The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is warning New Zealand importers not to use vehicle documentation services offered by the Japan Inspection Organisation, after confirmation the company is not authorised by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
The organisation’s website claims it can supply a range of official paperwork — including Certificates of Conformity, De-Registration Certificates, Vehicle History Reports, and Odometer Verification — for vehicles exported from Japan.
VIA raised the issue with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, which contacted MLIT to verify the organisation’s credentials. According to NZTA, MLIT confirmed the Japan Inspection Organisation does not hold authorisation to issue such documents, despite the claims on its website.
VIA says only providers identified in the NZTA’s Entry Certification VIRM should be used when sourcing documentation.
“We advise importers not to use any documentation services provided by Japan Inspection Organisation and only use the providers identified as being acceptable in the NZTA’s Entry Certification VIRM,” the association said.
It is also urging importers to conduct proper due diligence if they are offered documents from any source outside of the approved list. Otherwise, importers risk bringing in vehicles that may not meet compliance requirements in New Zealand.
For further information, importers can contact VIA on 0800 VIA VIA (842 842) or via email at info@via.org.nz.
