{"id":99896,"date":"2026-10-23T10:36:25","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T10:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/importing-a-car-from-japan-to-uk"},"modified":"2026-10-23T10:36:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T10:36:29","slug":"importing-a-car-from-japan-to-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/importing-a-car-from-japan-to-uk","title":{"rendered":"Importing a Car from Japan to the UK: Costs, Taxes and IVA (2026 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Importing a Car from Japan to the UK: Costs, Taxes and IVA (2026 Guide)\",\n            \"description\": \"Importing a car from Japan to the UK in 2026: auction buying, shipping costs and times, import duty and VAT, NOVA, IVA tests, DVLA registration and tips.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/importing-a-car-from-japan-to-uk\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/importing-a-car-from-japan-to-uk-cargoholidays-1024x576.jpg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-23\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-23\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to the UK?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Shipping is usually &pound;1,200&ndash;&pound;3,500, plus up to 10% duty, 20% VAT, testing and registration.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How long does shipping a car from Japan to the UK take?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"About 5&ndash;7 weeks by ro-ro, and 6&ndash;8 weeks by container.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Do I need an IVA test for a Japanese import?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Usually for cars under 10 years old without UK type approval. Older cars often need an MOT instead.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is NOVA?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"HMRC's Notification of Vehicle Arrivals, which must be filed within 14 days of the car arriving in the UK.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Do classic Japanese cars pay less tax?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Historic vehicles over 30 years old that meet the criteria can qualify for 5% VAT and no duty.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Last updated: 23 October 2026<\/p><p><strong>Japanese imports are popular in the UK:<\/strong> 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&rsquo;s how it works in 2026.<\/p>How the import process works<ol><li><strong>Find a car:<\/strong> through Japanese auctions (via an exporter or UK import agent), a Japanese dealer, or a UK importer.<\/li><li><strong>Check the auction sheet:<\/strong> it grades condition and notes damage. Get a translation if needed.<\/li><li><strong>Pay and export:<\/strong> the exporter handles the export certificate and deregistration in Japan.<\/li><li><strong>Shipping:<\/strong> usually ro-ro, sometimes container, to Southampton, Bristol (Portbury) or another UK port.<\/li><li><strong>UK customs:<\/strong> pay import duty and VAT, and file a NOVA notification with HMRC.<\/li><li><strong>Testing:<\/strong> an IVA test or other approval, plus an MOT if the car is over 3 years old.<\/li><li><strong>DVLA registration:<\/strong> apply for UK plates and a V5C logbook.<\/li><\/ol><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays10-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"Port cranes at sunset in Asia\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Port cranes at sunset in Asia\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Japanese cars are shipped from ports such as Yokohama, Nagoya and Kobe.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Shipping costs and times from Japan<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Method<\/th><th>Typical cost (standard car)<\/th><th>Sea transit<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Ro-ro<\/td><td>&pound;1,200&ndash;&pound;2,200<\/td><td>5&ndash;7 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shared container<\/td><td>&pound;1,500&ndash;&pound;2,600<\/td><td>6&ndash;8 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sole 20ft container<\/td><td>&pound;2,200&ndash;&pound;3,500<\/td><td>6&ndash;8 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p><em>Indicative 2026 prices, Japanese port to UK port. UK port handling, delivery and insurance are extra.<\/em><\/p><h2>UK taxes on Japanese imports<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Tax<\/th><th>Typical rate<\/th><th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Import duty<\/td><td>10% for cars<\/td><td>Based on the cost of the car plus shipping and insurance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Import VAT<\/td><td>20%<\/td><td>Charged on the car value plus shipping, insurance and duty<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Historic vehicles (30+ years, unmodified)<\/td><td>Reduced 5% VAT and no duty<\/td><td>Must meet the historic vehicle criteria<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p><em>The UK&ndash;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&rsquo;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.<\/em><\/p><p><strong>Example:<\/strong> a car costing &pound;8,000 plus &pound;1,500 shipping and insurance. Duty at 10% is &pound;950. VAT at 20% on &pound;10,450 is &pound;2,090. Total taxes are about &pound;3,040, before testing and registration.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Container cargo ship at sea\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Container cargo ship at sea\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Ro-ro ships from Japan reach the UK in about five to seven weeks.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Testing and registration<\/h2><ul><li><strong>IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval):<\/strong> usually needed for cars under 10 years old that don&rsquo;t have UK type approval. Some cars need modifications, such as speedometers in mph, rear fog lights or headlamp changes.<\/li><li><strong>Cars over 10 years old<\/strong> can often register with an MOT and other evidence.<\/li><li><strong>NOVA:<\/strong> HMRC&rsquo;s Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. You must file it within 14 days of the car arriving.<\/li><li><strong>DVLA forms:<\/strong> V55\/5 for registration, with proof of identity, the NOVA reference, MOT or IVA certificate and the Japanese export certificate translation.<\/li><\/ul><h2>Tips for buying from Japan<\/h2><ol><li><strong>Use a reputable exporter or UK importer.<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Budget for everything:<\/strong> car price, auction fees, shipping, taxes, tests, modifications and insurance.<\/li><li><strong>Check parts availability<\/strong> for rare JDM models.<\/li><li><strong>Check insurance first<\/strong>: some imports cost more to insure.<\/li><li><strong>Watch out for rust protection<\/strong>: Japanese cars aren&rsquo;t always undersealed for UK salted winter roads.<\/li><\/ol><p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/car-shipping-costs-from-uk\/\">car shipping costs from the UK<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/shipping-a-car-from-usa-to-uk\/\">shipping a car from the USA to the UK<\/a> und <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/freight-ship-types-of-cargo-ships\/\">freight ship types<\/a>.<\/p><h2>Sail from Asia to Europe<\/h2><p>Container ships between Asia and Europe sometimes take passengers. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/category\/europe-to-asia\/\">Europe to Asia voyages<\/a>.<\/p><h2>H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to the UK?<\/h3><p>Shipping is usually &pound;1,200&ndash;&pound;3,500, plus up to 10% duty, 20% VAT, testing and registration.<\/p><h3>How long does shipping a car from Japan to the UK take?<\/h3><p>About 5&ndash;7 weeks by ro-ro, and 6&ndash;8 weeks by container.<\/p><h3>Do I need an IVA test for a Japanese import?<\/h3><p>Usually for cars under 10 years old without UK type approval. Older cars often need an MOT instead.<\/p><h3>What is NOVA?<\/h3><p>HMRC&rsquo;s Notification of Vehicle Arrivals, which must be filed within 14 days of the car arriving in the UK.<\/p><h3>Do classic Japanese cars pay less tax?<\/h3><p>Historic vehicles over 30 years old that meet the criteria can qualify for 5% VAT and no duty.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Sail the Asia&ndash;Europe route<\/strong><p>Ask us about passenger voyages on container ships from Asia.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/anfrage-fur-eine-frachtschiffreise\/\">Get a voyage quote &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Importing a car from Japan to the UK in 2026: auction buying, shipping costs and times, import duty and VAT, NOVA, IVA tests, DVLA registration and tips.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99895,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1027,1019],"tags":[1528,1707,1705,1706,1557],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99896"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99896"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99896\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99897,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99896\/revisions\/99897"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99895"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99896"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99896"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99896"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99896"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}