Shipping a car from Japan to the UK
Whether you are moving back to the UK or you have found the car you want in Japan, we handle the whole journey: collection, shipping, customs and delivery.
How it works from Japan
It starts with a quote. There is no instant calculator here: a person writes yours with current prices and the best way to ship your car.
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Collection
We collect from your address or dealer anywhere in Japan and truck it to the port. Depending on its value, we will quote for open or enclosed transport to the port. If you want enclosed, just say so on the quote form.
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Shipping
Unless you pay for a container of your own, your car shares one with other customers’ cars, which keeps the price down. We keep you updated from the day it sails.
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Customs
We handle the customs paperwork at both ends. In the UK we are HMRC CDS authorised agents, so we clear the car ourselves and make sure you pay the right amount, with no unnecessary add-ons.
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Arrival
The car comes to our site in Castle Donington, where our team unloads it. Collect it from us, or we can deliver it anywhere in the UK on an open or enclosed trailer.
From Japan: the details
Bought at auction? The auction agent usually handles getting the car to the port. RoRo is the usual route from Japan, and it costs less than a container.
Japanese cars are no longer checked for headlight compliance, which keeps the work needed down.
Paperwork
- Japanese export certificate
- Purchase invoice (or auction paperwork)
- Passport
Sending the export certificate before the car ships lets us check its technical details early.
Usually needs changing
- A rear fog light, the most common change
- Speedometer converted from km/h to mph on cars under 10 years old
Port: Port of Yokohama
Tax and duty
A car from Japan usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
We work out what applies to your car when we quote, so the number you see is the number you pay. Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator.
Moving here? Read how to bring your car tax free. Bringing a UK car home? See what you need.
Getting it on UK roads
Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so if you want the car on UK plates it can go straight into testing on the same site. Which test it needs depends mostly on its age:
- Under 10 years old
- IVA test, on our own lane, plus any changes it needs
- 10 to 40 years old
- MOT, usually with a rear fog light added
- Over 40 years old
- No MOT needed
We run one of only seven privately operated IVA centres in Great Britain, and our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Importing a car from Japan, the full guideQuestions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to the UK?
About 5 to 8 weeks, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Japan?
Our guide price is from £3,575 for a car, built from a year of real jobs. It covers shipping only: registration, other services, import tax and remedial fees are extra. Motorbikes start from £1,250.
Will I pay import tax?
A car from Japan usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
What paperwork do I need?
Usually: japanese export certificate, purchase invoice (or auction paperwork), passport. Sending the export certificate before the car ships lets us check its technical details early.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from Japan?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
