Japan → United Kingdom
Importing a car from Japan to the United Kingdom
We manage large quantities of Japanese vehicle imports, handling everything from UK port arrival through to DVLA registration.
- RoRo shipping at reduced rates
- Fully authorised CDS customs agents
- No headlight scrutiny for Japanese cars
- IVA and MOT lanes on our own site
The process
What is the process for importing a car from Japan?
My Car Import manages large quantities of Japanese vehicle imports to the UK. We handle the entire process after the vehicle arrives at a UK port, including modifications, compliance tests and DVLA registration.
If you are purchasing from a Japanese auction, the auction agent typically arranges inland transport and shipment, and we begin work on UK port arrival. For other cases we use Roll on Roll off (RoRo) vessels, offering reduced rates compared to container shipping.
Transit times typically range from 5 to 8 weeks, and we prioritise swift sailings for faster UK registration.
My Car Import are fully authorised CDS agents, meaning we directly make your customs entry on your behalf when your car arrives at port. We organise paperwork in advance to prevent storage fees.
Arrival
Arrival at My Car Import
On arrival we conduct a thorough walk-around video inspection and documentation review.
Our Castle Donington facility in Derbyshire accommodates up to 300 vehicles with a dedicated team of 16 specialists.
Imported cars less than ten years old must undergo Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). Common modifications include rear fog light installation and speedometer conversion from KPH to MPH.
Thanks to our extensive work with the UK Department for Transport, vehicles from Japan are no longer subject to headlight compliance scrutiny.
Vehicles over ten years old don’t require speedometer conversion but still need a correctly positioned rear fog light if not factory-fitted.
Compliance testing
Depending on the vehicle, it may need an IVA test, an MOT, or both. At our 3-acre site, My Car Import has dedicated IVA and MOT testing lanes, so your car never has to leave our premises.
Checked during testing
- Lighting and signalling equipment
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes
- Exhaust, fuel and emissions
- Seat belts
- Body, structure and general items
- Driver’s view of the road
- Horn
- Electrical wiring and battery
- Tyres and wheels
Registration
What comes next?
We manage the entire registration process, from obtaining UK plates to finalising DVLA paperwork.
Once valeted and plated, you can collect your car from My Car Import, Trent Lane, Castle Donington, DE74 2PY.
We offer delivery to any UK address using either an open or enclosed trailer, Monday to Friday, at a time that suits you.
Get your no obligation free quote today
Tell us where your car is and what stage you’re at, and we’ll price the whole job.
Frequently asked questions
Every vehicle is different. If yours isn’t covered here, just ask.
Are there any age restrictions for importing cars from Japan to the UK?
The UK has no specific age restrictions for imports, though vehicles must meet UK roadworthiness standards. That is of course unless your car is over forty years old, and if that is the case – you don’t actually need an MOT, however it is advisable.
What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?
We use an IVA test to ensure your vehicle meets UK standards, and as we were the first privately operated IVA testing facility in the UK, we can avoid the long wait times often required at government testing centres.
Every car is different and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process, so please get a quote so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost option for your circumstances.
We manage the whole process on your behalf, whether that is dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer or the Department for Transport, so you can relax in the knowledge that you will be legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.
What is the process for importing cars over ten years old?
Cars over 10 years old are type approval exempt but still require a safety test, called an MOT, and similar modifications to an IVA test prior to registration. The modifications depend on the age but are generally to the rear fog light.
If your car is over 40 years old it does not need an MOT test and can be delivered directly to your UK address ahead of it being registered.
How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to the UK?
Shipping a car from Japan to the UK is a significant journey, typically taking around 5 to 8 weeks, depending on factors like the shipping route, ports involved, and other logistical considerations.
Factors affecting the timeline include the shipping route, the ports of departure and arrival, customs clearance, weather conditions, the shipping company and additional logistics.
Is it difficult to import a car to the UK from Japan?
Almost any car can be imported to the United Kingdom from Japan without issue. However, with our extensive experience, we highly recommend using our services to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Providing a Japanese export certificate beforehand helps verify that the technical data is complete.
Can you drive the imported car immediately after it arrives in the United Kingdom?
Typically, imported cars need to go through customs clearance and meet all necessary registration and compliance requirements before they can be driven legally in the United Kingdom.
Short-term visitors may have different requirements, but our service includes full registration.
How do I qualify for the Transfer of Residence scheme?
Eligibility requires that you are moving your primary residence to the UK after living outside it for at least 12 months, and that you have owned and used the goods for at least six months for personal use only.
Goods must be imported within 12 months before or after your arrival, and you must intend to remain in the UK for at least two years. You complete the ToR01 form with supporting documents. Items cannot be sold, transferred or hired within 12 months without HMRC approval, and vehicles must meet UK road standards.
Importing from somewhere else?
We collect from right across the EU. Pick a country for the guide to bringing a car home from there.
North America
Asia–Pacific
Middle East
Europe outside the EU
Africa