Japanese used cars for the United Kingdom

Open RHD import market with process gates — NOVA, IVA, DVLA — not an age ban.

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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.

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.

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How we export to United Kingdom

Commercial sequence — legal detail stays on the regulation page.

Buy unmodified JDM

RoRo to Southampton

Customs MRN

NOVA

IVA

DVLA register and tax

Number plates

Importing to United Kingdom - Quick Overview

Shipping

From Japan to Southampton, London Gateway, Immingham, Bristol

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Rate depends on the unit and sailing — not a flat Africa-style figure

Duration

Typical Japan-to-registration window

8-12 weeks

Confirm current sailing

Expert Support

Full import assistance

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.

RHD sourcing

Japanese domestic (JDM) right-hand-drive cars matched to left-hand-traffic roads.

Pre-export checks

Auction sheet review plus the inspection your destination actually requires.

Port routing

Southampton is the usual Japan RoRo port; London Gateway, Immingham, and Bristol are alternatives.

NOVA + IVA

File NOVA in 14 days. Book IVA after customs MRN — not an East Africa age penalty.

Shipping 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

Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Hilux Nissan Skyline Toyota Supra Honda Civic Type R Mazda MX-5

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Available Inventory

Japanese stock that can be exported to United Kingdom

30 Available

Honda INSIGHT HYBRID

2009 114,000 km

Price $1,602

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26 Available

Toyota AQUA HYBRID

2013 133,000 km

Price $2,242

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28 Available

Toyota Prius S Hybrid

2010 138,000 km

Price $2,300

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19 Available

Daihatsu Mira e:S L “SA”

2013 118,000 km

Price $1,019

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28 Available

Daihatsu Mira e:S L “SA”

2016 124,000 km

Price $1,025

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35 Available

Honda ZEST SPARK W

2009 136,401 km

Price $570

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Frequently asked questions

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.