Import Japanese Cars to United Kingdom
Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide
Open RHD import market with process gates (NOVA, IVA, DVLA), not an age ban....
Open import
Last verified: August 2026Quick Navigation
Year Restriction
No maximum age (IVA/NOVA still required)
Shipping Time
8-12 weeks
Year Restrictions
No maximum age (IVA/NOVA still required)
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. Japanese export certificates are accepted as evidence of comparable standards for many IVA items if the car is unmodified (DVSA IVA scheme guide).
Destination Port & Shipping Information
Main Destination Port
Southampton
Alternative Ports:
- Southampton
- London Gateway
- Immingham
- Bristol
Shipping Duration:
8-12 weeks
Japan–UK RoRo is often 35–50 days. Add IVA booking time (can be several weeks).
Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines
Shipping Frequency:
Monthly RoRo
Preferred Shipping Lines:
- NYK
- MOL
- K Line
- Hoegh Autoliners
Inspection Requirements
Inspection Type:
IVA (or other approval) + DVLA may inspect
Inspection Details:
Non-EU used cars generally need Individual Vehicle Approval. Bring the original Japanese export certificate (type designation numbers) to DVSA. Then MOT (if due) and DVLA V55/5.
Temporary vs Definitive Import
Temporary Import
Temporary admission is a different customs procedure. Permanent import requires NOVA.
Definitive Import
Last verified & official sources
Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.
Official calculator / proceduresImport Duties & Taxes
Import Duty
UK Global Tariff on cars (often 10% outside reliefs — confirm GOV.UK / HMRC)
VAT
20% VAT on the HMRC value (NOVA calculates; businesses may account differently)
Other Taxes
First registration fee. Vehicle tax (VED) by CO2/list price. No “age penalty excise” like East Africa.
Required Documentation
Documents for Individual Importers:
-
Passport
-
UK address proofs
-
Export certificate
-
Invoice
-
NOVA
-
IVA
Important Notes
Official: https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk ; NOVA; INF106; DVSA IVA scheme guide (Japanese export certificate comparable standards).
Helpful Tips
1) File NOVA within 14 days. 2) Do not modify the car before IVA if you rely on the export certificate. 3) Speedometer/mph and lighting are common IVA fail items. 4) Keep the original Japanese export certificate.
Import Regulations Overview
Open RHD import market with process gates (NOVA, IVA, DVLA), not an age ban.
Step by step: (1) Buy unmodified JDM. (2) RoRo to Southampton. (3) Customs MRN. (4) NOVA. (5) IVA. (6) DVLA register and tax. (7) Number plates.
