Importing a car from Japan to the UK: a how-to guide

Thinking of buying a new car from overseas? Japan is one of the most popular destinations for imported vehicles into the UK. This is possibly because of its reputation for high quality cars and unique models you can’t find anywhere else.

If you are looking to buy a Japanese car and import it into the UK, read on.

We’ve put together a helpful guide covering everything you need to know about how to import cars from Japan to the UK. We’ll cover it step by step below, along with details of how to register your vehicle with the DVLA once it arrives in the UK.

We’ll also introduce a transparent and cost-effective way to send large sums to Japan from the money services provider Wise. Over 14.8 million people worldwide use Wise to move £36 billion every quarter.

With low, transparent fees, great [mid-market exchange rates](https://wise.com/gb/mid-market-rate, and secure, trackable transfers, Wise makes international money transfers simple and stress-free. Plus, you’ll get dedicated support and volume discounts when sending large amounts.

Get expert support for your large transfer 📞

Please see the terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Table of contents
Can you import and register a car from Japan to the UK? How to import a car from Japan to the UK? How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to the UK? How long it takes to import a car from Japan to the UK? Pros and cons of importing a car from Japan Key takeaways

Can you import and register a car from Japan to the UK?

Yes, you can import a car from Japan, but there are some rules you should be aware of before starting the process.

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure the vehicle you’re importing meets the UK’s environmental and safety regulations.

For any vehicle not registered in the EU, you’ll need to apply to the DVLA for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA).¹

There are some exemptions to this rule, such as for some vehicles manufactured over 10 years ago.¹ You can check the list of exemptions here, to see if any apply in your case.

Also, if the car you’re buying is classed as ‘seriously damaged’ (i.e it cannot be repaired and will need to be written off) then you won’t be able to register it in the UK.¹

How to import a car from Japan to the UK?

Here’s a quick overview of steps to import cars from Japan to the UK:

1. Find a vehicle and make the purchase
2. Look for a car shipping specialist
3. Get the paperwork sorted for the car
4. Register your imported vehicle with DVLA
5. Prepare your vehicle for UK roads

Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into these different steps, as it can be a slightly complicated process.

1. Find a vehicle and make the purchase

The first step is to find a car you want to buy. If you live in Japan or can take a trip there, you’ll be able to visit dealerships, car auctions or private sellers in person. This is important, as you’ll need to physically inspect the car (and perhaps take a test drive) before buying.

If you’re based in the UK and can’t get over to Japan, see if you can find a trusted specialist to check out the car in person before you commit to the purchase.

You’ll also need to be very careful of scams if you’re buying a car in another country - or making any large purchase, for that matter. Do your homework on the seller, to make sure they’re legitimate.

You should also make sure to check over all the paperwork, read the small print and uncover any hidden fees before sending over funds.

And when the time comes to make a payment, make sure to use a transparent service to transfer your money, like Wise. You can send large sums with Wise, with no hidden fees and no-markup mid-market exchange rates for converting your GBP to JPY. It could be much cheaper than using your bank.

➡️ See how Wise compares with other providers

What are the most popular cars imported from Japan to the UK?

The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular Japanese imports you’ll see on UK roads.²

Other commonly imported models from Japan include:²

• Nissan Skyline GT-R
• Honda NSX
• Toyota Supra
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
• Subaru Impreza
• Mazda RX-7
• Toyota Chaser/Mark II
• Honda S2000
• Nissan 180SX/200SX
• Lexus LS400.

There’s also a rising trend for European models imported from Japan, by buyers looking for better specs and lower prices.

📚 Read more: Import From Japan to the UK - Complete Business Guide

2. Look for a car shipping specialist

With your dream car bought and paid for, it’s time to think about shipping.

It’s tempting to simply choose the cheapest company, but this could be a false economy. You’ll save on shipping costs, but could end up with a damaged or delayed car and inadequate insurance to cover your losses.

It’s more important for your car to arrive in the UK safely, quickly and with all the paperwork in order. So, look for car shipping agencies which:

• Specialise in international vehicle shipping
• Are fully insured
• Make details of all fees and charges available upfront
• Are well reviewed and rated by previous customers.

You might also want to look for firms which offer tracking services, or tools to simplify the UK customs clearance process.

Options for shipping

There are a few different ways you can ship your newly purchased car from Japan to the UK. These are:³

• Roll on/roll-off. This is where cars are simply driven into a ship’s cargo area, along with other vehicles. It’s one of the cheapest options, but only suitable for working/driveable vehicles.

• Shared container service. This is where your car is shipped with other vehicles inside a shipping container. The costs are shared between everyone using the container. It can be more secure, and is a good option for non-functioning cars, but it can take longer. This is because you’ll need to wait until the container is filled before it can be loaded and shipped.

• Full container load. With this method, you’ll get the shipping container all to yourself. It’s the most expensive option, as you’ll be responsible for all charges. However, it can be quicker as the container can be shipped at any time.

You’ll also need to decide whether to use a UK or Japan-based shipping company.

It could be worth choosing a UK-based agent, as you’ll both speak the same language. This minimises the risk of miscommunication, or you not understanding what is and isn’t included in the price you’re quoted. Just make sure the agent specialises in shipping and importing from Japan.

What to do before your vehicle is picked up overseas?

Before your car sets off on its journey to the UK, it’s recommended to take lots of photos (or arrange for someone else to take them). You should do the same once your car arrives.

Focus on key points of contact where your car will be secured, such as side skirts, axles and wheels.

Armed with this photographic evidence, you’ll be able to identify and claim for any damage caused during the journey.

You should also research insurance options, both for the journey and for when the car arrives in the UK.

3. Get the paperwork sorted for the car

Now we come to the less fun part - the paperwork. You’ll need certain documents to make sure your Japanese import clears customs in the UK. It’ll also be needed for registering the car with the DVLA.

Here’s what you should have ready:³

Document	Where to get it
Customs Import Declaration (C88)	The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system - although your shipping agency can handle this for you
Proof of ownership - such as the invoice or Bill of Sale for your vehicle (needed for the import declaration)	The seller/dealer
Export Certificate - stating that the vehicle is deregistered and legally permitted to be exported	Customs authorities in Japan
Shipping note and bill of lading (BOL)	Your shipping agency
Vehicle registration certificate or the vin/chassis number	The seller/dealer
Proof of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)	DVLA - once your vehicle arrives in the UK
Insurance documents, including proof of transit cover	Your shipping agency, or a private policy
Shipping invoice	Your shipping agency

You’re also likely to need a form of photo ID, such as your passport.

4. Register your imported vehicle with DVLA

Once your vehicle has cleared UK customs, you’ll have two important things to get sorted.

Firstly, you need to tell HMRC within 14 days of the car arriving.⁴ The way to do this is through the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) service. It’s an online process, and should be pretty straightforward to complete. Your shipping company can also make the NOVA declaration on your behalf.

HMRC will tell you if any VAT or duties are due, and you’ll need to pay them if so.

Only once you’ve done this, can you move onto the second task - registering the car with the DVLA.

This involves filling in some forms and providing supporting documents. DVLA may also ask to inspect the vehicle, especially if you need to get Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA).

Once you’ve submitted your application, it can take up to 6 weeks to receive your V5C registration certificate for the car.⁵ You’ll need this certificate in order to get number plates made up.

Which documents do you need for registering an imported car?

Make sure you have these documents ready to register your Japanese import with the DVLA:⁵

• Proof of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)
• Form V267 (known as a ‘declaration of newness’, for new vehicles only)
• Original foreign registration certificate (or letter from the manufacturer if unavailable)
• Invoice from the supplier/seller showing the date the vehicle was collected
• Form (V627/3) (if the vehicle has been structurally modified).

All of these documents should be originals, not photocopies.

5. Prepare your vehicle for UK roads

Lastly, you’ll need to get your Japanese car ready and road legal before you can drive it. This includes getting UK number plates, insurance and paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

For certain Japanese cars, you might need to make other adjustments. If your chosen vehicle doesn’t pass the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) process, you’ll need to pay for modifications to be made. This could relate to safety features, or another requirement to legally drive a car in the UK.

How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to the UK?

Importing a car from overseas will always come with costs. So even if you find a bargain in Japan, you’ll need to budget for things like shipping agency fees and import duties.

The costs can vary depending on the agency you use and other factors. But here’s a rough guide to some of the costs you can expect:

Type	Cost
Shipping agency fees	£1,000 to £2,000 on average³
Import duty and VAT (if applicable)	30%³
DVLA registration	£55⁵
DVSA inspection fee for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)	£199 to £294⁶

📚 Read more: The best UK banks for sending money abroad

Shipping agency fees

The fee for shipping your Japanese vehicle to the UK will depend on which company you choose, the value of the car and the method of shipping.

It will also depend on which services the company is providing - for example, whether it’s handling all the extra paperwork, providing full insurance and/or completing customs declarations on your behalf.

But on average, you can expect to pay between £1,000 and £2,000 in shipping costs.³

Bear in mind that some of these costs may need to be paid in Japan (especially if your shipping agent is based there), so you’ll need to find a cost-effective way to pay in JPY. This may be with an account with a Japanese bank if you have one, or with an international account.

---

If it’s a transparent, low-cost international account you’re looking for, the Wise account from the money services provider Wise may be the perfect fit. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

With Wise, you can send large amount transfers worldwide to 140+ countries, including Japan, for low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rates with no markup.

Here’s an overview of the main benefits of using Wise:

Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, transparent fees and no-markup mid-market exchange rates Dedicated support and volume discounts for large transfers No monthly/annual account fees Sophisticated security and anti-fraud measures, with your money safeguarded Trackable and fast transfers to 140+ countries Low-cost spending in 160+ countries with the Wise card Earn a variable return on your GBP, USD and EUR with Wise Interest (capital at risk, growth not guaranteed)**

✅ Sign up with Wise for free

**Investments in funds are never guaranteed and your capital can be at risk. In the UK, Interest and Stocks are provided by Wise Assets — this is the trading name of Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised as an investment firm and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA number is 839689. We do not give investment advice, and you may be subject to pay tax. If you're not sure, seek qualified advice. You can find more information about the funds on our website.

Import duty and VAT (if applicable)

If your import is subject to import duty and/or VAT, you can expect the costs to be around 30% of the car’s total value.³ This is usually broken down into 10% customs duty, and 20% VAT.

For a more accurate estimate, you can use this UK import tax calculator to calculate the customs duty you need to pay.

DVLA registration

To register your vehicle with the DVLA in the UK, you’ll pay a flat, one-time fee of £55.⁵ You’ll also need to pay to tax your vehicle, once registered.

DVSA inspection fee for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

To get Individual Vehicle Approval, you’ll pay between £199 (within working hours) and £294 (outside of working hours) in inspection costs.⁶ This is the initial inspection fee - there are extra fees for re-inspections and appeals.

If your vehicle needs to be modified to get IVA approval, this will also mean additional costs.

How long it takes to import a car from Japan to the UK?

From start to finish, you can expect it to take anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks to import a car from Japan to the UK.³

The shipping agency and method you choose will affect this, as will how organised you (or your agent is) with the paperwork. If you have everything ready, there’s a better chance of moving smoothly through customs processes and avoiding any delays.

Pros and cons of importing a car from Japan

Lastly, let’s take a look at why you might want to import a car from Japan in the first place, rather than buying it in the UK. We’ll also run through any potential pitfalls you need to look out for.

Pros:

• It could be cheaper than UK equivalents, even after factoring in shipping costs
• Access to unusual or exotic models you can’t find here in the UK
• Cars that are built to a higher or custom spec compared to UK versions.
• The chance to skip the queues for sought-after models, where there may be a waiting list in the UK.

Cons:

• Cars manufactured in Japan (and not designed for the UK market) aren’t built to the same specification as UK and European cars. So, modification and/or testing may be required. This can add to the cost.
• It can cost a lot in taxes and customs duties
• The hassle - there’s a certain amount of inconvenience and paperwork involved in importing a vehicle into the UK from outside Europe.
• There’s a chance your car insurance premiums may be higher with an imported vehicle.
• Repairs, parts, servicing and maintenance might be difficult, especially if you have a rarer model.

Key takeaways

• Verify the car meets UK safety and environmental standards; most Japanese imports require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) unless they are over 10 years old.
• Select between cost-effective "roll-on/roll-off" shipping, shared containers, or private containers based on your budget and whether the vehicle is driveable.
• Beyond the car's price, expect to pay between £1,000 and £2,000 for shipping plus approximately 30% of the vehicle's value in customs duty and VAT.
• You must notify HMRC via the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) service within 14 days of the car reaching the UK before registering it with the DVLA.
• Be ready to modify the car for UK road legality and keep all original documents, such as the Japanese Export Certificate and Bill of Sale, for the 6-to-12-week import process.

---

Sources used:

1. Gov.uk - Importing vehicles into the UK - Vehicle approval
2. Advance Insurance - The 10 Most Popular Japanese Import Cars in the UK
3. Bumper - Blog - Importing a Japanese Car to the UK – Costs, Regulations & More
4. Gov.uk - Importing vehicles into the UK - Telling HMRC
5. Gov.uk - Importing vehicles into the UK - Registering an imported vehicle
6. Gov.uk - IVA inspection fees

Sources last checked on date: 17-Dec-2025