Auction house glossary
The sheet names the auction that inspected the car. Here’s what the big groups are — and what to cross-check so a seller can’t hand you a random PDF.
USS
USS (Used Car System Solution)
One of Japan’s largest auction networks with venues across the country. Sheets from USS are common on exported cars worldwide.
TAA
Toyota Auto Auction / TAA group
Major auction group frequently seen on Toyota and mixed-brand lots. Same overall grading language as other big houses.
JU
JU auction network
Nationwide network of member auctions. You’ll see JU on many everyday passenger-car sheets.
HAA
HAA Kobe / HAA group
Well-known for volume exports; Kobe in particular is a familiar name on shipping paperwork paired with auction sheets.
CAA
CAA (Coastal / regional auctions)
Regional auction brand appearing on many export cars. Treat grade + map the same way as other houses.
ARAI
ARAI auctions
Another established auction name on Japanese used-car sheets. Always cross-check chassis, date and lot.
Cross-check on every sheet
- Auction house name matches what the seller claimed
- Auction date lines up with export / shipping timeline
- Lot number is present (cropped sheets often hide it)
- Chassis number matches the car and export certificate
Read the sheet like a buyer
Once you know the auction group, decode the damage marks, explain the overall grade, and confirm the chassis code. Full walkthrough: how to read a Japanese auction sheet · how to verify a sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the auction house name matter?
Are USS and JU grades the same?
Next: verify the original auction sheet
Tools identify models and risks. The paid check pulls Japan’s real grade, mileage and damage map.
Verify auction sheet