Lots of people dream of owning a car from Japan: a low-mileage family car, a rare sports model, or a classic that was never sold here. Most assume importing it will be a nightmare of paperwork. It doesn't have to be. Here's why.
1. Japan drives on the left
Japanese cars are right-hand drive, just like UK cars. That means far fewer modifications than a car from the US or Europe. Usually it's things like the speedometer reading in miles per hour, and the lights and rear fog lamp meeting UK rules.
2. You know what you're buying
Japanese car auctions grade every vehicle and produce an auction sheet: a condition report with a grade, mileage and a diagram of any marks or repairs. Japan's strict roadworthiness inspections also mean many cars are very well maintained, often with low mileage.
3. Duty can be zero
Cars built in Japan can enter the UK at 0% import duty under the UK–Japan trade agreement, as long as the paperwork supports it. Without it, the standard rate is 10%. Import VAT, normally 20%, applies on top.
Classic cars over 30 years old in original condition may qualify for no duty and just 5% VAT.
4. The paperwork is predictable
Every Japanese car for export comes with an export certificate showing it's been deregistered in Japan. With that, the invoice and the shipping documents, the UK side follows a set path:
- Customs clearance and payment of duty and VAT
- NOVA: notifying HMRC that the vehicle has arrived, within 14 days
- Approval: an IVA test for cars under 10 years old, or usually just an MOT for older cars
- DVLA registration and UK number plates
5. One company can do it all
The hard part isn't any single step. It's coordinating four or five different organisations. We handle the shipping, customs clearance and NOVA, and can arrange the IVA, so you deal with one team from Japan to your driveway.
How long does it take?
The sea voyage is the longest part, typically several weeks depending on the sailing and route. Allow time for customs, approval and registration on top. We'll give you a realistic timeline when we quote.
Ready to start?
Read our full page on importing cars from Japan to the UK, or tell us about the car you're looking at.
General information, correct as of October 2026. We'll confirm the rules for your specific car before it ships.