A guide on how to import a car from Japan to the UK
Japan is a country with a reputation for producing high quality cars and unique models. It is one of the most popular destinations for importing cars into the UK. If you want to buy a car in Japan and import it to the UK, read this guide.
We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to import cars from Japan to the UK. It’s a complicated process, so it’s useful to have a clear understanding of the procedures and documents. We then go step-by-step through the details of how to depreciate the car and complete the DVLA registration process.
Pros and cons of importing a car from Japan
Let’s first look at the advantages and disadvantages of importing cars from Japan, and why it’s not easier to buy a car straight from the UK.
Pros:
- The car can be cheaper than its UK counterparts, even including delivery costs.
- The opportunity to bring in an exotic model that you won’t find here in the UK.
- Cars with higher specification or out of the box features compared to UK versions.
Cons:
- Vehicles manufactured in Japan may have peculiarities.
- Therefore, modifications and/or testing may be required. This may increase the final cost.
- You may end up paying more taxes and customs duties.
- Importing a car into the UK involves certain inconveniences, transport risks and lengthy paperwork.
- There is a chance that your car insurance premiums may be higher.
- Repairs, parts, servicing and maintenance may cost more, especially if you have a rarer model.
Can you import and register a car from Japan into the UK?
Yes, you can import a car from Japan, but before you do, you need to familiarise yourself with the import regulations, estimate the final cost of the car, and understand whether importing a car would really be a good idea.
Firstly, you need to make sure the car meets UK environmental and safety regulations.
For any vehicle not registered in the EU, you will need to apply to the DVLA for an Individual Vehicle Authorisation (IVA).
There are some exceptions for cars manufactured more than 10 years ago, in addition, if the car you are buying has been in an accident and is beyond repair, you will not be able to register it in the UK.
How to import a car from Japan to the UK?
- Find a car and make a purchase
- Find a car delivery company
- Organise the paperwork for your car
- Register your imported car with the DVLA
- Prepare your car for the roads of the UK
Now let’s look at these different stages in detail.
1. Find a car and make a purchase
Take a very responsible approach to choosing a car, assess the cost of importing and registering such a car in the UK, its compliance with safety standards, so as not to spend money on technical modifications to the car’s design. If you are buying a used car, carefully check the history of the car, the absence of insurance claims and the technical condition of the car.
2. Find a car delivery company
After buying a car, it’s time to think about shipping.
It is very important that your car arrives in the UK quickly and without damage, with the correct adverts. Find a car shipping agency that fulfils the following requirements:
- Specialises in international car shipping.
- Provides car insurance
- Provides an estimate of the cost of carriage, all taxes and charges in advance.
Delivery options
There are a few different ways to get your car from Japan to the UK.
Roll on/roll-off. The car rolls on/roll-off into the ship’s cargo hold along with other vehicles.
Shared container service. A car is shipped together with other vehicles in a shipping container. Several vehicles are placed in the container and all transport costs are shared by all those who use the container.
Full container load. You get a whole transport container at your disposal. This is the most expensive option as you will be the only one paying for the transport of the container.
What do I need to do before my car is picked up abroad?
Before your car sets sail, it is recommended that you take some photos of your car before loading it into the container. From these photos, you will be able to identify and claim for any damage caused during the journey.
You should also insure your car.
3. Organise the paperwork for your car
You will need a pack of documents to get your Japanese car cleared through customs in the UK. You will also need a pack of documents to register your car with the DVLA.
4. Register your imported car with the DVLA
Once your car has passed UK Customs, you need to follow these steps.
You need to notify HMRC within 14 days of your car’s arrival. Pay the VAT or duties.
Only then can you move on to the second step – registering the car with the DVLA, this process can take up to 6 weeks.
What documents do I need to register an imported car?
- Form V267 (for new vehicles)
- Proof of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)
- Original foreign registration certificate
- Invoice from the supplier/seller.
5. Prepare your car for the roads of the UK
Before you get behind the wheel, you will need to prepare your Japanese car for UK roads. This includes getting a UK number plate, insurance and paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
For some Japanese cars, you may need to make other modifications. This may be for safety features or other requirements. If the car you choose has not been approved by an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), you will have to pay to make the changes.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to the UK?
There are many components to the cost of an imported car, and you will have to budget for costs such as transport agency fees and import duties.
Costs may vary depending on the agency you use. Here is an approximate cost by expense:
- Shipping agency fees – Starting from Ј1,000
- Import duty – 10%
- VAT – 20%
- DVSA inspection fee for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) – Ј199 to Ј2947
Use this UK import tax calculator to calculate the customs duty you need to pay.
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