Japan Simplifies Import Procedures for US-Made Vehicles
Japan's transport ministry said Monday (February 16) that it has launched a certification system to simplify the import process for passenger cars produced in the United States.
This initiative was agreed with the United States in July last year, in response to US President Donald Trump's concerns over the low number of American cars exported to Japan.
On the same day, the ministry revised relevant ministerial ordinances. For US-made vehicles that already meet US standards, it eliminated previously required additional tests for exhaust emissions and noise.
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to import three US-built models, including the Camry sedan. Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are considering similar moves.
Also on Monday, Japanese trade minister Ryosei Akazawa rode in a US-made Toyota Highlander SUV for the first time. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is leasing two such "reverse-imported" vehicles from the United States.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
