The UK car market offers Japanese vehicles in all shapes and sizes. However, sometimes the car you’re looking for just isn’t there. 

If you're considering importing a car from Japan to the UK, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right vehicle to handling shipping logistics, paperwork, and UK regulations.

We'll also break down the costs involved and share expert tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free import experience. Let’s dive in.

Step-by-step guide: How to import a car from Japan 

Importing a car from Japan to the UK may seem complex, but breaking it down into five key steps makes the process much more manageable.

1. Choosing the right car

Before you do anything, you need to select your Japanese car.

Don’t just pick the first you see. Take some time to think about your daily needs, so you can be sure your chosen vehicle is the right one.

You’ll want to consider:

• Model and specifications 
• New vs second-hand cars
• UK compliance
• Vehicle service history and mileage 

If you can get to Japan, visit dealerships or auctions to inspect and test-drive cars. This is the best way to guarantee quality. 

However, if you can't, you may want to hire a trusted specialist to check the vehicle before you buy. 

Alongside car research, research the sellers and read any fine print to check for hidden fees before payment.

2. Arranging the shipping process

After buying the car, you need to arrange its shipping. 

The key to a successful, on-time shipment is working with an experienced specialist. Browse different agencies looking for one that offers:

• Full insurance coverage
• Specialist international vehicle transport services
• A breakdown of all fees and charges (no hidden costs)
• Tracking services
• UK customs clearance assistance

You should also check the provider’s reviews. Happy previous customers are key!

There are different ways to ship your car to the UK. Here’s a quick overview of the main ones:

• Shared container service — Your car is shipped in a shared container, reducing costs, offering more security, and accommodating non-running vehicles. However, it may take longer as departure depends on the fully loaded container.
• Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) —This option allows cars to be driven into a ship’s cargo area with other cars, making it affordable but only suitable for running vehicles.
• Full container load — This option offers a dedicated solo container, making it the most expensive choice. But it can be faster since you don’t have to wait for other cars.

Pro Tip: Take pre-shipping photos of your car (e.g., axles and wheels) to protect yourself against damage.

Shipping costs vary depending on your chosen car and shipping method. But you can expect them to be between £1,000 to £2,000. 

3. Customs and documentation 

Next, you must tackle the paperwork. This is crucial to ensure you get through customs without any issues.

Here's what you'll need:

• Bill of Sale — A proof of purchase showing the key details (e.g., buyer and seller information, car make and model, and VIN).
• Customs Import Declaration (C88) — HMRC requires this form for UK entry to calculate import duty and VAT.
• Export Certificate — Japan issues this document, stating the car is deregistered and allowed to be legally exported. 
• Insurance Documents — Proof of transit insurance. This will cover any damage on the journey.
• Proof of UK Standards Compliance — You may need to prove your car meets UK safety and emissions standards. This depends on the car's type and age. 
• Shipping Invoice — Lastly, you need to show the details and cost of shipping for customs clearance and import duties.

Your seller/shipping company will provide some documents. However, you'll have to source others yourself.

Unsure? You may want to consult a specialist for guidance through the options, customs paperwork, and even insurance. 

4. Registering the car in the UK

Customs are done! But the paperwork isn’t over.

You must notify HMCR within 14 days of your car’s arrival. They will confirm whether any duties or VAT tax payments are due. If applicable, settle these. 

Next, you’ll have to register the car with the DVLA. The DVLA may even request an inspection of the vehicle. 

When contacting the DVLA, you’ll need to show the following:

• Invoice from seller
• Original foreign registration certificate
• Form V267 (for new cars)
• Proof of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

Once submitted, you’ll likely wait around six weeks to receive the VC5 registration certificate.

5. Insurance & UK road standards

Finally, you need to guarantee your Japanese car meets UK road standards. This usually involved small tweaks, such as changing the speedometer to mph or installing a rear fog light. 

Some cars may also have an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test to guarantee its road safety. However, this won’t apply to all car types and ages.

You’ll also have to buy UK car insurance before you begin driving. Don’t forget this step!

Costs of importing a car from Japan

The costs of importing a car from Japan to the UK ultimately depend on your car’s make and model, your shipping process, and whether the car requires any adjustments. However, you can use the average prices to help you plan for the process.

The vehicle purchase cost will totally depend on the vehicle you’re looking to purchase. Average shipping costs range between £1,000 and £2,000, depending on the method you select.

You can estimate import duty and VAT to be around 30% of the car’s total value. 

Compliance modifications tend to sit around £500 to £1,500, and you may also have to pay for an IVA or MOT test for another £100 to £300. DVLA registration also costs a further £55.

Lastly, you’ll also have to pay UK car insurance. The price will be higher for an imported car, but it will again depend on your make and model.

Extra tips and FAQs for importing a Japanese car

That wraps up the step-by-step instructions and costs. But here are some extra tips and common questions to ensure a seamless importing experience.

Will I pay higher insurance on an imported Japanese car?

Yes. Cars imported from Japan have higher insurance costs as they may require car parts that aren’t available in the UK. This leads to higher repair costs, and therefore higher insurance premiums. 

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

You can expect the process to take 6 to 12 weeks. This includes arranging your shipping, customs clearance, and any last-minute adjustments to make the car road safe.

Do I need to work with a specialist importer?

No, you don’t have to work with a specialist—but a professional can reduce hassle and compliance as they handle all of the paperwork and compliance.

Are there import restrictions on Japanese cars?

Yes, you can import most Japanese cars, but vehicles over 10 years old face simpler regulations. Newer models may require additional tests to meet UK emissions and safety standards.

How can I make the importing process more efficient?

Stay organised and on top of the documents to streamline the import time. You should also research all potential costs beforehand and ensure your car budget allows for potential taxes and modifications.

Conclusion

Importing a car from Japan to the UK is an exciting journey—and one that doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Hopefully, this blog serves as a roadmap for your new car purchase.

Learn more about buying a new car on the Bumper blog.

How Bumper can help

Importing a car can be expensive, and so can last-minute repair fees!

With Bumper, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.