How to Import a Car from Japan to the UK: The Complete 2026 Guide

Importing a car from Japan to the UK is one of the best-kept secrets in the used car market. Japanese vehicles are typically lower mileage, better maintained and far better equipped than their UK equivalents — and because Japan drives on the left, every car is already right-hand drive. From JDM icons like the Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra to immaculate low-mileage BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz models, the Japanese market is a goldmine for UK buyers.

This guide walks through the entire process of importing a car from Japan to the UK in 2026, step by step: buying at auction, export, shipping, UK customs, the NOVA notification, IVA testing, MOT and DVLA registration. Whether you plan to do it yourself or use a specialist like Japan Car Imports, you'll know exactly what to expect.

Why import a car from Japan?

• Lower mileage. The average Japanese car covers roughly half the annual mileage of a UK car. Excellent public transport and short commutes mean even 10-year-old cars often show under 40,000 miles.
• Exceptional condition. Japan's strict shaken roadworthiness inspection regime makes it expensive to run older or poorly maintained cars, so vehicles are serviced meticulously — and roads are not salted anywhere near as aggressively as in the UK, so corrosion is rare.
• Higher specification. Japanese-market cars are routinely optioned with features UK buyers pay thousands extra for: premium audio, sunroofs, heated and ventilated seats, and advanced driver assistance.
• Right-hand drive. No conversion needed — Japan drives on the left, just like the UK.
• Better value. Depreciation is steep in Japan, so a like-for-like car frequently costs less than a UK equivalent even after shipping, duty and VAT.

Step 1: Find and buy the car in Japan

Around 90% of exported Japanese used cars are sold through the country's auction network — over 100 auction houses (USS, TAA, JU and others) selling more than 100,000 cars every week. Each car is independently inspected and given an auction grade with a detailed condition sheet, which is why buying unseen from Japan is far safer than it sounds.

Only licensed members can bid at these auctions, so you'll need an agent or importer with auction access. At Japan Car Imports we bid on your behalf and share the auction sheet, photos and translations before you commit — or you can choose from the hundreds of cars already listed in our Stock in Japan.

Step 2: Export preparation in Japan

Once the car is bought, it needs to be deregistered in Japan and issued an export certificate (a document you must keep — the DVLA requires it, with an English translation, at registration). The car is then transported to the port, and pre-shipping formalities are completed. This stage typically takes 2–3 weeks.

Step 3: Shipping from Japan to the UK

There are two ways to ship a car from Japan to the UK:

• RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) — the car is driven onto a dedicated car-carrier vessel. It's the cheapest and most common option.
• Container shipping — the car is secured inside a shared or sole-use container. It costs more but adds protection, and is the usual choice for high-value classics.

Sailing time from Japan to UK ports such as Southampton is typically 4–6 weeks. Marine insurance for the voyage is inexpensive and strongly recommended.

Step 4: UK customs clearance, duty and VAT

When the car arrives, it must clear UK customs. For a standard used car imported from Japan you'll pay:

• Import duty: 10% of the car's cost plus shipping.
• VAT: 20% of the car's cost plus shipping plus the duty.

Cars that are 30 years or older, original and no longer in production can qualify as historic vehicles — paying no import duty and just 5% VAT, which makes classic JDM imports especially attractive. For a full worked example, see our guide to the cost of importing a car from Japan to the UK.

Step 5: The NOVA notification

Within 14 days of the vehicle arriving in the UK, HMRC must be notified through the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) system. Without a NOVA reference the DVLA will refuse to register the car. If a customs agent handles your clearance, they normally submit NOVA as part of the service.

Step 6: IVA test or MOT

Because Japanese-market cars weren't type-approved for Europe, most imports need approval before registration:

• Cars under 10 years old generally require an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test, which checks the car meets UK road standards. Typical preparation includes fitting a rear fog light and a speedometer reading in mph.
• Cars over 10 years old are exempt from IVA and instead need a standard MOT before registration.

Step 7: Register the car with the DVLA

The final step is first UK registration using form V55/5, along with the export certificate and translation, NOVA confirmation, IVA certificate or MOT pass, proof of insurance and the £55 first registration fee plus vehicle tax. The DVLA then issues a UK registration number and V5C log book — and the car is road-legal. Allow 2–4 weeks for this final stage.

How long does the whole process take?

Stage	Typical time
Auction purchase & export paperwork	2–3 weeks
Sea freight to the UK	4–6 weeks
Customs, NOVA, testing & registration	2–4 weeks
Total	10–14 weeks

DIY import vs using a specialist

Importing yourself is possible, but you'll be coordinating a Japanese auction agent, export logistics, shipping lines, customs brokers, test centres and the DVLA — for a car you've never seen in person. A single misstep (an unnoticed auction-sheet defect, a missed NOVA deadline, a failed IVA) can cost far more than a specialist's margin.

At Japan Car Imports, the price you see is the Fully Registered UK Price: sourcing, inspection, export, shipping, customs clearance, testing and full DVLA registration are all included, with no buyer's premium and no hidden fees, plus a 6-month warranty. Browse our UK showroom for cars ready to drive away today, our stock in Japan ready to import, or tell us the exact car you want and we'll source it at auction.