🇬🇧 Importing a Japanese car to United Kingdom

The UK takes Japanese imports as they are. Vehicles over 30 years old qualify as historic: reduced VAT, no duty, and MOT exemption.

Right-hand drive, no conversion

In 2026, vehicles built in 1996 or earlier qualify. That line moves one year every January — a car that is ineligible today may be legal next year.

Duty: 10% duty plus 20% VAT. Vehicles 30+ years old classed as historic pay no duty and 5% VAT — but that classification isn't automatic by age alone; original condition and recognized historic value are also required.

Duty origin follows where the car was built, not where it was bought. A German car purchased in Japan is still EU-origin.

How it goes

1. Ship to a UK port and make a customs declaration.
2. Pay 10% duty and 20% VAT — or 0% and 5% if over 30 years old.
3. Register the import with DVLA (form V55/5) within 14 days.
4. IVA test if required; historic vehicles are usually exempt.
5. MOT unless exempt as a historic vehicle.

Prices are the Japanese domestic asking price. Shipping, duty and compliance are extra — ask us for a landed quote and we will put the whole number in one place.

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