Importation of Japanese Used Vehicles to the United Kingdom
The direct importation of Japanese used vehicles into the United Kingdom is permitted for commercial dealers and private purchasers, subject to a mandatory HMRC NOVA declaration, successful completion of an IVA or MOT examination where applicable, and official registration with the DVLA prior to road use.
Access right-hand-drive Japanese cars through live auctions and fixed-price inventory, with full export coordination in Japan for buyers in the UK.
Can Vehicles Be Imported from Japan to UK?
The United Kingdom permits the importation of right‑hand‑drive Japanese used vehicles by both dealers and private buyers. All imported vehicles must be declared to HMRC through the NOVA system, undergo the mandated type‑approval or roadworthiness examination (IVA, MSVA, or MOT as applicable), and be successfully registered with the DVLA before being used on the public highway.
Who can buy?
- UK car dealers importing vehicles for resale in the local market.
- Fleet and commercial operators engaged in the importation of Japanese buses, vans, and trucks.
- Individuals importing cars for personal use (note: applicable duties and taxes apply).
Things to Keep in Mind
- Right-hand-drive vehicles naturally align with UK road regulations, meaning no left-hand-drive (LHD) conversion is required for Japanese domestic models.
- Vehicles aged less than approximately 10 years are generally subject to Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) testing prior to DVLA registration, while older automobiles typically qualify for the MOT procedure.
- Although absolute age restrictions do not apply, direct shipments from Japan are subject to post-Brexit value-added tax (VAT) at 20% and standard import duty (generally 10% for automobiles), assessed against the CIF value.
Key Regulations for Vehicle Importation to UK
- The consignee is required to submit a Notification of Vehicle Arrival (NOVA) to HMRC within 14 calendar days of the vehicle's entry into the United Kingdom, in accordance with customs regulations.
- Settlement of import VAT and customs duties, assessed against the CIF value, is required during customs clearance at the port of entry into the United Kingdom.
- The appropriate approval examination must be booked and passed: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for most vehicles under approximately 10 years of age, the MOT test for older vehicles, and the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) for qualifying light goods.
- First UK registration is obtained by submitting a completed V55/5 application to the DVLA, accompanied by the original Japanese export certificate, evidence of customs clearance, and the NOVA reference. All documents must be originals where specified.
- The original Japanese export certificate and deregistration evidence are mandatory shipping documents. Certified English translations of these documents are typically required for customs clearance and DVLA registration, given that the originals are in Japanese.
In the post-Brexit regulatory environment, automobiles imported directly from Japan are classified as imports from outside the UK customs territory, necessitating a comprehensive customs declaration. Furthermore, strict sanctions screening against the UK restrictions list is conducted on all shipments prior to release.
Shipping & Delivery to United Kingdom
- Typical transit time from Japan to the UK is approximately 4 to 6 weeks via direct RoRo to Southampton, though this may take longer if the vessel transships through a northern European hub.
- Roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo) is the default shipping mode for individual vehicles and the majority of dealer orders.
- Container shipping is ideal for high-value cars, rare models, or multi-unit orders.
- Domestic transportation within Japan to the designated port of export is coordinated by Robust Auto upon confirmation of the vehicle purchase.
- Customs clearance, duty payments, and onward inland transport are arranged by the buyer or their designated clearing agent.
Important Notes on Required Paperwork
- The original Japanese Export Certificate (De-registration Certificate) is provided as standard documentation with every dispatched vehicle shipment.
- The Bill of Lading is generated by the designated shipping line, and the corresponding Commercial Invoice is provided by Robust Auto for customs clearance purposes.
HOW TO BUY FROM JAPANESE AUCTION
Buying directly from Japanese auctions gives you access to the best selection and lowest prices.
This is the primary source where Japanese car dealers get their stock.
EXPLORE OUR CURRENT VEHICLE INVENTORY
We maintain a small selection of vehicles currently in inventory.
Each car has been inspected and verified by Robust Auto and is ready for immediate export.