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Terms and Conditions – Carbarn United Kingdom

1. Introduction

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

By using this website and purchasing a vehicle through us, you agree to these terms. Carbarn does not currently trade through a United Kingdom registered entity; the contract of sale is made with Carbarn LLC in Japan.

2. Nature of Business

  • Carbarn LLC is a Japan-based exporter of used vehicles, including to the United Kingdom.
  • Carbarn sources, owns and exports the vehicles listed on this site.
  • All vehicle transactions, ownership transfers and export documentation are processed in Japan.
  • Carbarn's shipping responsibility concludes on handover of the vehicle to the shipping line at the port of export in Japan.
  • Carbarn does not act as a customs clearing agent in the United Kingdom and does not register vehicles with the licensing authority on your behalf.

3. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

  • This Agreement is governed by the laws of Japan, and disputes arising from it are to be resolved in the courts of Japan.
  • Nothing in this Agreement removes or limits any right you have as a consumer under the mandatory consumer protection law of the United Kingdom.

4. Vehicle Condition and Inspection

  • Vehicles are inspected in Japan by Carbarn before listing. The United Kingdom does not require a pre-shipment inspection certificate from Japan.
  • Each listing carries photographs, the Carbarn inspection comments, the inspection report and, where the vehicle is bought at auction, the auction sheet and grade.
  • Odometer readings are recorded as they appear on the auction sheet and the Japanese export certificate.
  • Vehicles are used goods and are sold in their described condition. The condition report and auction sheet form the description you rely on.

5. Shipping and Delivery

  • Vehicles are shipped by RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) from Japan.
  • Destination ports are Southampton and Bristol (Portbury).
  • Sailings are monthly and transit is 30–50 days, subject to vessel schedules.
  • Sailing dates and arrival dates are set by the carrier and can move. Carbarn is not responsible for carrier delays, port congestion, demurrage or storage charges once a vehicle has been handed to the shipping line.

6. Payment Terms

  • A deposit is payable before shipment is arranged; the amount and the due date are stated on your proforma invoice.
  • We accept bank transfer and credit or debit card.
  • Bank details are issued only on an official Carbarn proforma invoice, after your quote is confirmed.
  • Bank charges, intermediary fees and currency conversion costs are the Purchaser's responsibility.
  • Shipment is arranged only once the payment stated on the proforma invoice has cleared.

7. Customs Clearance and Registration in the United Kingdom

  • The Purchaser is responsible for customs clearance in the United Kingdom and for all duty, tax and clearance costs.
  • Duty and VAT are charged by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
  • A Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) must be filed with HMRC within 14 days of the vehicle arriving.
  • Cars aged 3 to 10 years require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test at registration; cars over 10 years require an MOT.
  • First registration is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Documents supplied by Carbarn with the shipment:

  • Registration Certificate (Country of Origin)
  • Export Certificate
  • Original Invoice
  • Bill of Lading
  • Condition Report

8. Cancellation and Refunds

  • An order may be cancelled before the vehicle is handed to the shipping line, subject to deduction of costs already incurred.
  • Once a vehicle has been shipped, cancellation is not possible and the sale stands.
  • These provisions apply in addition to, and do not displace, any cancellation right you hold as a consumer under United Kingdom law.

9. Limitation of Liability

  • Carbarn is not liable for port delays, demurrage or storage charges.
  • Carbarn is not liable for the outcome of customs clearance, the approval test or registration, all of which are decided by the relevant authority.
  • Carbarn is not liable for loss or damage occurring after the vehicle has been handed to the shipping line.
  • Nothing in this section limits liability that cannot lawfully be limited.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

  • We collect only the customer data needed to process an order and meet export and customs obligations.
  • Customer information is not sold, and is not shared with unauthorised third parties.
  • Our Privacy Policy sets out your rights under United Kingdom data protection law in full.

11. Contact

Questions about this Agreement can be sent to {supportEmail}. Operated by Carbarn LLC, Japan.