Looking to import a car from Japan? Sometimes, the UK market simply doesn’t offer the specific model or spec you’re after. Whether it’s a high-performance JDM model, the best sports car, or a unique spec not available here, British buyers often feel restricted by what’s on offer locally. Importing a car from Japan can be a great way to bring your dream car to the UK—but there are important steps to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Read on for Parkers’ complete guide to importing, covering everything from paperwork and shipping to meeting UK regulations and getting your car insured.
How to import a car from Japan to the UK?
- Choose your car and seal the deal
- Arrange shipping with a specialist
- Organise all required documentation
- Register your imported car with DVLA
- Ensure the car meets UK road standards
Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps, as the process can be a bit complex.
1. Find a car and seal the deal
The first step in your car import journey is finding a vehicle that truly fits what you’re looking for. Just as with any car purchase in the UK, it’s essential to set aside time for thorough research to ensure you’re making the right choice.
If you’re based in Japan or can make the trip over, you’ll have the advantage of visiting dealerships, auctions, or private sellers in person. This lets you inspect the car first-hand — and even take it for a test drive — before committing to the purchase.
However, if you’re UK-based and can’t travel to Japan to view the car in person, we’d recommend arranging for a trusted specialist to inspect the car on your behalf. This way, you can be sure everything is in good working order before committing to the purchase.
Be cautious of potential scams when buying a car from abroad — or making any large purchase, for that matter. It’s essential to research the seller thoroughly to confirm they’re reputable.
Also, be sure to read all the fine print and watch out for any hidden fees before transferring any money.
2. Arrange shipping with a specialist
Once you’ve secured your car, the next step is arranging reliable shipping to the UK. This isn’t something to leave to chance — partnering with an experienced shipping specialist will help ensure your car arrives safely and efficiently.
Ensuring that your car arrives in the UK safely, on time, and with all the necessary paperwork in order is essential. Look for a shipping agency that:
- Specialises in international vehicle transport
- Offers full insurance coverage
- Provides a transport break down of all fees and charges up front
- Has strong reviews and high ratings from previous customers
Consider looking for companies that provide tracking services or tools to streamline the UK customs clearance process.
There are a few ways to ship your car from Japan to the UK, each with its own pros and cons:
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo): With this option, cars are driven directly into a ship’s cargo area alongside other vehicles. It’s one of the more affordable choices, but it’s only suitable for running vehicles.
Shared container service: Your car is shipped with other vehicles in a shared container, allowing the cost to be split. This option is often more secure and can work for non-running cars, but it may take longer, as you’ll need to wait until the container is fully loaded before it departs.
Full container load: Here, you’ll have an entire container to yourself. While this is the most expensive option — since you cover the full cost — it can be faster, as the container can be shipped immediately without waiting for other cars.
It will be worth consulting a specialist that can guide you through the options, handle customs paperwork, and even assist with transit insurance, giving you peace of mind while your car makes its journey across the seas.
Capture pre-shipping photos of your vehicle
Before your car begins its journey to the UK, it’s a good idea to take detailed photos — or have someone take them for you. Be sure to capture images of key areas where the car will be secured, including side skirts, axles, and wheels.
These photos will serve as essential evidence, helping you identify and claim any potential damage incurred during transit once your car arrives in the UK.
3. Organise all required documentation
Now comes the paperwork — an essential step to make sure your import goes smoothly. Gathering the right documents is crucial for clearing customs and registering your car in the UK. While it might not be the most exciting part, having everything in order will save you time and prevent headaches down the line.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Export Certificate: This document, issued in Japan, verifies the car’s deregistration, allowing it to be legally exported.
Bill of Sale: Proof of purchase showing the details of the transaction, including the car’s make, model, and VIN, along with the seller and buyer information.
Shipping Invoice: This shows the details and costs of shipping, which will be needed for customs clearance and calculating import duties.
Insurance Documentation: Proof that your vehicle is insured during transit, covering any potential damage on the way to the UK.
Customs Import Declaration (C88): This form is required by HMRC to declare the vehicle for entry into the UK and calculate any import duty and VAT.
Proof of Compliance with UK Standards: Depending on the car’s age and type, you may need documents proving it meets UK road safety and emissions standards, or a Certificate of Conformity if applicable.
Ensuring you have all this documentation in order will make the customs process easier and reduce the risk of delays or unexpected fees. Some of these documents are provided by the seller or shipping company, while others are your responsibility. Working with an experienced shipping agent can also help you verify that everything is accurate and ready for customs and registration.
4. Register your imported car with the DVLA
Your car has cleared customs, so what is next? First, you’ll need to notify HMRC within 14 days of the car’s arrival. HMRC will confirm if any VAT or duties are due, and if so, you’ll need to settle these.
Once that’s taken care of, the next step is registering your car with the DVLA. You’ll need to complete the necessary forms and submit any required documents. The DVLA may also request an inspection of the vehicle. After you’ve submitted everything, it can take up to six weeks to receive your V5C registration certificate.
What documents will I need for registering an imported car?
Make sure you have these documents to hand when registering your Japanese import vehicle with the DVLA:
- Proof of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)
- Form V267 (for new vehicles)
- Original foreign registration certificate (or letter from the manufacturer if unavailable)
- Invoice from supplier/seller
5. Ensure the car meets UK road standards
Last but not least, is making sure your car meets UK road standards. This might mean adjusting a few things, like converting headlights to dip to the left, installing a rear fog light, or ensuring the speedometer shows mph. Depending on the age and type of car, it may also need an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test to confirm it’s road-legal in the UK.
Once these updates are complete, your car will be ready for UK roads, and you can enjoy driving your unique import!
FAQs
Will importing a car from Japan to the UK increase my insurance cost?
Unfortunately, yes — insuring a car imported from Japan can often be pricier. Here’s why:
Firstly, Japanese imports may require specific parts that aren’t always readily available in the UK. This can drive up repair costs, something insurers factor in when calculating premiums.
In terms of safety, Japanese-market cars often come with different specs and features compared to UK models, which can lead insurers to see them as a higher risk. However, there are ways to potentially lower your premium — check out our guide for tips on reducing car insurance premiums.
Can I import any Japanese car, or are there restrictions?
In most cases, yes, you can import nearly any Japanese car. However, cars over 10 years old are subject to different, often simpler, regulations compared to newer models. For newer vehicles, you might need additional tests to meet UK emissions and safety standards.
How long does it take to import a car from Japan?
The process typically takes 6–12 weeks. This includes arranging shipping, customs clearance, and getting the car road-ready in the UK.
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