01
RHD sourcing
Japanese domestic (JDM) right-hand-drive cars matched to left-hand-traffic roads.
Japanese Used Cars for the UK
Southampton · NOVA + IVA + DVLA · open RHD market, not an age ban
The UK is RHD. There is no 8-year import ban. Japanese used cars need HMRC NOVA within 14 days of arrival, VAT/duty as applicable, vehicle approval (often IVA), then DVLA registration. Vehicles 10+ years may have an easier approval path, but you still notify HMRC.
KMC JAPAN sources unmodified JDM units and ships RoRo to Southampton. Keep the original Japanese export certificate — DVSA treats type-designation numbers as comparable standards for many IVA items if the car is unmodified.
KMC JAPAN sources unmodified JDM units and ships RoRo to Southampton. Keep the original Japanese export certificate — DVSA treats type-designation numbers as comparable standards for many IVA items if the car is unmodified.
Sourcing for United Kingdom
IVA-aware export from Japan
We flag speedometer/mph and lighting issues before you buy, and we do not modify the car if you rely on the export certificate.
02
Pre-export checks
Auction sheet review plus the inspection your destination actually requires.
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Port routing
Southampton is the usual Japan RoRo port; London Gateway, Immingham, and Bristol are alternatives.
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NOVA + IVA
File NOVA in 14 days. Book IVA after customs MRN — not an East Africa age penalty.
No ban
No maximum age (IVA/NOVA still required)
8-12
Typical weeks including IVA booking
HMRC
NOVA, tariff duty, 20% VAT (confirm GOV.UK)
United Kingdom import rules.
Year rule: No maximum age (IVA/NOVA still required).
Confirm inspection, taxes, and documents before you bid.
Open regulation page
How we export to United Kingdom
Commercial sequence — legal detail stays on the regulation page.
1
Buy unmodified JDM
2
RoRo to Southampton
3
Customs MRN
4
NOVA
5
IVA
6
DVLA register and tax
7
Number plates
Importing to United Kingdom - Quick Overview
Shipping
From Japan to Southampton, London Gateway, Immingham, Bristol
Request a quote
Rate depends on the unit and sailing — not a flat Africa-style figureDuration
Typical Japan-to-registration window
8-12 weeks
Confirm current sailingShipping to the United Kingdom
Japan–UK RoRo is often 35–50 days at sea. Add IVA booking time (can be several weeks). Customs entry (C88/MRN) is needed before NOVA completes. Monthly RoRo — confirm the sailing.
Main Ports
Southampton, London Gateway, Immingham, Bristol
Popular Models
Most requested Japanese vehicles for this market
Available Inventory
Japanese stock that can be exported to United Kingdom
18
Available
28
Available
27
Available
14
Available
28
Available
24
Available
Frequently asked questions
There is no maximum age. Typical path: RoRo to Southampton, HMRC NOVA within 14 days, vehicle approval (often IVA), then DVLA. Keep the original Japanese export certificate — we flag mph/lighting issues before bidding if you need stock IVA.
No maximum age (IVA/NOVA still required). Confirm the current rule with the named authority before you bid.
UK Global Tariff on cars (often 10% outside reliefs — confirm GOV.UK / HMRC) 20% VAT on the HMRC value (NOVA calculates; businesses may account differently) This is a planning note, not a quote.
IVA (or other approval) + DVLA may inspect. A Japan auction grade does not replace the destination inspection.
Main discharge is Southampton. Typical window: 8-12 weeks. Confirm the current sailing before you buy.
Other destinations
All destinations
Import a JDM car to the UK
Send the chassis. We check whether the unit should stay stock for IVA.