Japan is the source of some of the best used cars in the world: low mileage, well maintained, and often in specifications never sold in the UK. Getting one from an auction in Japan onto a UK road takes more than shipping, though. It needs customs clearance, a NOVA notification, often vehicle approval, and DVLA registration.
We have experience handling car imports from Japan and take care of each of those steps, so you deal with one company instead of four.
What we handle
- Shipping from Japan. Roll-on roll-off from the main Japanese vehicle ports, or inside a container for high-value cars, classics and non-runners.
- Customs clearance. We lodge the import declaration and work out the duty and VAT with you before the car arrives.
- NOVA. Every imported vehicle must be notified to HMRC through the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals system within 14 days of arriving in the UK. We file it for you, so the DVLA can register the car.
- IVA. Cars under 10 years old usually need an Individual Vehicle Approval test before they can be registered. We can arrange the IVA for you.
- Delivery. Collection from the port and delivery to your door, workshop or dealership.
Import duty and VAT on cars from Japan
Cars built in Japan can come into the UK at 0% import duty under the UK–Japan trade agreement. To qualify, the car must have been manufactured in Japan, and the paperwork must support the claim. Without valid proof, the standard 10% duty rate applies.
Import VAT is charged on top, normally at 20% of the car's value plus shipping and insurance.
Classic cars over 30 years old that are in original condition may qualify as historic vehicles, with no duty and a reduced 5% rate of VAT. We'll check whether your car qualifies before it ships.
The steps from auction to road
- Buy the car. At auction or from a dealer in Japan.
- Export paperwork. The seller provides the Japanese export certificate, which shows the car has been deregistered in Japan, and the invoice.
- Shipping. We book the car onto a vessel bound for the UK.
- Customs and NOVA. On arrival we clear the car through customs, pay the duty and VAT with you, and file the NOVA notification.
- Approval. If the car is under 10 years old, it goes for IVA. Older cars generally need an MOT instead.
- Registration. With approval and NOVA in place, the car is registered with the DVLA and gets its UK number plates.
What you need to give us
- The Japanese export certificate, with an English translation
- Purchase invoice or auction sheet
- Make, model, chassis number and year of manufacture
- Your contact details, and your EORI number if you're importing as a business
Dealers and private buyers
We work with motor traders bringing in regular shipments and with private buyers importing a single car. If you're importing for the first time, we'll walk you through what to expect at each stage.
Other cargo from Japan
As well as vehicles, we can move parts, machinery and general cargo from Japan to the UK, by sea or air. Tell us what you're shipping.
Duty, VAT and approval rules change. This page is general information, correct as of October 2026. We'll confirm what applies to your car when we quote.