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Importing a car from Japan to the United Kingdom is an exciting opportunity, whether you’re a car enthusiast in search of a rare model or someone looking for a cost-effective option. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process to ensure a smooth and successful import.

1: Research Your VehiclES

Choose a Model: Use Nichibo’s Autosearch platform to explore and find the specific cars that suit your dealership. Select a make and model while ensuring it aligns with UK regulations including emissions, safety, and environmental standards.

Emissions Standards

• The vehicle must meet UK emissions regulations, which are stricter than those in Japan.
• Vehicles should comply with Euro 6 standards for diesel engines and Euro 4 for petrol engines. Find out how Japanese emissions standards convert to Euro emissions standards here.

Safety Standards

Imported vehicles must adhere to UK safety standards, including:

• Functional seatbelts and airbags.
• Proper braking systems, including anti-lock braking systems (ABS) where applicable.
• Side-impact protection and crumple zones that meet UK specifications.
• Modifications for UK Roads

Japanese vehicles often need adjustments to comply with UK regulations, such as:

• Speedometer Conversion: Must display speed in miles per hour (MPH).
• Headlight Adjustment: Lights should be angled for left-hand driving.
• Rear Fog Light Installation: Required for all vehicles driven in the UK.

Japanese vehicles often need adjustments to comply with UK regulations, such as:

• Vehicles Under 10 Years Old: Must pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to ensure compliance with UK standards.
• Vehicles Over 10 Years Old: May be exempt from IVA but still need to pass an MOT test for roadworthiness.

Step 3: Choose a Shipping Method

Select a reliable shipping method:

• Container Shipping: Offers better protection but is costlier.
• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): More economical, though less secure.

Step 4: Notify HMRC within 14 Days

When the vehicle has arrived at the port notifying HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) within 14 days of arrival into the UK about the import of a vehicle is a crucial step in ensuring compliance with UK customs and tax regulations. This process is facilitated through the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) system.

Submit Documents: Including customs forms, the vehicle invoice, and the VIN or chassis number.

Step 5: Customs Clearance in the UK

To successfully navigate customs when importing your Japanese car, you’ll need several key documents:

• Import Declaration: This is essential for customs clearance. Many shipping companies offer assistance with completing this.
• Shipping Note and Bill of Lading: These documents, provided by the shipping company, serve as proof of the car’s transport.
• Proof of Ownership: An invoice or bill of sale from the seller or dealer is necessary to confirm your ownership of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate or VIN/Chassis Number: These details should also be supplied by the seller or dealer.
• Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA): This approval, required to confirm the car meets UK standards, can be obtained from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

Step 6: Prepare the Vehicle for UK Roads

√ Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Test: The car must pass the Individual Vehicle Approval test to ensure it meets UK safety and environmental standards. Some Japanese cars may require modifications to comply with UK regulations.

√ Speedometer: Converting the speedometer to miles per hour (MPH), this verification is crucial because speedometers must display speeds in MPH to comply with legal standards for vehicles operating on UK roads. If the vehicle’s speedometer is initially calibrated in kilometres per hour (KPH), it will need to be converted to MPH to pass the test.

√ Rear Fog Light: The IVA test ensures that the vehicle is equipped with a rear fog light, which is a legal requirement in the UK. This safety feature is crucial for enhancing visibility during foggy conditions, reducing the risk of accidents. If the vehicle does not already have a rear fog light, it must be installed.

√ Lights: All exterior lights, including headlights, indicators, and brake lights, are checked for proper operation and alignment.

√ Tyres: The condition, tread depth, and pressure of tyres are inspected to ensure they meet legal requirements and provide adequate grip.

√ Suspension: The suspension system is examined for any signs of wear or damage that could affect vehicle stability and safety.

√ Steering: The steering system is tested to ensure it functions correctly and provides proper control.

√ Emissions: The vehicle’s exhaust emissions are tested to ensure they meet current environmental standards and do not exceed legal limits for pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

√ Bodywork: The test includes checking the condition of the vehicle’s bodywork and chassis for signs of rust or damage that could affect safety.

√ Windscreen: The windscreen is inspected for cracks or chips that could impair visibility.

Step 7: MOT (Ministry of Transport) Test: 

This is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles in the UK that are over three years old. This test is designed to ensure that vehicles meet essential safety and environmental standards, helping to keep roads safe and reduce pollution.

What is tested?

• Evaluating the effectiveness and condition of the braking system to ensure safe stopping performance.
• Checking all exterior lights—such as headlights, indicators, and brake lights—for proper operation.
• Inspecting the condition, tread depth, and pressure of tyres to ensure they meet legal requirements and provide adequate grip.
• The suspension system is examined for any signs of wear or damage that could affect vehicle stability and safety.
• Steering system is tested to confirm it functions correctly and provides proper control.
• Environmental checks involve testing the vehicles exhaust emissions to ensure they meet current standards and do not exceed legal limits for pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
• The general condition of the vehicle is also assessed, including checking the bodywork and chassis for signs of rust or damage that could impact safety and inspecting the windscreen for cracks or chips that could impair visibility.
• If the vehicle passes the MOT test, you will receive an MOT certificate confirming that the vehicle meets the required safety and environmental standards, and this certificate must be renewed annually to keep the vehicle roadworthy.

Step 8: Register the Vehicle

Documentation for Registration:

Apply for registration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). For used vehicles, complete Form V55/5 and submit the required supporting documents, including:

Proof of identity: Such as a valid passport or driver’s license.

Proof of insurance: Demonstrate that the vehicle is covered by an insurance policy valid in the UK.

Original Japanese documents: Export certificate and Bill of Lading, and provide English translations if necessary (these are provided through Nichibo)

Evidence of compliance with UK standards: This is essential which includes passing the Individual Vehicle Approval test and obtaining a valid MOT certificate for vehicles over three years old.

Documentation Nichibo Provides:

Commercial Invoice: This details the transaction

English translation of the Japanese Export Certificate: This is supplied to ensure clarity and compliance with UK requirements.

Japanese Export Certificate: Verifies the vehicles deregistration in Japan.

Bill of Lading: Which is the receipt of shipment and essential for customs clearance, will be provided.

Step 9: Import Duties and VAT (Value-Added Tax)

Import Duty: Usually 10% of the total vehicle value, including the purchase price, shipping, and insurance costs.

VAT: You will also be required to pay VAT (20%) on the total of the car’s value plus shipping costs and customs duty

Duty and VAT example calculations.

Duty only calculated on the car cost. VAT charged on car cost + Duty

Compare imports to local stock – less corrosion (no salt on raods, Nichibo don’t attend auctions in areas where salt is used) and higher standard or vehcle servicing and safety