Import a Car from Japan to the UK

Japan is the UK's biggest source of enthusiast car imports. The route is well established, but first-timers get caught out by the 10% customs duty, the 14-day NOVA deadline, and the 10-year IVA rule. Run the numbers below, then read the full guide.

• Auction cars almost never come with proof of preferential origin — budget for the full 10% duty, not the CEPA rate.
• You must notify HMRC via NOVA within 14 days of arrival or face £5/day penalties.
• Cars under 10 years old need a full IVA test (£199); cars over 10 years are exempt.
• DVLA requires the original Japanese Export Certificate plus a certified English translation.

Do I pay import duty on a car from Japan?

Yes. Used cars imported privately from Japan attract 10% customs duty on the CIF value (price + shipping + insurance), plus 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive total. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) does not generally zero-rate used private car imports — budget for the full 10% + 20% unless you have a valid proof of preferential origin.

Do Japanese imports need an IVA test?

Only if the car is under 10 years old. Under the '10-year rule', vehicles manufactured more than 10 years ago are exempt from IVA — they just need a standard UK MOT (if over 3 years old) before DVLA registration. Most JDM classics (Skylines, Supras, RX-7s) qualify for this exemption. Cars under 10 years old need a full IVA test (£199).

What is a Japanese export certificate (deregistration certificate)?

When a car is exported from Japan, it is deregistered and the owner receives an Export Certificate (Deregistration Certificate, 抹消登録). This document proves ownership and contains the chassis number, engine details, and first registration date. DVLA requires the original plus a certified English translation when you register the car with the V55/5 form.

How long does shipping from Japan to the UK take?

Roughly 4-8 weeks by sea. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) sailings from Yokohama, Nagoya, or Kawasaki to Southampton or Bristol typically take 6-8 weeks; some container routings are slightly faster at 4-6 weeks. Add time for auction purchase, inland transport in Japan, and pre-export inspection.

What is the NOVA 14-day deadline for Japanese imports?

You must notify HMRC about your imported vehicle within 14 days of it arriving in the UK using the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) service. Late notification incurs a penalty of £5 per day, and DVLA will not register the vehicle until NOVA is completed and any duty and VAT are paid.

Do I need to convert the speedometer on a Japanese import?

If the car is under 10 years old, the speedometer must display mph for IVA and UK registration — most JDM cars read km/h only, so you'll need an mph conversion dial or overlay. Cars over 10 years old are not legally required to convert, but an mph readout is strongly recommended and inexpensive (typically £30-150).

Primary sources

This guide maps to official GOV.UK guidance. Always check the current source for the latest rules before you submit your V55/5.

• Register a used vehicle for the first time (V55/5 form & V355/5 guidance) — GOV.UK
• Importing vehicles into the UK (NOVA, duty, VAT) — GOV.UK
• Vehicle approval: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) — GOV.UK
• Register an imported vehicle (registration and tax) — GOV.UK

v55-5.com is an independent service and is not affiliated with the DVLA, HMRC, or any government body.