What is a Japanese export certificate (de-registration certificate)?

Last updated · Cada car guides

A Japanese export certificate (also called a de-registration certificate) is the document that cancels a car's Japanese registration before it is exported. It shows the chassis number, the date of first registration and other vehicle details. KRA needs the cancelled foreign registration to clear an imported car, and in Kenya it is the best document to check the first-registration year against the 8-year rule.

Key facts
Issued byJapan's transport authorities when the car is de-registered
ShowsChassis number, first registration date, vehicle details
Needed forKRA customs clearance and the KEBS age check

How to use it

  • Match the chassis number on the certificate with the car and the auction sheet.
  • Use the first registration date to check the 8-year rule on arrival.
  • Compare any mileage records with the auction sheet and the advert.
  • Ask for a clear scan before you pay; a translation helps if you cannot read Japanese.

On Cada

Sources

  1. KRA: What you need to know when importing a motor vehicle
  2. KEBS: Public notice on validation of used motor vehicles (KS 1515, July 2025)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the authority named in the sources before you pay.