Japanese Used Cars for the United Kingdom - Import Rules & Shipping
DRIVING SIDE: Left-hand traffic; right-hand-drive Japanese vehicles are generally suitable
VEHICLE AGE: No general 10-year maximum import age. Cars over 10 years old are generally exempt from UK vehicle approval, but other import, registration and roadworthiness requirements still apply
SHIPPING: RoRo or container service may be available depending on the vehicle, UK destination, carrier schedule and vessel space
IMPORT PROCESS: Customs/import declaration, payment of VAT and Customs Duty where applicable, HMRC notification, vehicle approval where required, and DVLA registration and taxation
HMRC NOTIFICATION: Permanent vehicle imports generally must be notified to HMRC within 14 days of arrival
JAPAN PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION: No UK-specific mandatory Japan-side pre-shipment inspection requirement identified; UK vehicle approval and MOT requirements are separate after import
Vehicles imported from Japan may be subject to UK import VAT and Customs Duty. For vehicles being shipped, the shipping company or customs agent will normally arrange the import declaration and payment at the UK border.
Import VAT is calculated on the value of the vehicle together with applicable delivery and other charges and any Customs Duty due. The Customs Duty rate depends on the type of vehicle, its tariff classification and its origin. Customers should therefore obtain a current duty and VAT calculation for the specific vehicle rather than assume a fixed rate.
Certain imports may qualify for relief, for example where an eligible person is moving permanently to the UK with their own vehicle. Any VAT and Customs Duty due must be dealt with before the vehicle can be registered with the DVLA.
The UK drives on the left side of the road, so right-hand-drive Japanese vehicles are generally suitable.
For Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), an imported vehicle that requires approval must meet UK safety and environmental requirements before DVLA registration. A Japanese vehicle that is not registered in the EU will generally require Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) where vehicle approval applies.
Cars and minibuses with no more than 8 passenger seats that are over 10 years old are generally exempt from vehicle approval. This does not remove the Customs, HMRC, MOT, insurance, registration or vehicle-tax requirements that may apply.
For DVLA registration in Great Britain, evidence of a current MOT is generally required for a vehicle over 3 years old. Northern Ireland has separate procedures and normally uses a 4-year threshold.
After the applicable Customs and HMRC procedures, vehicle approval and MOT requirements have been completed, the vehicle can be registered and taxed with the DVLA.
For a used vehicle imported from Japan, documents needed during the UK Customs, HMRC and DVLA process can include:
- Japanese Export Certificate / original non-UK registration document
- Purchase invoice or bill of sale
- Bill of Lading and other shipping documents
- Customs declaration documents or Movement Reference Number (MRN), where applicable
- HMRC / NOVA confirmation before DVLA registration
- Completed V55/5 application for first registration of a used imported vehicle
- Proof of identity and address required by DVLA
- Proof of vehicle approval, such as IVA, where required
- Evidence of a current MOT where required by the vehicle's age
- Vehicle tax payment and applicable DVLA first-registration fee
- Insurance certificate or cover note where specifically required, including Northern Ireland registration
Additional documents may be required depending on the vehicle, its age, modifications, approval status and the importer's circumstances.
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Last reviewed: August 2026. UK Customs, HMRC, vehicle approval, MOT and DVLA requirements can change, so customers should confirm current requirements before purchase.