JDM4U / UK IMPORT ROUTE

Japan to UK.
One step at a time.

A practical checklist for a vehicle shipped permanently from Japan to Great Britain. The exact tax, approval and registration route depends on the individual vehicle, so use this as a map and verify the current official requirements.

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01 / PROGRESS TRACKER

Six checkpoints.
Keep your place.

Tick completed steps on this device. This tracker stores only your checklist state locally in the browser and does not replace official advice or vehicle-specific confirmation.

1. Import declaration arranged

For a vehicle shipped into Great Britain, GOV.UK says a shipping company or customs agent usually makes the import declaration.

2. VAT and customs duty handled where due

Rates depend on the vehicle and import circumstances. Do not assume a universal percentage from a generic example.

3. HMRC / NOVA completed

GOV.UK says HMRC must normally be told within 14 days of permanently bringing a vehicle into the UK.

4. Vehicle approval route confirmed

Non-exempt imported vehicles may need approval. Cars and minibuses with no more than 8 passenger seats that are over 10 years old are listed among current vehicle-approval exemptions.

5. DVLA registration and vehicle tax completed

DVLA registration requires the relevant supporting documents and proof that earlier import/approval steps are complete.

6. Insurance in place before road use

Complete the road-use requirements before driving, subject to the limited official exceptions such as travel to a pre-booked MOT or approval test.

Current official references: How to import a vehicle · Telling HMRC / NOVA · Vehicle approval · Approval exemptions · DVLA registration.

Official UK guidance checked 25 September 2026. Requirements can change, so re-check the linked GOV.UK pages for the individual vehicle.

02 / THE DECISION POINTS

The route changes
with the car.

Age

Approval can change at 10 years.

Current GOV.UK exemptions include cars and minibuses with no more than 8 passenger seats that are over 10 years old. Confirm the exact first-registration/manufacture position and any other conditions before relying on an exemption.

Tax

The purchase price is not the landed total.

VAT can be charged on the vehicle plus accessories, delivery/extra charges and customs duty. The correct rate depends on the import circumstances and vehicle.

Evidence

Documents become part of the car.

Keep the auction/purchase evidence, export and shipping documents, customs/NOVA record, approval evidence where applicable and registration paperwork organised by chassis.

Next step

Research the exact model before you source it.

Use the Garage, model profiles and My Garage comparison to narrow the brief before the commercial sourcing conversation begins.

Open Car Garage →

Japan to UK.One step at a time.

Six checkpoints.Keep your place.

The route changeswith the car.