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Japanese Vehicle Sourcing and Import to the UK
日本から英国へ

Import Quality Used Cars from Japan to the UK

A black Nissan Elgrand, a white Suzuki Jimny and a white Toyota Vellfire side by side

Looking for a Japanese Car?

Explore Japanese vehicles and discover a straightforward way to bring your preferred car to the United Kingdom.

Request an Import Quote Learn About Importing
  • Personalised vehicle sourcing
  • Import cost estimates
  • Guidance from Japan to UK registration

Welcome to Used Car Japan

Blue Suzuki Jimny compact 4x4

Used Car Japan helps customers in the United Kingdom explore vehicle sourcing opportunities from Japan. From popular Japanese family vehicles to SUVs, hybrid cars and performance models, we help customers understand the sourcing and import journey.

Our objective is to make international vehicle importing easier to understand through clear communication, transparent cost discussions and guidance throughout the agreed process.

More about Used Car Japan

Why Import from Japan?

Extensive Vehicle Selection

Japan has a large used vehicle market, from small everyday cars and family vehicles to SUVs and performance models.

Japanese Market Specifications

Some models and equipment levels were sold mainly in Japan and can be harder to find through ordinary UK channels.

Different Models and Variants

Grades, engines and body styles can differ from UK versions, which gives more choice when looking for a particular car.

Personalised Vehicle Sourcing

Tell us your preferred model, specification and budget, and we will discuss what may be available to suit them.

Clear Import Cost Estimates

We go through the costs that may apply, so the likely total can be discussed before you decide to go ahead.

Guidance Through the Import Process

We explain each stage, from shipping and customs to vehicle approval and DVLA registration.

Vehicle Categories

The main types of vehicle you can ask us about. These are categories to help start a discussion, not stock for sale.

Dark blue Japanese sports car parked with Mount Fuji behind it

Japanese Sports Cars

Coupes and performance models from well-known Japanese makers, for drivers and enthusiasts.

Enquire about Japanese Sports Cars
White Nissan Elgrand seen from the side

Family Cars

Practical vehicles with space for passengers and luggage, suited to everyday family use.

Enquire about Family Cars
Silver Suzuki Jimny Sierra compact 4x4

SUVs and 4x4s

From compact 4x4s to larger SUVs, for those wanting a higher driving position or more capability.

Enquire about SUVs and 4x4s

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid models from the Japanese market, for those who want to compare efficient alternatives.

Enquire about Hybrid Vehicles
White Toyota Vellfire MPV

Japanese MPVs

Spacious multi-seat people carriers, often with sliding doors and flexible seating.

Enquire about Japanese MPVs

Commercial Vehicles

Vans and light commercial vehicles. Approval and tax requirements can differ, so ask us early.

Enquire about Commercial Vehicles

How Our Import Process Works

1 Submit Your Requirements Tell us the vehicle you are looking for, your preferred year and specification, and your budget.
2 Vehicle Sourcing We discuss what may suit your requirements and look for vehicles that match them.
3 Review Vehicle Details You review the available information about a vehicle, such as its condition, mileage and specification, and raise any questions.
4 Confirm Purchase and Costs Before a purchase goes ahead, the price, estimated costs and terms are confirmed in writing.
5 Shipping from Japan The vehicle is transported to a Japanese port, prepared with its export paperwork and shipped to the UK.
6 UK Customs and Clearance HMRC must be told within 14 days of the vehicle arriving, and any VAT and customs duty must be paid before it can be registered.
7 Registration and Delivery Once vehicle approval and any required checks are complete, the vehicle can be registered with the DVLA, taxed and delivered.

Understanding the Cost of Importing a Car from Japan

The price of the car is only part of the total. These are the costs that may apply when a vehicle is imported from Japan to the UK.

CostWhat it covers
Vehicle purchase priceThe price paid for the vehicle in Japan.
Auction or seller feesFees charged by the auction or seller, where they apply.
Japanese inland transportationMoving the vehicle from its location to the port of departure.
Export documentationThe paperwork needed for the vehicle to leave Japan.
Shipping and insuranceSea freight to the UK and any cover arranged for the journey.
UK customs dutyDepends on the type of vehicle and where it is imported from.
Import VATCharged on the total cost of the vehicle, including delivery, extra charges and customs duty.
Port chargesHandling and storage charges at the UK port.
Vehicle modifications and preparationAny work needed for the vehicle to meet UK requirements.
Approval testing and MOTVehicle approval and MOT, where they apply to the vehicle.
DVLA registrationGOV.UK currently lists a £55 registration fee.
Vehicle taxPayable when the vehicle is registered. The amount depends on the vehicle.
UK deliveryTransport from the port or test centre to your address, if required.
Toyota Land Cruiser on a coastal mountain road
Please note: actual costs depend on the individual vehicle and the regulations that apply to it. Rates and fees can change. Check current requirements on GOV.UK.
Ask for a Cost Estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, used cars can be imported from Japan. You must tell HMRC when the vehicle arrives, pay any VAT and customs duty due, get vehicle approval if it is required, and register and tax the vehicle before using it on UK roads. GOV.UK explains the official process.

The total depends on the vehicle, its price, shipping, taxes, any work it needs and UK registration. The cost table above lists what may apply. We can discuss an estimate based on the vehicle you have in mind.

Timing depends on the vessel, the route and the ports used, and customs and registration take further time. We can discuss the expected timing for a particular vehicle, but shipping dates are set by the carrier and can change.

Yes. Tell us the make, model, year, specification and budget you have in mind. Whether a suitable vehicle can be found depends on what is available at the time.

Customs duty and import VAT may apply, and vehicle tax is payable when the vehicle is registered. Rates depend on the type of vehicle and where it comes from. VAT and customs duty must be paid before the vehicle can be registered. See the GOV.UK guidance on VAT and duty.

It may do. Vehicles must meet the UK requirements that apply to them, and what is needed depends on the vehicle and its age. A vehicle first registered or made more than 10 years ago might not need approval, but this must be checked for each vehicle. See the GOV.UK guidance on vehicle approval.

Yes. Send us your requirements using the enquiry form and we can discuss the likely costs with you before you decide whether to go ahead.
Logos of car makers including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Mazda and Subaru, beside a Nissan Elgrand, Suzuki Jimny and Toyota Vellfire

Looking for Your Next Japanese Car?

Tell us your preferred vehicle, specification and budget. Let us help you understand the import options.

Contact Us / Request a Quote