Missing TDN from JP Car - alternative compliance evidence

[suneillg]

Hello all,

We moved to the UK early this year from Japan and decided to import a car “Nissan X-trail 2017 Hybrid”. It arrived in the Uk in early December/2022. The car was purchased in an auction and it confirmed it doesn't qualify for a personal class under basic IVA.

I found in due process that the Japanese export certificate does not include TDN. Enquiring in Japan, found out the car was specially equipped, therefore, TDN was removed. Also, I used a third-party individual and he didn’t check details on TDN as he sent mostly cars more than 10 years old that don’t require IVA.

After a few backs and forths, DVSA as suggested -
If Nissan Japan is able to issue a VIN-specific statement confirming the TDN numbers of the “base vehicle” and also detail the reasons why they have been excluded, we can then assess if the modifications or alterations are likely to affect any of the areas that Directive Compliance (or comparable standards) are required for IVA purposes.

The initial enquiry via Nissan Japan customer service is negative and trying to find other contacts within Nissan.

My questions are -

• I read through a few similar topics in the forum, “Jerry Can” was able to get vehicle TDN from Nissan. Are you able to share the contact if you see this post?
• The IVA specification book suggests “directive” tests. Are there any test centres in Uk where I can perform the tests?
• I also looked into the “model report” provided by DVSA which includes Nissan X-trail 2001 - 2005. Not sure it can be used?
• Any other suggestion is appreciated.

Thank you
SG

[suneillg]

Thank you for your response.

We purchased the car 1 month before we arrived in the UK. Therefore, we won’t qualify for the personal class.

He is a Pakistani individual we met in Japan. Just yesterday, he mentioned he is trying to work out something with a Nissan contact and asked me to send the export certificate back to him. I am not sure if JP Export Certificate could be amended with Nissan’s support. (My wife found it online, the export certificate can’t be amended once issued). I am waiting for the details before I send the certificate back to him.

I also used a third-party CoC certifying agency in Japan to investigate and they’ve confirmed the car was specially equipped but there is TDN available for the “base vehicle”. Unfortunately, DVSA doesn’t accept third-party certification even if the certification is attested by the Japanese department of transportation.

I will try if can find a Nissan Homologation engineer as the last option.

DVSA agent mentioned we might need to do a “directive” test if we can’t gather this information. Do you think there are places in the UK we could do it?

I am already preparing for the worst-case scenario now. I want to avoid illegal options but maybe

• Find 2nd hand car parts dealer and ask for a discounted offer
• Store the car somewhere for 5y until I don’t need to IVA

[suneillg]

Thank you for your response.

The code before the chassis number is HNT32. It is a 2017 Nissan X-Trail Hybrid

SG

[suneillg]

Hello All,
Update: We got our car IVA passed and registered in the UK.

A lot of conversation back and forth with Nissan in Japan didn't work out, they do not provide any support for the car that is already exported.

We then found out the dealership where the car was originally purchased. We reached out to the dealer, just to try our luck. After a couple of calls/emails back and forth with a person, he was able to get the original documents that were initially required to be submitted to the Japanese equivalent of DVSA during registration. The document included the original base model specification/classification number and technical details on modification and test results.

The car is an upgrade “option” from Nissan, the factory modification was done by Nissan’s subsidiary company Autech Japan Co., Ltd.

The 24pg technical document was translated into English by my wife.

DVSA technical didn't agree at first but with a push from the clearing agent - My Car Import, they approved it. The car just arrived.

[suneillg]

Dynion Araf Uchaf said:

well done then. You've cracked the problem, although I think you were spectacularly lucky with the Japanese dealer. I can't imagine a UK one being that helpful.

Your point about Nissan not being supportive to an already exported car is interesting. Are you saying that had you enquired after the correct documentation before the car was exported you'd have got the relevant info from them.

Edited by Dynion Araf Uchaf on Friday 1st September 08:40

Yes, we got extremely lucky with the salesperson we talked to at the dealer.
Yes, with all the Nissan main offices we contacted, the default answer was it is exported so we can't further discuss it. I assume if the car was still registered in Japan, they might have helped it.
Less learned: Any car that is less than 10y needs to go through IVA and should be checked for the "Specification No." and "Classification No.".