For a permanently imported vehicle shipped to the UK, GOV.UK lists an import declaration, VAT and customs duty where due, HMRC notification within 14 days, vehicle approval, DVLA registration and tax, then insurance before road use.
A Japanese-market vehicle is not EU-registered, so GOV.UK directs the importer to IVA for a car or other appropriate approval route unless an exemption applies. A vehicle first registered or manufactured more than 10 years ago might not need approval; verify the exact exemption and DVLA evidence before shipping.
Verify with GOV.UK vehicle-import process βUK customs, NOVA, IVA, MOT and DVLA sequence
- Declaration and border taxesFor a shipped vehicle, GOV.UK says a shipping company or customs agent must make the import declaration. VAT and customs duty, where due, are normally arranged at the border.
- Tell HMRC within 14 daysThe vehicle must be notified through the NOVA process within 14 days of arrival. For a non-VAT-registered business or private buyer receiving a shipped vehicle, the shipping company, customs agent or HMRC CARS team can make the declaration. Keep the C88 and E2 records or MRN, invoice or current valuation and VIN evidence ready; HMRC says import taxes due must be paid before its CARS team can make the declaration.
- Choose IVA or document an exemptionA Japanese vehicle is not EU-registered, so GOV.UK directs cars to Individual Vehicle Approval and motorcycles to MSVA unless an exemption applies. A vehicle first registered or manufactured more than 10 years ago might not need approval; confirm the exact route before purchase. A seriously damaged vehicle cannot be registered or taxed.
- MOT, register, tax and insureComplete any MOT required for the vehicle age and circumstances. A used import that was registered before uses form V55/5. DVLA requires processed NOVA, tax and duty paid, and approval or accepted exemption evidence. It currently lists a Β£55 registration fee in addition to vehicle tax, may inspect the vehicle, and requires original supporting documents; the original foreign registration certificate is not returned.
Decide Basic or Normal IVA before buying
Basic IVA is not the default simply because a car comes from Japan. GOV.UK limits Basic IVA to defined vehicle classes, such as a qualifying personal import, left-hand-drive vehicle, amateur-built or rebuilt vehicle, very-low-volume vehicle, motor caravan, ambulance, hearse or armoured passenger vehicle. If no Basic class applies, use Normal IVA.
- Personal import means every condition applies: the importer was normally resident outside the UK for at least 12 continuous months, intends to become normally resident in the UK, and personally possessed and used the vehicle in that country for at least 6 months before import for personal or household use.
- A normal exporter purchase is different: buying a Japanese used car remotely for shipment does not by itself satisfy the personal-import class. Confirm another Basic class or plan for Normal IVA before paying.
- Normal IVA needs evidence: the applicant may need manufacturer markings, a certificate for a base vehicle, evidence from the manufacturer or country-of-origin authority, or a VIN-specific report from an accredited testing authority. DVSA assesses supporting documents before offering an inspection appointment.
- Keep the original Japanese record: for a mass-produced Japanese vehicle, the current M1 manual says the original Japanese de-registration document or equivalent must be presented and must contain a Type Designation number. Modifications can invalidate the comparable-standard evidence and are assessed case by case.
Budget the inspection and compliance evidence separately
For a statutory IVA on a passenger car not previously registered in Great Britain, DVSA's current M1 table lists a Β£199 inspection in working hours or Β£294 outside working hours for both Normal IVA and Basic classes L, M, N and P. A re-inspection is Β£40 or Β£59 respectively. Give at least three clear working days' notice to change or cancel a test, or the inspection fee is due again.
- The test fee is not the full conversion budget: allow separately for transport to the test, specialist preparation, parts and labour, and any documentary or laboratory evidence.
- A model report may reduce repeat testing: if a report already exists for the exact model, GOV.UK says it may be usable for a fee by showing that the vehicle matches a compliant master vehicle.
- No suitable model report means new evidence: the required tests must be carried out by an authorised designated technical service. Confirm availability, specification match and evidence cost before buying the car.
Choose the Great Britain or Northern Ireland approval route
The GOV.UK import sequence covers a permanent import into Great Britain from anywhere and into Northern Ireland from outside the EU, including Japan. The IVA application and inspection route then differs by jurisdiction.
- England, Scotland and Wales: use the online DVSA car IVA application. Prepare the VIN or chassis number, any current registration number, scans or photos of supporting evidence, and the completed seat belt anchorage compliance form listed in the GOV.UK application sequence. GOV.UK says DVSA usually responds with the application outcome within 10 working days; separately, its IVA scheme page says an inspection is usually offered within 20 working days. Do not treat the first email-response target as the test date.
- Choose a suitable test centre before applying: the application asks which centre you want to use. Check the current DVSA list because centres differ by vehicle category, Normal or Basic IVA capability, weight and other restrictions; the nearest centre may not be able to test the exact vehicle.
- Northern Ireland: use the DVA M1 application on nidirect and email the completed form to DVA. DVA clears the application, reserves a test appointment and sends a payment link; a passenger-car Normal or qualifying Basic IVA is currently Β£199, with a Β£40 retest.
- Approval and registration remain separate: DVA carries out the Northern Ireland vehicle test and issues an Individual Approval Certificate after a pass. DVLA remains responsible for vehicle registration.
Screen the Japanese specification before payment
IVA and MOT are different inspections: an MOT pass does not prove that a vehicle will pass IVA. Before buying or shipping, ask an IVA-experienced specialist to check the exact chassis and fitted equipment against the current DVSA manual.
- Headlamps: confirm a clear beam image that dips to the left for Great Britain. DVSA does not accept internal or external masking as an IVA solution.
- Rear fog lamp: confirm a compliant lamp at the centre or offside rear, with secure wiring, a switch and warning system. A non-EU import may not have one fitted.
- Speedometer: confirm it indicates mph, remains clearly visible and illuminated, and can be shown to read accurately. A GPS, bicycle or racing instrument is not an accepted substitute.
- Emissions evidence: identify the exact engine and its age before purchase. DVSA says the emissions test for a spark-ignition vehicle is based on engine age and may require recognised evidence, particularly if the engine came from another vehicle.
Decision limit: these checks reduce avoidable surprises but do not guarantee approval; the current IVA inspection manual remains the full standard.
Road-use limit: GOV.UK warns that using an imported vehicle on a public road before completing the required steps can lead to prosecution, except when driving to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle-approval test. Insure the vehicle before road use.
Check the current NOVA process βCheck VAT and customs-duty guidance βCheck vehicle-approval eligibility βCheck Basic and Normal IVA classes βCheck the current DVSA IVA scheme guide βCheck the current M1 IVA inspection manual βCheck current M1 IVA fees βFind a suitable Great Britain IVA test centre βCheck the current car IVA application βCheck DVSA's IVA pre-inspection guide βCheck Northern Ireland's DVA IVA process and fees βCheck the Northern Ireland M1 application form βCheck DVA's current contact details βCheck DVLA registration documents and fee βCheck the current V55/5 used-import form βBest Japanese cars to research for United Kingdom
These are research starting points, not paid rankings. The best vehicle depends on eligibility, use, roads, fuel, service support and individual condition.
Import process: five decisions in order
Shipping and arrival
Allow for customs entry, tax payment, NOVA within 14 days, IVA or exemption evidence, any applicable MOT, V55/5 registration and transport from the arrival port.
Documents to prepare
C88 and E2 records or MRN, invoice or valuation, VIN evidence, original foreign registration certificate, processed NOVA, approval or exemption evidence, and the used-vehicle V55/5 application.
Estimate the total landed cost in GBP
Budget duty and VAT where applicable, port handling, approval work, NOVA, DVLA registration, insurance and inland transport.
Vehicle, inland transport, exporter and port charges
Freight, insurance and shipping-related charges
Duty, tax, inspection, port, agent and storage
Compliance, registration, insurance and delivery
Use the planning tools
Find a suitable Japanese car βEstimate total landed cost βCompare exporter quotations βVerify official import sources βFrequently asked questions
Can I import a Japanese used car to United Kingdom?
Yes, when the exact vehicle and buyer meet current import, inspection, customs and registration requirements.
Which Japanese cars should I research for United Kingdom?
Start with Toyota Prius, Honda Fit, Suzuki Jimny, Nissan Skyline, Nissan GT-R, Toyota Alphard, then choose by use, eligibility, parts support and condition.
How should I estimate the import cost in GBP?
Budget duty and VAT where applicable, port handling, approval work, NOVA, DVLA registration, insurance and inland transport.
What does total landed cost include?
Vehicle and Japan fees, freight, insurance, duty and tax, inspection, port and agent charges, inland delivery and registration.
JapanAutoPort does not sell, inspect, ship, clear or register vehicles. Rules and inventory change; verify the exact vehicle with official authorities and contracted providers before payment.