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Terms and Conditions – Carbarn Malta

1. Introduction

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

By using this website and purchasing a vehicle through us, you agree to these terms. The purchase agreement is made between the Purchaser and Carbarn LLC. Carbarn does not operate a registered company in Malta.

2. Nature of Business

  • Carbarn LLC is a Japan-based company engaged in the export of used vehicles, including to Malta.
  • Carbarn owns the vehicles it lists and handles sourcing, inspection, export documentation and booking the ocean freight.
  • Carbarn's responsibility concludes on handover of the vehicle to the shipping line at the port of export in Japan.
  • Customs clearance, registration and any inland movement in Malta are arranged by the Purchaser, normally through a clearing agent of the Purchaser's choosing.

3. Vehicle Eligibility

  • Malta accepts right-hand drive vehicles. Left-hand drive vehicles are not offered for this destination.
  • Malta sets no maximum age for cars or vans. The minimum registration tax rises with the vehicle's age.
  • Malta requires an SVA certificate (VCA Nagoya) and a JEVIC odometer certificate to be issued before the vehicle is shipped.

4. Vehicle Condition and Inspection

  • Vehicles are sold used and "as is". The Purchaser accepts the vehicle's used condition.
  • Photographs, the auction grade, the Carbarn inspection comments and the inspection report are made available before purchase confirmation.
  • Odometer readings are verified by JEVIC before export and the odometer certificate is supplied with the vehicle.
  • Statutory rights available to consumers resident in Malta are not excluded by this clause.

5. Shipping and Delivery

  • Vehicles are shipped by RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) from Japan.
  • Destination ports are Marsaxlokk and Valletta.
  • Sailings are monthly and ocean transit is 40–45 days, depending on the vessel schedule.
  • Sailing dates and transit times are estimates set by the carrier and may change.

6. Payment Terms

  • We accept bank transfer and credit or debit card payment.
  • Payment details are issued only on an official Carbarn proforma invoice after the quote is confirmed.
  • Shipment is arranged once the advance payment stated on the proforma invoice has been received and confirmed.
  • Bank charges, intermediary fees and currency conversion costs are the responsibility of the Purchaser.

7. Customs Clearance and Registration in Malta

  • The Purchaser is responsible for customs clearance in Malta and for all associated costs.
  • Duty and import VAT are assessed by the Customs Department. Registration tax is assessed by Transport Malta, which also registers and plates the vehicle.
  • Carbarn supplies the export and shipping documents listed on this site; Carbarn does not act as a clearing agent and does not carry out registration in Malta.

8. Duties, Taxes and Fees

  • Customs duty is charged at 10% of the CIF value, and VAT at 18% of the CIF value plus duty.
  • Registration tax is assessed by Transport Malta on the vehicle's registration value, CO₂ emissions and length, subject to a minimum charge that starts at €800 and rises with emissions and age.
  • Fixed fees of €140 cover administration, plates and inspection.
  • These charges are payable in Malta, are separate from the vehicle price, and are set by law and subject to change.
  • Any figure produced by the duty calculator on this site is an estimate for guidance and is not an assessment by any authority.

9. Cancellation and Refunds

  • An order may be cancelled before shipment, subject to confirmation and to any costs already incurred.
  • Once a vehicle has been shipped, the sale cannot be cancelled.
  • Statutory cancellation rights available to consumers resident in Malta apply in addition to this clause.

10. Limitation of Liability

  • Carbarn is not liable for port delays, demurrage, storage charges, or delays caused by the carrier.
  • Carbarn is not liable for the outcome of customs clearance, inspection or registration in Malta.
  • Carbarn is not liable for loss or damage arising after the vehicle is handed to the shipping line, which is the point at which risk passes.
  • Nothing in this Agreement limits liability that cannot be limited by law, including liability under the mandatory consumer-protection rules applying to buyers resident in Malta.

11. Privacy and Data Protection

  • We collect only the personal data needed to process an order and meet export and customs obligations.
  • Personal data is handled in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Maltese data protection law.
  • Full details are set out in our Privacy Policy.

12. Governing Law and Disputes

  • This Agreement is governed by the laws of Japan, where Carbarn LLC is established.
  • This choice of law does not deprive a Purchaser resident in Malta of the protection of the mandatory consumer-law provisions that would otherwise apply to them.
  • A Purchaser resident in Malta may also raise a consumer complaint with the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA).

13. Contact

Email: {supportEmail}

Operated by: Carbarn LLC, Japan