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About Vehicle Model Codes

In Japan, for a vehicle to obtain a license plate and legally operate on public roads, it must pass an inspection to ensure it complies with the safety standards defined by the Road Transport Vehicle Act. During this process, the vehicle must be identified by its "model code." Model codes are classified into three categories: "designated vehicle types" for mass-produced vehicles, "new vehicle notification types" for large commercial vehicles, and "special treatment for imported vehicles" for models imported in quantities under 2,000 units annually.

A vehicle’s model code is an alphanumeric identifier that categorizes the vehicle's model and type. This code can be found on the vehicle’s caution plate※.

Structure of a Model Code

Model codes typically follow the format "○○○－△△・・△△", where the first part represents the "emission regulation identifier," and the second part is a "manufacturer-assigned code." The identifier after the hyphen is set by the manufacturer and does not follow a standardized rule.

How to Interpret a Model Code

Let’s take the model code of a Toyota Voxy Hybrid V (July 2017) as an example: "DAA-ZWR80G."

• DAA: This part represents the "emission regulation identifier" assigned by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT), indicating compliance with emission regulations.

• ZWR80G: This part is assigned by the manufacturer to further classify the vehicle.

In this example, the "DAA" code indicates that the vehicle meets the low-emission standard, reducing emissions by 75% under the 2005 regulations for hybrid vehicles. Different identifiers are used for models from before 2005 or for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles. For more details, please refer to the MLIT website.

Information that Can Be Derived from the Model Code

The model code is assigned to vehicles with the same structure, equipment, and performance. From the model code, you can determine the manufacturer, model name, body type, engine type and displacement, and drivetrain. The model code can also indicate the vehicle’s grade in some cases. However, if the differences between vehicle grades do not significantly affect performance, the same model code may be used. To gain more specific information, the vehicle identification number (VIN)※ may be combined with the model code.

What If the Model Code Is Unknown?

An unknown model code is indicated on the vehicle inspection certificate with the notation "Unknown," or it may appear as something like "-123456-," where the hyphenated characters on both sides of the model number suggest that it is undefined. This situation primarily occurs with parallel imports that are not processed through official dealerships or with older vehicles.

Important Points Regarding Parallel Imports

Parallel import vehicles often bypass official dealerships, meaning they may not meet Japanese standards for model codes. As a result, these vehicles are labeled as having an "unknown model code," making it difficult to easily verify the vehicle's year of manufacture or other critical details through the inspection certificate. This can lead to delays or additional costs when registering the vehicle or verifying its details. Therefore, it is essential to check these details before purchasing a parallel import vehicle.

Relation Between Japanese Model Codes and the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) in Europe

The CoC (Certificate of Conformity) serves as proof that a vehicle complies with relevant safety, emission, and environmental standards. It confirms that the vehicle has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the regulations set by the authorities.
The CoC is a critical component of the EU type approval system. It ensures that vehicles released into the market not only meet safety standards but also adhere to environmental regulations. A CoC is required for registering new vehicles in the EU and for re-registering imported used vehicles from outside the EU.

Type Approval and the Differences Between Japanese and EU Certification

Type approval is the process by which automakers certify that a specific vehicle model complies with EU regulations. This process involves a series of tests and evaluations to verify the vehicle's safety, environmental protection, and consumer standards. Since Japanese type approval follows different regulations, vehicles certified in Japan may not automatically meet EU standards. Additional documentation and testing are often required for import into the EU.
Even if a vehicle registered in Japan has passed environmental and type approval regulations, this certification does not typically apply directly in the EU. To meet EU standards, additional documentation such as environmental measurements and certification from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) is required.

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