Hiroto
Hiroto, Director BJUC, Japan
How to Import a Car from Japan to the UK
Importing a car from Japan to the UK has become increasingly popular among buyers looking for better vehicle condition, lower mileage, and access to models not easily available locally. Japanese cars are well known for their reliability, strict maintenance culture, and competitive pricing, which makes importing an attractive option for UK drivers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of how to import a car from Japan to the UK, including costs, documents, shipping time, and common mistakes to avoid. This article also connects with our other detailed guides on Japanese car auctions, shipping timelines, and choosing a trustworthy exporter, all available on our website.
Why Import a Car from Japan?
Japan has one of the strictest vehicle inspection systems in the world, which means most used cars are well maintained and often in better condition than similar vehicles elsewhere. Many UK buyers import from Japan because:
Cars typically have lower mileage
Vehicles are right-hand drive, suitable for UK roads
Better pricing compared to local dealers
Access to rare trims, hybrids, and performance models
Transparent auction grading and vehicle history
If you’ve read our previous article on why buyers prefer Japanese used cars, you’ll already know that quality and value are the main reasons Japan remains a top source.
Step 1: Choose the Right Car in Japan
The first step is selecting the vehicle you want to import. Most cars are sourced through Japanese car auctions, dealer stock, or exporter inventories.
When choosing a car, consider:
Vehicle age and mileage
Auction grade and inspection sheet
Compliance with UK standards
Fuel type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, EV)
Our guide on how Japanese car auctions work explains auction grades and inspection reports in detail and is highly recommended before proceeding.
Step 2: Work With a Trustworthy Japanese Exporter
One of the most important steps is choosing a trustworthy Japanese car exporter. A reliable exporter will provide:
Genuine auction sheets
Clear pricing with no hidden costs
Pre-shipment inspection options
Proper export documentation
Ongoing communication until delivery
On our homepage, we explain how BJUC works directly with verified auction houses and shipping partners to ensure transparency at every stage.
If you’re unsure how to evaluate exporters, read our article on how to identify a trustworthy Japanese exporter to avoid common scams.
Step 3: Understand the Cost to Import a Car from Japan to the UK
The total cost includes more than just the vehicle price. Typically, UK buyers should budget for:
Vehicle purchase price
Auction or service fees
Shipping (RoRo or container)
Marine insurance (optional but recommended)
UK import duty and VAT
Registration and compliance costs
We’ve already broken this down in detail in our cost to import a car from Japan guide, which you can internally link from this article for deeper cost planning.
Step 4: Shipping a Car from Japan to the UK
Cars are usually shipped via:
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) – most cost-effective
Container shipping – more protection, higher cost
Major Japanese ports such as Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe handle exports regularly. Shipping time from Japan to the UK typically ranges between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the port and shipping line.
You can also refer readers to our article on how long shipping takes from Japan, which explains routes, port selection, and delays.
Step 5: UK Customs, VAT, and Clearance
Once the vehicle arrives in the UK, it must clear customs. This involves:
Paying import duty (if applicable)
Paying VAT
Submitting required documents to HMRC
Using a customs agent can simplify this process, especially for first-time importers. After clearance, the car can be transported to your location or prepared for registration.
Step 6: Registering the Car in the UK
To legally drive your imported car in the UK, you’ll need to:
Pass an MOT (if applicable)
Ensure compliance with UK road standards
Apply for registration with DVLA
Obtain UK number plates and insurance
This step is covered more deeply in our registering a Japanese imported car guide, which many UK buyers find helpful during final registration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing from Japan
Many first-time buyers face issues due to lack of research. Common mistakes include:
Choosing the cheapest exporter without verification
Ignoring auction grades or inspection reports
Underestimating total import costs
Not checking UK compliance requirements
Poor communication during shipping
We’ve listed these in detail in our article on mistakes to avoid when buying cars from Japan, which is worth linking here for additional guidance.
Why UK Buyers Use BJUC
At BJUC, we help buyers through the entire import journey from car selection and inspection to shipping and documentation. Our process is designed to be transparent, informational, and buyer-focused rather than sales-driven.
Whether you’re researching your first import or comparing options, our blog section and homepage provide step-by-step resources tailored for international buyers, including those importing into the UK.
Final Thoughts
Importing a car from Japan to the UK is a smart option for buyers who want better quality, more choice, and long-term value. With the right exporter, clear documentation, and proper planning, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
If you’re just starting, explore our related guides on Japanese car auctions, shipping timelines, and exporter selection to build confidence before importing.
A Little Bit About Us
Buy Japanese Used Cars is a trusted Japan-based vehicle export company, delivering high-quality, affordable Japanese cars to customers across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Pakistan.
With years of experience in the global automotive export industry, we offer a complete car import solution from vehicle sourcing and quality inspection to documentation and worldwide shipping.
Our mission is to make importing cars from Japan simple, transparent, and reliable, helping individuals and dealerships access top Japanese brands at competitive prices.
Whether you’re in the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, or Pakistan, Buy Japanese Used Cars is your dependable partner for safe, fast, and professional vehicle shipping worldwide.
You Might Also Like
