How to Read Japanese Export Certificates (De-Reg Papers)

When a vehicle is exported from Japan, one of the most important documents that comes with it is the Export Certificate, also known as the De-Registration Certificate (or “De-Reg”). This document proves the car has been officially deregistered in Japan and is now cleared for export. Understanding how to read it is essential for anyone purchasing a JDM import.

What is a De-Reg Certificate?

The De-Reg Certificate is an official government-issued document from the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). It confirms that a vehicle has been deregistered from use in Japan, meaning it can no longer be legally driven there, and is free to be exported overseas.

This certificate also contains critical information for import and registration in Australia (or elsewhere), including the vehicle’s history, identification details, and mileage.

Key Sections of a Japanese Export Certificate

Here’s what you’ll typically find on a De-Reg Certificate:

1. Vehicle Identification Details

• Chassis / VIN Number (車台番号) – The unique identification number of the car.
• Model Code (型式) – The manufacturer’s designated code for that model (e.g., DBA-JZX100).
• Engine Code (原動機型式) – Engine model designation (e.g., 1JZ-GTE).
• First Registration Date (初度登録年月) – The year and month the car was first registered in Japan.
• Year of Manufacture (sometimes noted separately) – May also appear in the details.

2. Mileage Record

• 走行距離 (Soukou Kyori) – The odometer reading at the time of deregistration.
• The certificate may also include previous odometer recordings (from shaken inspections), giving a mileage history.

3. Owner & Use Information

• Registered Owner (所有者) – The previous owner’s name (individual, leasing company, or business).
• User (使用者) – Sometimes different from the registered owner (e.g., a lease holder).
• Address (住所) – The location of the registered user in Japan.

4. Deregistration Details

• Date of Deregistration (抹消登録年月日) – The official date the car was removed from the Japanese registration system.
• This is the date from which the vehicle is considered export-ready.

5. Official Stamps and Notes

• Red or black government stamps verify authenticity.
• Notes may include export warnings, inconsistencies, or references to previous records.
• Color Code & Trim Code are not always listed but may appear depending on the certificate type.

Why is the Export Certificate Important?

1. Proof of Authenticity – Confirms the vehicle’s identity and Japanese history.
2. Mileage Verification – Helps prove whether the odometer reading is genuine.
3. Customs Clearance – Required for import approval in Australia.
4. Registration – Some of the details are used when registering the car locally.

Tips for Buyers

• Always cross-check the chassis/VIN number on the Export Certificate with the vehicle itself.
• Verify the mileage records against auction sheets and service records.
• Look for any symbols or remarks that suggest tampering, accidents, or inconsistencies.
• Keep the original De-Reg certificate safe – it’s an essential document for compliance and registration.

Conclusion

A Japanese Export Certificate (De-Reg) is more than just a piece of paper – it’s the vehicle’s passport out of Japan. Learning how to read and understand it ensures you’re importing a genuine, correctly documented vehicle. When combined with auction sheets and inspection reports, the De-Reg certificate gives you confidence in the true mileage and history of the vehicle.