How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from Japan to the UK? (2026 Breakdown)
The number one question we're asked is: "How much does it actually cost to import a car from Japan to the UK?" The honest answer is that the car's auction price is only part of the story — you also need to budget for shipping, import duty, VAT, testing and registration.
This guide itemises every cost in the chain, with realistic 2026 figures in GBP and two worked examples, so you can work out the total landed price of any car before you commit.
The complete cost checklist
| Cost item | Typical amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle price at auction | Varies by car |
| Japanese auction & agent fees | £300–£600 |
| Inland transport & export prep in Japan | £400–£700 |
| Sea freight (RoRo) | £1,000–£1,600 |
| Marine insurance | £100–£200 |
| UK customs clearance & port handling | £200–£400 |
| Import duty | 10% of car + shipping |
| VAT | 20% of car + shipping + duty |
| IVA test (cars under 10 years old) | ~£200 plus preparation |
| MOT (cars over 10 years old) | ~£55 |
| DVLA first registration fee | £55 |
| Vehicle tax (VED) | Based on the vehicle |
As a guide, the "getting it here" costs — export preparation in Japan, sea freight and marine insurance — usually come to £1,500–£2,500 in total, depending on the size of the vehicle and the ports involved.
Import duty and VAT explained
Duty and VAT are the biggest costs after the car itself, and they compound:
- Import duty (10%) is charged on the price you paid for the car plus the cost of shipping it to the UK.
- VAT (20%) is then charged on the car, plus shipping, plus the duty you just paid.
As a rule of thumb, duty and VAT together add about 32% on top of the car-plus-shipping cost of a standard used import.
The 30-year rule: a big saving on classics
Cars that are at least 30 years old, in largely original condition and no longer in production can be classified as historic vehicles at import. Historic imports pay no duty and only 5% VAT — so a 1990s Skyline, Supra or NSX is dramatically cheaper to bring in than its age-adjusted value suggests.
Worked example 1: £10,000 modern import
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Car price in Japan (incl. auction fees) | £10,000 |
| Export prep + shipping + insurance | £2,000 |
| Import duty (10% of £12,000) | £1,200 |
| VAT (20% of £13,200) | £2,640 |
| Customs clearance, IVA/MOT, registration | £600 |
| Total landed & registered | ≈ £16,440 |
Worked example 2: £15,000 classic (30+ years old)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Car price in Japan (incl. auction fees) | £15,000 |
| Export prep + shipping + insurance | £2,000 |
| Import duty (historic vehicle) | £0 |
| VAT (5% of £17,000) | £850 |
| Customs clearance, MOT, registration | £500 |
| Total landed & registered | ≈ £18,350 |
Costs people forget to budget for
- IVA preparation — cars under 10 years old usually need a rear fog light and an mph speedometer before they can pass.
- Currency movement — the GBP/JPY rate can shift meaningfully between bidding and payment; fix your rate where possible.
- Storage and demurrage — delays at the port or with paperwork can incur daily storage charges.
- UK delivery — transporting the car from the port or the importer's site to your home.
Or skip the maths entirely
Every car we sell is priced at the Fully Registered UK Price — one number that already includes the car, auction fees, export, shipping, customs, duty, VAT, testing and full DVLA registration, backed by a 6-month warranty. There's no buyer's premium and nothing to add on.
Browse our stock in Japan or cars already in the UK, read how buying works, or contact us for a quote on any specific car — we'll give you a single all-in figure before you commit to anything.
Frequently asked questions
How much is import duty and VAT on a car from Japan?
Import duty is 10% of the car’s price plus shipping, and VAT is 20% charged on the price plus shipping plus the duty. Combined, they add roughly a third on top of the landed cost of the car for a standard used vehicle.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Japan to the UK?
Export preparation, RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) shipping and marine insurance together typically total £1,500–£2,500 all-in, depending on the size of the vehicle and the port. Sole-use container shipping adds protection for high-value cars and costs more.
Are cars over 30 years old cheaper to import to the UK?
Yes. Vehicles that are at least 30 years old, in original condition and no longer in production can be imported as historic vehicles, paying no import duty and a reduced 5% VAT rate instead of 10% duty plus 20% VAT — a substantial saving on classic JDM cars.
Is it cheaper to import a car from Japan than to buy in the UK?
Often, yes — especially for higher-specification cars. Steep depreciation in Japan means a like-for-like car frequently costs less landed and registered in the UK than a local equivalent, and it will usually have lower mileage and a better service history. The advantage grows on premium and enthusiast models.
Are there any hidden fees when importing through Japan Car Imports?
No. Our prices are the Fully Registered UK Price: sourcing, auction fees, export, shipping, customs clearance, duty and VAT, testing and full DVLA registration are all included. There is no buyer’s premium and no hidden charges.
Find your import with us
Hand-picked, high-grade cars from Japan at one Fully Registered UK Price — shipping, customs, testing and DVLA registration included, with a 6-month warranty. No buyer's premium, no hidden fees.