tokoyo, Nagoya and Osaka metropolitan regions. U.S. Forces must abide by these regulations. The Tokyo region includes Yokosuka NB, NAF Atsugi, Yokoto AB and Camp Zama. The new regulations are designed to reduce pollution in these heavy-traffic areas. Owners of older model diesel vehicles must determine if this law applies to their POV prior to shipping to an affected area. If they are shipping intra-Japan, they can check with their local Land Transportation Office (LTO). The newcomer can also request that his/her sponsor check with the local LTO. Members moving to the affected areas should consider these regulations when purchasing older model diesel vehicles. Information on vehicle registration can be obtained from local (Japan) installation vehicle registration offices." (CH)

b. MOTORCYCLES/MOPEDS:

1. The Government of Japan (GOJ) has imposed requirement for motorcycles/mopeds over 250cc manufactured 1 July 1999 or later must comply with GOJ brake standards. In addition to the brake standard requirement, motorcycles/mopeds over 250cc manufactured 1 April 2001 or later must pass GOJ emission testing and meet engine exhaust emission control standards.

2. The estimated minimum costs for mandatory engine exhaust emission testing is approximately $800. Cost to bring a noncompliant motorcycle to standards depends on type/model. If a motorcycle does not meet brake standards, cost to bring into compliance could run $2000-$4000. (Brake testing cost depends on type/model). These are separate requirements (subject to manufactured dates) and failure to meet compliance places the owner in an even costlier situation. The additional cost of meeting GOJ's standards is subject to the various equipment types and models and degree of difficulty in meeting compliance. There is only one brake testing facility in Tokyo; two emission testing facilities located in Tokyo and one in Osaka. There are no brake or emission testing facilities on Okinawa. Furthermore, there are no brake or emission testing facilities near Misawa, Sasebo, or Iwakuni (mainland Japan).

The following paragraphs outline current DoD policy on importing motorcycles/mopeds over 250cc:

(a) Manufactured prior to 1 Jul 99: No import restrictions.

(b) Manufactured 1 Jul 99 to 31 Mar 01: The motorcycle must meet brake standards. No import restrictions to mainland Japan, however, member should have a manufacturers certificate stating the motorcycle meets Japanese brake standards.

Mainland Japan: Members assigned to military installations outside the Kanto Plain (Tokyo area) will face high costs and extreme inconvenience transporting the motorcycle to a brake testing facility, if testing is required. The member (all mainland bases) should contact the motorcycle manufacturer and ask for a certificate that specifically states the vehicle meets Japan brake standards. If the member has any doubt about meeting the brake standard, he/she may send the manufacturer's brake certificate to the sponsor in Japan and ask him/her to check with the local Land Transportation Office (LTO). The sponsor can then advise the member (before shipment) if the motorcycle meets standards.

Okinawa: May only import to Okinawa if the owner obtains a certificate from the Okinawa LTO, before shipment stating the bike passes brake standards. To accomplish this, the member should request the sponsor in Okinawa to take the ORIGINAL COPY of manufacturer's brake certificate to the Joint Forces Vehicle Registration Office at Camp Foster for assistance. That office will provide a memo that must be taken to the LTO. After the LTO signs the memo (certifying compliance with brake standards), it should be mailed to the member, who must in turn, give to the origin TMO/ITO. The TMO/ITO can then arrange shipment. -end part one-

[SGT_OKINAWA]

-part 2- (con't)
(c) Manufactured 1 Apr 01 or later: Both brake and engine exhaust emission standards must be met. Members assigned to military installations outside the Kanto Plain (Tokyo area) will face high costs and extreme inconvenience transporting the motorcycle to an engine exhaust testing facility, and to a brake testing facility if required. Member must sign a memo (prepared by origin TMO/ITO) acknowledging costs/inconvenience if he/she chooses to ship to mainland Japan. A copy of this memo will be included in advance shipping documents sent to the destination TMO/ITO. Motorcycle is prohibited from importation to Okinawa due to no brake and emission testing facilities.

3. Motorcycles/mopeds must be insured with a temporary registration tag in order to be driven to a testing facility.

4. It is critical that counselors brief members of the extremely high GOJ compliance costs when shipping motorcycles/mopeds into Japan. Counselors should advise members as an alternative to place their motorcycles/mopeds into nontemporary storage as household goods for the duration of their tour in order to avoid the compliance expense. Service members may also use their POV storage entitlement (if a POV is not shipped) to store their motorcycle as a POV in the POV storage program where it will receive proper care.

5. IAW Japanese Customs requirements, all motorcycles to include mopeds shipped as HHGs must be properly inventoried. The make, model, chassis number, and engine size must be noted on the inventory and shipping documents. Motorcycles may also be shipped as POVs. (NOTE: motorcycles/mopeds do not require POV waivers). Motorcycles/mopeds shipped as part of HHGs that fall in the above manufactured date category [b.
(1)] must still comply with GOJ's requirements.

6. Motorcycles shipped as HHGs to Japan: All ITOs/TMOs are required to identify the inclusion of a motorcycle with make, model, chassis number, and engine size in block 27 of the PPGBL and as trailer card data on applicable TCMDs. Personal property carriers must show the same information on the inventory.

7. Diplomatic Personnel: Department of Defense personnel on diplomatic assignment to the American Embassy, Tokyo must contact their sponsor or the Transportation Section of the Embassy for specific guidelines with respect to shipping a motorcycle.

c. GASOLINE/CATALYTIC CONVERTERS:

1. Gasoline purchased on military installations is 89 octane. Off-installation gasoline is minimum 89 octane. Prices off base start at approximately $4.00 per gallon for 89 octane. Higher grade gasoline off base is more expensive.

2. Member should be counseled on extremely stringent emission standards imposed.

d. INSURANCE/SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Effective 01 Jan 1997, each POV shall have insurance required by the Japanese Motor Vehicle Damage Compensation Guaranty Law. POV owners must secure and maintain supplemental coverage of no less than 30,000,000 Yen or $300,000 for bodily injury, and 3,000,000 Yen or $30,000 for property damage. Military and family members, and civilians assigned to US Navy commands, shall not operate private or rental vehicles unless the proper insurance provisions have been met.

e. WAIVERS: All DOD/military members/employees must obtain prior approval from their respective service authority in Japan as indicated below for shipment of POVs. The following are the POC's for POV Waivers:

1. For all Army: Chief, Transportation and Services Division DCSLOG US Army Japan/9th TAACOM, Unit 45005, ATTN: APAJ-GD-TSD, APO AP 96343-0054, phone number DSN 263-3503/FAX number DSN 263-3414.

2. For Air Force:

(a) Yokota AB, JA: 374 TRNS Yokota AB JA/LGTT, Unit 5120, APO AP 96328, phone number DSN 225-7385/7389/FAX number DSN 225-9606.

(b) Misawa AB, JA: 35 TRNS Misawa AB JA/LGTT, Unit 5015, APO AP 96319-5015, phone number DSN 226-3393/FAX number DSN 226-2077.

3. For Navy and Marines: Commander, US Naval Forces, Japan ATTN: N-8, FPO AP 96349, phone number DSN 243-7742/5663/6392/FAX number 243-7759.

4. Diplomatic personnel: All DOD military members ordered to Japan under diplomatic assignment are exempt from the 01 April 1996, Assistant SECDEF case-by-case waiver authority identified herein. DOD military members may ship POVs in accordance with guidelines established by appropriate authority at the Embassy to which they have been assigned.

f. POV Consignment and Ports:

1. Misawa AB: If shipment of POV is authorized to Misawa AB, consign the POV shipment to 836th Transportation BN, Yokohama, JA (UM1), for transshipment to Hachinohe, JA (UH2), which is 20 miles from Misawa AB via highway. Four snow tires are required during 1 Dec through 31 Mar. Actual arrival date of the service member to Misawa should be annotated on DD Form 788 due to non-secure storage area at the Hachinohe fuel terminal.

2. FISC DET Sasebo: Consign the POV shipment to 836th Transportation BN, Yokohama, JA (UM1), for transshipment to Sasebo, JA (UQ2), via Hakata Port, JA (UQ5). POV shipped to Sasebo, JA, by US Forces personnel must be cleared by Japanese Customs at port of discharge. To initiate clearance, owner must complete USFJ Form 380 at personal property office upon arrival in Sasebo, JA. Member should be counseled on extremely stringent emission standards imposed. Just FYI - Please hit the "Thanks" button in the bottom right if this thread is helpful. <3

Peace!:army:

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Forgot to post the link:

LINK (https://as10.pweb.sddc.army.mil/pls/ppcig_camp/ppcappls.ppcig_cntry_instr.get_cntry_data?p_cntry_ code=JA&p_section=8)

Peace!:army:

[james78]

I know this post is a bit old, but I am looking for a loop hole, and really want to bring my Jeep to Kadena. I was at Yokota for six years and there were more than a few service members that had brought vehicles with them.

Is this not possible in Okinawa or is there a way around it.

thanks

[Maytag Man]

I know this post is a bit old, but I am looking for a loop hole, and really want to bring my Jeep to Kadena. I was at Yokota for six years and there were more than a few service members that had brought vehicles with them.

Is this not possible in Okinawa or is there a way around it.

thanks


I don't have the specifics on Okinawa but I've seen them here on some vehicle threads. Your TMO should have the most up-to-date info on shipping a vehicle. Personally, I'd sell it if you are going to be here for 3 or more years. Your jeep will age very quickly here due to the climate. If it's a vehicle you just can't part with, You could store it in the states, but be ready to pay for some repairs when you get back. If it's going to sit for a number of years state side, be ready to spend big bucks on new rubber all over the vehicle to include tires, boots, hoses, ect. No worries though, you can pick up a good vehicle here very easy that will last you your tour at a reasonable price. With all the COLA $$$ you can save, you can buy a new vehicle paying cash when you get back.

[daveh5o]

I don't have the specifics on Okinawa but I've seen them here on some vehicle threads. Your TMO should have the most up-to-date info on shipping a vehicle. Personally, I'd sell it if you are going to be here for 3 or more years. Your jeep will age very quickly here due to the climate. If it's a vehicle you just can't part with, You could store it in the states, but be ready to pay for some repairs when you get back. If it's going to sit for a number of years state side, be ready to spend big bucks on new rubber all over the vehicle to include tires, boots, hoses, ect. No worries though, you can pick up a good vehicle here very easy that will last you your tour at a reasonable price. With all the COLA $$$ you can save, you can buy a new vehicle paying cash when you get back.

I know this is an old thread, but I am new to the site. This is what I understand on the subject. There were a lot of GI's selling new or almost new American cars to the Okinawans. Japan taxes all imported goods 100%. Cars are no exception. The GI's were selling cars for a profit to the Okinawans, but still alot cheaper than they would have to pay at the Okinawan Chrysler, Ford, or GM dealerships. Govt. of Japan complained, and the regulation came about tyhat no more BRAND NEW cars would be brought over by service men (cars manufactured after April 1, 1976). Just like now, the actions of a few ruined things for everyone else. All they had to do was ban Americans from selling new or almost new American cars to the locals. They would still be able to sell to other GI's/SOFA people, or take the car back with them when they PCS out.

[Namako]

I little off topic, but I was wondering... has anyone ever shipped a Japanese-made vehicle BACK to Japan?

I'm now with the Army in Heidelberg, Germany, but was previously with the Army on Okinawa. I shipped my Japanese vehicle to Germany, and had no problems getting it registered and licensed for use on European highways. Now I'm returning to Japan (Yokosuka), and want to bring the vehicle back to its home.

I'm guessing there'll be no problems, as it has already been licensed for use in Japan. However, I'm filling out the request for a "waiver" from the Japanese embargo, and much of what I'm doing doesn't seem to apply - e.g., it should pass JCI, just as it did when it was exported from Japan to Germany.

Any thoughts?

[kintama]

False alarm...I thought SGT_Okinawa was back! Darn.

[Okiman]

I little off topic, but I was wondering... has anyone ever shipped a Japanese-made vehicle BACK to Japan?

I'm now with the Army in Heidelberg, Germany, but was previously with the Army on Okinawa. I shipped my Japanese vehicle to Germany, and had no problems getting it registered and licensed for use on European highways. Now I'm returning to Japan (Yokosuka), and want to bring the vehicle back to its home.

I'm guessing there'll be no problems, as it has already been licensed for use in Japan. However, I'm filling out the request for a "waiver" from the Japanese embargo, and much of what I'm doing doesn't seem to apply - e.g., it should pass JCI, just as it did when it was exported from Japan to Germany.

Any thoughts?

Namako,

It should not be a problem. I have know a few folks out here that had POV shipped from here to other countries and then they return. It should not be a problem, but do not be surprised if they give you an E plate instead of the Y plate. I guess it depends on their mood, but either will work.

[DoctorP]

I little off topic, but I was wondering... has anyone ever shipped a Japanese-made vehicle BACK to Japan?

I'm now with the Army in Heidelberg, Germany, but was previously with the Army on Okinawa. I shipped my Japanese vehicle to Germany, and had no problems getting it registered and licensed for use on European highways. Now I'm returning to Japan (Yokosuka), and want to bring the vehicle back to its home.

I'm guessing there'll be no problems, as it has already been licensed for use in Japan. However, I'm filling out the request for a "waiver" from the Japanese embargo, and much of what I'm doing doesn't seem to apply - e.g., it should pass JCI, just as it did when it was exported from Japan to Germany.

Any thoughts?

go to www.mcbbutler.usmc.mil Look for the JSVRO tab and there are a few pdf files associated with JCI. You should be able to find the answer, maybe not specific to your particular issue but a general answer. I don't see it as a problem as the vehicle was originally registered here anyway, and you should still have the supporting docs to show it.

[acousticlinux]

I hope its really going to be worth it for you, a few of my friends have been shipping cars back for a few years aparently as as kit cars

[Blues]

if i go to england or germany, i want to take my car with me :D

[lalevin]

Hi, I see this thread has still been active since late 2009, so here's trying.

I moved to Okinawa in August 09. We chose NOT to bring our motorcycle because we heard how easy it was to get a cheap one here. What a lie! Oh my goodness! Anyway, now we're looking at ways of getting our PRE-99 manufactured Virago out here, and would really like to know the costs of doing this (not including the shipping of course). If we actually are able to ship out our bike, what are we looking at paying once it's here and for what? It doesn't look like there are any importation restrictions on this bike... Any help would be appreciated.

[P_chan]

if i go to england or germany, i want to take my car with me :D

Yeah if you go to Germany your best bet would be to pick up a German car IMO. Japanese cars won't be able to handle the high speed cruising of the autoban.

[OtisPMerriweather]

Hi, I see this thread has still been active since late 2009, so here's trying.

I moved to Okinawa in August 09. We chose NOT to bring our motorcycle because we heard how easy it was to get a cheap one here. What a lie! Oh my goodness! Anyway, now we're looking at ways of getting our PRE-99 manufactured Virago out here, and would really like to know the costs of doing this (not including the shipping of course). If we actually are able to ship out our bike, what are we looking at paying once it's here and for what? It doesn't look like there are any importation restrictions on this bike... Any help would be appreciated.

Harder to get cheap bikes on Oki since the military (marines) put more restrictions on licensing and whatnot there. Better check to see if YOU can get a license before importing. That, and motorcycles can be shipped back in TMO shipments, therefore those who get the cheap bikes tend to ship them home when they leave.

That being said, you should be able to find one around 2K or so in oki..downside is, you can get a car for that much too. Where are you looking?

[lalevin]

We've kinda stopped looking. Now i'm interested to see if I can get my own bike here and want to know when it gets here what it will cost. It's a 92 virago so it shouldn't have any import restrictions. but what else will we have to pay when we get it here?

As for a car, we've got one of those. We need a second vehicle and don't want a second car...