This guide explains the full process from buying a car in Japan to registering it in Sweden. We manage the entire process on your behalf. During customs clearance, the client’s only required action is paying the customs agency invoice.

1) Who does what

• We: source the vehicle, buy it on your behalf, secure export paperwork in Japan, arrange shipping to Gothenburg, coordinate customs clearance, prepare the document pack, and guide you through Swedish registration steps.
• You: provide correct owner details for Sweden, sign authorizations if needed, and pay invoices when issued (especially the customs agency invoice and any official Swedish fees we instruct you to pay).

2) Full process overview (simple timeline)

1. Purchase in Japan + export preparation
   We buy the vehicle on your behalf, confirm VIN/chassis number, and collect the Japanese export/ownership documents needed for Sweden.
2. Shipping to Gothenburg
   We organize the shipment and handle the forwarder/agent coordination and shipping paperwork.
3. Customs clearance in Sweden (Tullverket) — handled by us
   We handle the full customs process via the customs agency/broker. You pay the customs agency invoice. After payment, the vehicle is released/cleared.
4. Verification of Origin (Ursprungskontroll) — Transportstyrelsen
   We prepare your document pack and guide you through the application. Approval is required before the registration inspection.
5. Registration inspection (Registreringsbesiktning) + identity/technical verification
   We help book the inspection. The vehicle must be physically present. The inspection confirms identity and technical data for Swedish registration.
6. Final registration + plates
   After passing the registration inspection and meeting insurance/administrative requirements, Swedish registration is finalized and plates are issued.

3) What you (the client) must provide

• Registered owner details (exact): full name/company name, Swedish address, email, phone number.
• Identification details if required for invoicing/registration (private or company).
• Signed authorization (Power of Attorney) if requested by customs/port/admin to act on your behalf.
• Payments when issued: customs agency invoice (mandatory), and any official Swedish fees we instruct you to pay.

4) Documents you receive from us (your document pack)

• Proof of purchase (invoice/contract) including VIN/chassis number.
• Japanese vehicle documents for export/deregistration (original paperwork from Japan, as available).
• Shipping documents from the carrier/forwarder (arrival documentation).
• Customs clearance proof (issued after the customs invoice is paid and the vehicle is released).
• Step-by-step instructions for Ursprungskontroll and inspection booking.

5) Customs clearance (Göteborg) — what happens

• We coordinate port handling and the customs agency process, including the import declaration.
• The customs agency issues an invoice to the client.
• Once the invoice is paid, the car is released/cleared and can be moved from the port/terminal.
• We provide the customs clearance proof needed for Ursprungskontroll.

6) Ursprungskontroll (Verification of Origin) — how to do it correctly

• The future Swedish registered owner must apply (the application must match the exact owner details).
• We prepare the document pack and checklist so the submission is complete from day one.
• If ownership changes before Swedish registration is completed, a new origin verification may be required.

Typical Ursprungskontroll document set:

• Verification of Origin application (submitted as instructed).
• Japanese export/registration/deregistration document(s) (all parts if there are multiple).
• Proof of purchase/ownership chain (invoice/contract) with VIN/chassis number.
• Proof of customs clearance (Sweden or another EU country, if customs was done elsewhere).

7) Registreringsbesiktning (Registration inspection) — what to expect

• The vehicle must be physically present.
• They verify identity (VIN/chassis), and record/confirm technical data (weights, engine data, etc.).
• Depending on vehicle year/type, they may request extra technical information or documentation. We help you prepare it.

8) Moving the car in Sweden before final plates

• Safest option: transport/trailer (we can organize it).
• If you need to drive before full registration, we advise the correct legal option for your case (temporary registration or driving only to/from a confirmed inspection appointment, where applicable).
• Do not drive the vehicle on public roads unless we confirm the correct legal setup for your situation.

9) Technical requirements (what the car must have)

Exact requirements can vary by vehicle type and year. Below is the practical checklist used for Japan imports. We confirm the final list for your specific vehicle before inspection.

• VIN/chassis identification is readable and matches the documents.
• Speedometer shows km/h (mph may exist as an additional option).
• Front window visibility is acceptable (no excessive tint; no critical cracks in the driver’s view area).
• All exterior lights work correctly and are suitable for Sweden:
  • Turn signals are amber (front and rear).
  • Brake lights, tail lights, reverse lights function correctly.
  • Rear fog light is present and working (a common JDM conversion item).
  • Headlights do not dazzle other road users; beam pattern is correct for right-hand traffic.
• Tyres are safe and legal; winter tyre rules apply in winter conditions during winter season.
• Basic roadworthiness items are OK: brakes, steering, suspension, horn, mirrors, seatbelts, wipers/washer.
• Exhaust is leak-free and noise is reasonable; avoid extreme modifications before inspection.

10) Common Japan-import fixes before Swedish registration (typical)

• Rear fog light installation or conversion.
• Headlight adjustment or replacement to correct beam pattern for Sweden.
• Turn signal conversion to amber where needed.
• Speedometer coding/conversion to ensure km/h is available.
• Front window tint removal if too dark.

11) Exceptions / special cases

• Customs cleared in another EU port/country: accepted, but you must provide the official EU customs clearance proof for the vehicle.
• Relocation import (moving goods) or inherited vehicles: may require additional documents beyond the standard pack.
• Owner change before final Swedish registration: may require restarting Ursprungskontroll under the new owner.
• Temporary registration: only needed if you must drive before final registration; we advise case-by-case.
• Small plate request: possible in specific cases (limited mounting space), but it’s not automatic.

12) What can delay the process (avoid these)

• Incorrect owner details for Sweden (name/address mismatch across documents).
• Missing ownership chain or unclear proof of purchase with VIN/chassis number.
• Missing/incorrect customs clearance proof.
• Modifying the vehicle too early before confirming what is required.
• Driving the vehicle without the correct legal setup.

13) Quick checklists

Before we buy:

• Confirm who will be the Swedish registered owner (person/company).
• Send correct owner details (exact spelling + address).
• Confirm whether you need the car to be drivable before final registration.

Before the Swedish registration inspection:

• VIN/chassis number readable and matches documents.
• km/h visible on the speedometer.
• All exterior lights working; rear fog light ready; headlights not dazzling.
• Front window tint and windshield condition acceptable for driver visibility.
• Tyres safe and legal; brakes/steering/suspension in good condition.

14) Simple “what you do” summary

1. Send correct Swedish owner details.
2. Pay the customs agency invoice when you receive it.
3. Sign/confirm documents we prepare if required.
4. Follow our instructions for Ursprungskontroll submission and inspection booking.
5. Prepare insurance when the vehicle is ready for final registration (we guide you on timing).