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Terms and Conditions – Carbarn USA

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") govern the relationship between you (the "Purchaser") and Carbarn LLC ("Carbarn", "we", "us", or "our"), a company registered in Japan, in connection with the purchase and export of used vehicles from Japan to the United States.

By using this site and purchasing a vehicle through us, you agree to these terms. Carbarn operates from Japan and is not a local business entity in the United States.

2. Nature of Business

  • Carbarn LLC is a Japan-based company engaged in the export of used vehicles worldwide, including to the United States.
  • All vehicle transactions, ownership transfers and export documentation are processed and originate from Carbarn LLC in Japan.
  • Carbarn's responsibility concludes on handover of the vehicle to the shipping line at the port of export in Japan.
  • Carbarn does not act as your customs broker or importer of record in the United States and does not carry out state titling or registration on your behalf.

3. Import Eligibility

  • The United States allows in, without a compliance test, vehicles that are at least 25 years old at the time of entry, counted from the month and year the vehicle was built. A younger vehicle cannot be imported for road use unless it is on the federal eligibility list, which Japanese-market vehicles are not.
  • Carbarn checks the month and year recorded on the vehicle's Japanese documentation before listing and again before shipment. The Purchaser is responsible for satisfying themselves that the vehicle meets the requirements applying at the time of entry.
  • The exemption requires the engine to be the original one fitted, or the same model. No inspection is required in Japan before shipment to the United States.
  • Being allowed to import a vehicle and being allowed to register it for road use are two separate permissions. Titling and registration requirements are set by each state and are the Purchaser's responsibility to verify. Georgia does not title a vehicle without a 17-character vehicle identification number, which Japanese-market vehicles do not carry.

4. Vehicle Condition and Inspection

  • Vehicles are sold "as-is", in used condition, which the Purchaser accepts.
  • Auction sheets, the Carbarn inspection report and condition photographs are provided before purchase confirmation.
  • Odometer readings are those recorded on the auction sheet and the Japanese export documentation, in kilometres.

5. Shipping and Delivery

  • Vehicles are shipped by RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) from Japan.
  • The destination ports are Los Angeles/Long Beach and Tacoma on the West Coast, and Houston, Jacksonville and Baltimore on the Gulf and East Coasts.
  • Estimated transit is two to three weeks to the West Coast and around 45 days to the East Coast, subject to vessel schedule.
  • Sailing dates and transit times are estimates. Once the vehicle is handed to the shipping line, Carbarn is not responsible for schedule changes, port delays, terminal handling charges or demurrage.

6. Payment Terms

  • We accept international bank transfer and credit or debit card.
  • Payment details are issued only on an official Carbarn proforma invoice after the quote is confirmed. Bank details received through any other channel should not be acted on.
  • Bank charges, intermediary fees and exchange-related costs are the Purchaser's responsibility.
  • Shipment arrangements begin once the payment terms stated on the proforma invoice have been met.

7. Customs Clearance in the United States

  • The Purchaser is the importer of record and is responsible for all procedures and costs of customs clearance, including appointing a licensed customs broker, the customs bond and the Importer Security Filing.
  • Duties and fees are assessed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The age exemption is declared to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on form HS-7 and to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on form 3520-1 at entry.
  • State sales or use tax, title and registration are handled separately by the Purchaser's state motor vehicle agency.
  • Documents supplied by Carbarn are: Export Certificate, Original Invoice, Bill of Lading, and Condition Report.

8. Cancellation and Consumer Rights

  • An order may be cancelled before the vehicle is handed to the shipping line, subject to approval and to costs already incurred.
  • Once the vehicle has been handed to the shipping line, cancellation is subject to the statutory position and to the costs of shipment and return.
  • These provisions apply in addition to, and do not displace, any cancellation or refund right the Purchaser holds as a consumer under the law of their state.

9. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

  • Carbarn is not liable for port delays or demurrage, for the outcome of customs clearance or state registration, or for damage, loss or mechanical condition arising after handover to the shipping line.
  • Vehicles are exported in used condition on an "as-is" basis, with the responsibilities set out in this Agreement resting on the Purchaser from the point of handover.
  • Nothing in this Agreement limits liability that cannot be limited by law, including liability under the mandatory consumer-protection rules applying to buyers resident in the United States.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

  • We collect only the personal information required for order processing and export compliance.
  • We do not sell personal information or share it with unauthorised third parties.
  • See our Privacy Policy for full details, including your rights under the privacy law of your state.

11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

  • This Agreement is governed by the laws of Japan, and disputes are to be resolved in the courts of Japan.
  • Nothing in this section removes any non-excludable right you have as a consumer under the law of your state.

12. Contact

E-mail: {supportEmail}

Operated by: Carbarn LLC, Japan