Last updated: 23 October 2026

Japanese imports are popular in the UK: right-hand drive, well maintained and often with low mileage. From classic JDM sports cars to kei cars and luxury models, importing a car from Japan to the UK can be good value, but there are taxes, tests and paperwork to plan for. Here’s how it works in 2026.

1. Find a car: through Japanese auctions (via an exporter or UK import agent), a Japanese dealer, or a UK importer.
2. Check the auction sheet: it grades condition and notes damage. Get a translation if needed.
3. Pay and export: the exporter handles the export certificate and deregistration in Japan.
4. Shipping: usually ro-ro, sometimes container, to Southampton, Bristol (Portbury) or another UK port.
5. UK customs: pay import duty and VAT, and file a NOVA notification with HMRC.
6. Testing: an IVA test or other approval, plus an MOT if the car is over 3 years old.
7. DVLA registration: apply for UK plates and a V5C logbook.

Shipping costs and times from Japan

Indicative 2026 prices, Japanese port to UK port. UK port handling, delivery and insurance are extra.

UK taxes on Japanese imports

The UK–Japan trade agreement (CEPA) can reduce duty to 0% for cars that qualify as Japanese origin and come with valid proof of origin. Many used auction cars don’t have this paperwork, so budget for 10% unless your exporter confirms otherwise. Rates as a guide only. Check GOV.UK for current rules and how they apply to your vehicle.

Example: a car costing £8,000 plus £1,500 shipping and insurance. Duty at 10% is £950. VAT at 20% on £10,450 is £2,090. Total taxes are about £3,040, before testing and registration.

Testing and registration

• IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval): usually needed for cars under 10 years old that don’t have UK type approval. Some cars need modifications, such as speedometers in mph, rear fog lights or headlamp changes.
• Cars over 10 years old can often register with an MOT and other evidence.
• NOVA: HMRC’s Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. You must file it within 14 days of the car arriving.
• DVLA forms: V55/5 for registration, with proof of identity, the NOVA reference, MOT or IVA certificate and the Japanese export certificate translation.

Tips for buying from Japan

1. Use a reputable exporter or UK importer.
2. Budget for everything: car price, auction fees, shipping, taxes, tests, modifications and insurance.
3. Check parts availability for rare JDM models.
4. Check insurance first: some imports cost more to insure.
5. Watch out for rust protection: Japanese cars aren’t always undersealed for UK salted winter roads.

Related: car shipping costs from the UK, shipping a car from the USA to the UK and freight ship types.

Sail from Asia to Europe

Container ships between Asia and Europe sometimes take passengers. See our Europe to Asia voyages.

Frequently asked questions