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First Registration Date: Key Differences from Manufacture Date

In Japan, when it comes to vehicle registration, the "first registration date" is used instead of the "manufacture date." While this term may seem unfamiliar, we’ll thoroughly explain what "first registration date" means, along with the differences between similar terms like "manufacture date" and "registration date."

What is the First Registration Date?

The first registration date refers to the month and year when a vehicle is first registered at a regional transport office or the Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization in Japan. For standard vehicles, it’s called the first registration date, while for kei (light) vehicles, it’s referred to as the "first inspection date." Both terms are noted on the vehicle inspection certificate.

※ For used cars, the first registration date is the date when the original owner registered the vehicle, not the date you register it.

The first registration date is sometimes referred to as the vehicle’s "model year." However, it’s important to note that "model year" can also refer to the manufacture date. Additionally, older inspection certificates contain other terms like "registration date" and "issue date" (these are not included in electronic inspection certificates). Let’s take a look at how these terms differ.

Difference Between Manufacture Date and First Registration Date

The manufacture date is the date when the vehicle was actually built. For domestic cars, the manufacture date and first registration date are often very close. However, if the vehicle is manufactured but not registered for a few months, the dates may not align. For instance, if the car was manufactured in December but registered in January of the following year, there would be a visible difference of one year.

In particular, parallel-imported cars often have a time lag between the manufacture date and the first registration date. For example, a vehicle could be manufactured overseas, driven for several years, and then imported to Japan, resulting in a significant difference between the two dates. A good example of this is when Jon French imported a 1967 Morris Minor into Japan from New Zealand. When it came to registering this car, the "registration date" of the car was 1996. Although it was sold locally in Japan, if it had have been sold in the Japan car auctions it would have had its age as 1996!

Another factor to consider for imported cars is the "model year." In Europe, vehicles manufactured from September onward are often considered the next year’s model. Thus, if a car is manufactured between September and December and registered in Japan within that same year, the model year might be one year ahead of the first registration date.

Difference Between First Registration Date and Registration Date

The registration date refers to the date the vehicle inspection certificate is issued. When the vehicle is first registered, the registration date matches the first registration date. However, while the first registration date remains the same, the registration date changes each time the certificate is reissued due to a change in ownership or address.

For used cars, even if you change the ownership and register the car for the first time, the first registration date will always refer to the original owner’s registration.

Legal Significance of the First Registration Date and Country-Specific Standards

The first registration date holds legal significance in many countries and plays a role in determining vehicle import regulations or duties. Depending on the country, either the first registration date or the manufacture date is used as the basis for import and taxation purposes. It’s essential for exporters and buyers to understand these differences.

Year Regulations by Country

Countries typically have one of two systems for regulating vehicle imports:

Countries That Use the First Registration Date

In these countries, the first registration date determines import eligibility.

• Sri Lanka
• Malaysia
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Kenya
• Burundi
• Mauritius
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Bahamas
• Dominican Republic
• Guatemala
• Russia
• Paraguay
• Cyprus

Countries That Use the Manufacture Date

The following countries base their regulations on the vehicle's manufacture date.

• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Singapore
• Namibia
• Uganda
• Fiji
• Barbados
• Jamaica
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Guyana
• Suriname
• Canada
• United States

Important Considerations Regarding the First Registration Date

When purchasing or importing a car from Japan the above should be noted. If your country restricts your import to the year of manufacture, you need to understand that the "age" of the vehicle you are purchasing may not be the date of manufacture. This is especially true when it comes down to which month the vehicle was manufactured. There was often a month or two lag between the date of manufacture and the first date of registration.

Secure Your Used Car Purchase with Provide Cars

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