FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is a COC?
A: This is a Certificate of Compliance and is issued for each vehicle that passes the “pre-shipment” for roadworthiness.
Q: Will there be any “On-Arrival” inspections for used vehicles shipped from Japan, Singapore, UAE or UK arriving into the Bahamas on or after the 1st of April 2019?
A: The Bahamas Ministry of Labour and the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) have advised no on-arrival inspections will be carried out in the Bahamas. All used vehicle imports from Japan, Singapore, UK and UAE arriving on or after the stated date must be pre-inspected and compiled in the Country of origin.
Q: What will happen to my vehicle imported from Japan, Singapore, UK or UAE if it arrives at the Bahamian border without a Certificate of compliance (COC) on or after the 1st of April?
⦁ If shipping records show that your vehicle left Japan, Singapore, UK or the UAE prior to the 1st of March 2019, your vehicle will be accepted for registration and allowed entry.
⦁ If your vehicle was shipped on or after the 1st of March 2019 from Japan, Singapore, UK or UAE, and arrives without a Certificate of Compliance (COC) from EAA, your vehicle will be refused entry into the Bahamas and will need to be re-exported.
Q: Where can I book a pre-shipment inspection?
A: Booking details can be found at the following website links:
https://www.eaa-s.jp/bahamas
https://www.eaa-s.jp/download
Q: When will Inspections commence from?
A: From the 1st of March 2019 in Japan, Singapore, UK, and UAE.
Q: What if I Import a vehicle from a country other than Japan, Singapore, UK or UAE?
A: If your vehicle arrives into the Bahamas on or after the 1st of April 2019, an “on arrival” inspection will be required (at a cost of USD$150).
Q: What if my vehicle was shipped from Japan, Singapore, UK or UAE prior to the 1st of March 2019, but arrives in the Bahamas on or after the 1st of April 2019?
A: Provided proof of this can be substantiated, no “pre-shipment” or “on arrival” inspection will be required.
Q: Can I verify if my imported vehicle has been issued with a pre-shipment inspection COC?
A: EAA provide a website portal for checking vehicle inspection details online using the vehicle chassis/VIN: https://www.eaa-s.jp/e-certificate
Q: Who pays for the roadworthiness inspection?
A: Pre-shipment inspection in Japan, Singapore, UK or UAE is paid for by the Exporter of the vehicle. An “on-arrival” inspection is paid for by the vehicle Importer.
Q: What happens if I lose my pre-shipment COC?
A: A replacement may be issued by EAA at a nominal fee. Please refer to the following website link for certificate re-issue requirements: https://www.eaa-s.jp/replacement
Q: What will happen to my vehicle if it does not pass the “pre-shipment” inspection in Japan, Singapore, UK or UAE?
A: If the identified failure(s) can be rectified, the Exporter will have the opportunity to do so, and your vehicle will be re-inspected to confirm compliance. A COC will then be issued if the vehicle now complies with the Bahamas Roadworthiness Standard. If the identified failure(s) cannot be rectified, the vehicle will not be issued with a roadworthiness COC, and cannot be shipped to the Bahamas.
Q: What happens if my vehicle does not pass the “on-arrival” roadworthiness inspection?
A: If the identified failure(s) can be rectified, the Importer will have the opportunity to do so, and your vehicle will be re-inspected to confirm compliance. A COC will then be issued if the vehicle now complies with the Bahamas Roadworthiness Standard. If the identified failure(s) cannot be rectified, the vehicle will not be issued with a roadworthiness COC, and cannot be registered for on-road use in the Bahamas. The vehicle may then be subject to re-export at the Importers cost or destroyed.
Q: Who is responsible for ensuring my vehicle receives and passes a pre-shipment inspection for roadworthiness prior to shipping from Japan, Singapore, UK or UAE?
A: As the Importer of the vehicle it is ultimately your responsibility to confirm your vehicle has a valid COC for roadworthiness prior to Shipping from the country of export.
Q: What is the full cost of inspection in Japan?
A: USD$150 (converted to ¥19,000)
Q: What if my Exporter tells me the cost of inspection is more than this?
A: The Inspection Fee advised by both BBSQ and on the EAA website is the total inspection fee. No other Exporter costs should be associated or labelled as an “inspection fee”.
Q: What if my Exporter is trying to charge me extra to transport my vehicle to an EAA Inspection facility?
A: EAA Inspection facilities are located within the port environment and after inspection can be loaded straight onto a vessel. Your vehicle must be transported to the port at the Exporters cost in any case, so no additional transport fees should be required.
Q: What is the usual vehicle purchase, inspection and shipping flow in Japan?
A: Click here to download the FAQ’s pdf file so that you can view the graph.