Importing a Car From Japan to the UK
Japan exports over 5 million passenger vehicles to countries worldwide every year. In 2024 alone, cars were the second most frequently imported item from Japan to the UK, accounting for 10% of the country's total imported goods.
But what makes Japan one of the most popular destinations for imported vehicles, and what do buyers need to know before they start the process? Here, Freight Broker covers the questions you need to ask.
But what makes Japan one of the most popular destinations for imported vehicles, and what do buyers need to know before they start the process? Here, Freight Broker covers the questions you need to ask.
What type of vehicle are you importing?
What is excise duty?
If you plan to import cars from Japan to the UK, having a general idea of what model you’re looking for will speed up the process. Japan manufactures over 7.7 million passenger cars annually and is home to world-famous brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
As you can imagine, importers may struggle to narrow down their search. Some of the best cars to import from Japan to the UK include hybrid models, like the fuel-efficient Toyota Prius. Importing a Toyota from Japan is a smart option for drivers who want the power and fuel efficiency of a hybrid engine. For high-performance sports cars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is the best choice.
If you’re looking for a compact vehicle with a rich history, consider the Suzuki Cappuccino. It took the world by storm in the 1990s and became one of the manufacturer's most successful, affordable sports cars. While production ended in the late 90s, you may be able to source this compact car from private sellers or dealerships.
As you can imagine, importers may struggle to narrow down their search. Some of the best cars to import from Japan to the UK include hybrid models, like the fuel-efficient Toyota Prius. Importing a Toyota from Japan is a smart option for drivers who want the power and fuel efficiency of a hybrid engine. For high-performance sports cars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is the best choice.
If you’re looking for a compact vehicle with a rich history, consider the Suzuki Cappuccino. It took the world by storm in the 1990s and became one of the manufacturer's most successful, affordable sports cars. While production ended in the late 90s, you may be able to source this compact car from private sellers or dealerships.
Find the Lowest Freight Rates Today
Compare shipping quotes from trusted providers. Get the best deals for ocean or air freight.
How much does it cost?
Next, you should set a budget. The cost of importing a car from Japan to the UK will depend on many factors, including (but not limited to):
Buyers must have a well-rounded understanding of the associated costs and a budget that includes contingency funds for unexpected fees.
- The vehicle’s purchase price
- Shipping costs (whether Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping is selected)
- Import duty and VAT
- Port and customs fees
- Compliance modifications
- Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Testing
- Registration fees
- Transport within the UK (e.g., from the port to your home or a testing facility)
Buyers must have a well-rounded understanding of the associated costs and a budget that includes contingency funds for unexpected fees.
Are there any legal requirements/regulations?
To import cars from Japan to the UK, buyers must also be aware of several legal requirements, some related to the quality of the vehicle itself (e.g., roadworthiness, fuel emissions) and others to its import into the UK (taxes and duties).
How to import a car from Japan to the UK: Step-by-Step
Car shipping from Japan will be a relatively smooth process, provided the following steps are executed according to relevant regulations.
Step 1: Research and selecting a reputable exporter
Physically inspecting the vehicle you intend to buy is one of the best ways to verify its quality.
Begin by researching private exporters, dealerships, or car auctioneers in Japan with a proven track record in international vehicle sales. Then, if possible, visit the exporter to inspect the vehicle yourself.
You may wish to take it for a test drive. If you cannot visit Japan, ask someone you trust who lives there to inspect it for you.
Importers should be wary of scams when making large purchases in a foreign country, so look for companies with positive reviews.
Begin by researching private exporters, dealerships, or car auctioneers in Japan with a proven track record in international vehicle sales. Then, if possible, visit the exporter to inspect the vehicle yourself.
You may wish to take it for a test drive. If you cannot visit Japan, ask someone you trust who lives there to inspect it for you.
Importers should be wary of scams when making large purchases in a foreign country, so look for companies with positive reviews.
Step 2: Buying the car: Auction vs dealership
To import cars from Japan to the UK, the main two purchasing options are auctions and private dealerships.
Auctions are the cheapest way for importers to source Japanese cars. Auction cars are typically issued with vehicle inspection reports that detail the car’s condition, mileage, and any damages.
Purchasing directly from a private dealership can be more expensive.
However, reputable dealerships that cater directly to international buyers may have already modified the vehicles for UK use, meaning these costly alterations are included in the purchase price.
Auctions are the cheapest way for importers to source Japanese cars. Auction cars are typically issued with vehicle inspection reports that detail the car’s condition, mileage, and any damages.
Purchasing directly from a private dealership can be more expensive.
However, reputable dealerships that cater directly to international buyers may have already modified the vehicles for UK use, meaning these costly alterations are included in the purchase price.
Step 3: Shipping and logistics: How cars are transported
The cost of importing a car from Japan to the UK will fluctuate depending on the buyer's chosen shipping method. There are a few options available:
Shared container service: Shared container services consolidate multiple vehicles from different owners into a single container. It can be more cost-effective than FCL shipping.
However, shared container services are more logistically complex, as they require synchronisation from multiple shippers across several destinations.
Roll-on/roll-off: RoRo shipping involves driving the vehicle onto a specialised vessel at the port of departure and off at the destination. Importers should be mindful that this method is only possible for vehicles that are already in working condition (they must be driveable).
Full container load: Full-container shipping means having an entire 20- or 40-foot shipping container all to yourself. It is the most expensive option, and you are also responsible for all the charges. It can also be quicker, as you are not dependent on other shippers.
Shared container service: Shared container services consolidate multiple vehicles from different owners into a single container. It can be more cost-effective than FCL shipping.
However, shared container services are more logistically complex, as they require synchronisation from multiple shippers across several destinations.
Roll-on/roll-off: RoRo shipping involves driving the vehicle onto a specialised vessel at the port of departure and off at the destination. Importers should be mindful that this method is only possible for vehicles that are already in working condition (they must be driveable).
Full container load: Full-container shipping means having an entire 20- or 40-foot shipping container all to yourself. It is the most expensive option, and you are also responsible for all the charges. It can also be quicker, as you are not dependent on other shippers.
Step 4: Arrival in the UK: What to expect when your car lands
Anyone who imports cars to the UK must be aware of the documentation required for clearing UK customs.
Import duty on cars from Japan is currently set at 20%, but some vehicles (e.g., historically significant cars) may be eligible for a lower rate. You’ll need to register the car with the DVLA and have the following paperwork ready:
Import duty on cars from Japan is currently set at 20%, but some vehicles (e.g., historically significant cars) may be eligible for a lower rate. You’ll need to register the car with the DVLA and have the following paperwork ready:
| Document Type | Where to get it |
|---|---|
| Vehicle registration certificate or the VIN | The seller/dealer |
The Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system (shipping agencies can also handle this for you) | |
Proof of ownership | The seller/dealer |
Shipping note and bill of lading (BOL) | Your shipping agency |
| DVLA |
Shipping Made Simple: Compare Quotes Now
Quickly compare ocean and air freight quotes from multiple carriers. Get the most competitive price for your shipment.
Understanding import duties and taxes on cars imported from Japan
Creating a budget for car shipping from Japan requires an understanding of the applicable import duties and taxes. This way, importers can accurately budget for the total cost. Here are some of the fees you can expect:
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 20% | |
Dependent on the total cost of the vehicle | |
| 10% |
Compliance with UK Regulations
It’s all well and good transporting your vehicle over to the UK, but if it doesn’t comply with UK emissions standards and MOT requirements, it won’t be considered ‘road-worthy’. Here are some key areas you need to look out for:
Emissions standards and MOT requirements
The UK government enforces stringent emissions standards to set limits on pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.
As of September 2015, new vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards, and all imported vehicles must comply with these standards to be registered and used on UK roads.
Verifying compliance means your car must pass the Ministry of Transport (MOT) test, an annual inspection that assesses emissions, safety and roadworthiness.
All vehicles over 3 years old are subject to this test.
The Best Rate For Your Freight
Access real-time quotes from leading freight providers. Choose the best ocean and air shipping option for your business.