How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Japan? A Complete Guide

Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Japan costs from £1,270 for a small car via RoRo and from £1,775 for a large car via dedicated container (UK port to Japanese port, sea freight only). Transit takes approximately 45 days with weekly sailings to Yokohama, Kobe, and Tokyo. Japanese import duty ranges from 0–15% of CIF value, plus 10% Consumption Tax. A mandatory Shaken vehicle inspection is required after arrival and often involves modifications to lighting, emissions, and speedometer. Ship Cars Ltd handles all UK export documentation and works with trusted Japanese import agents for the in-country process.

Why Do People Ship Cars from the UK to Japan?

Japan is a major vehicle manufacturing nation — so why do people ship cars to Japan from the UK? There are four main reasons, and the answer shapes which shipping method and cost structure applies to your situation.

Who Ships Cars from the UK to Japan?

• Expats relocating for work — professionals moving to Japan who want to take their UK-specification personal or family vehicle with them
• Classic and specialist car owners — European and British classic cars, performance vehicles, and rare models that are either unavailable or highly desirable in Japan
• Returning Japanese residents — individuals who purchased a vehicle during their time in the UK and want to bring it back with them
• Collectors and investors — certain UK-market vehicles hold or increase in value in Japan’s collector market

Understanding which category applies to you matters because Japanese import duty exemptions — such as Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief — are only available to specific groups. See the duty section below for details.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Japan?

What Are the Sea Freight Prices for UK to Japan?

Ship Cars Ltd provides RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and container shipping to Japan with weekly sailings to Yokohama, Kobe, and Tokyo, with an approximate sea transit of 45 days.

Indicative sea freight prices from the UK to Japan:

Prices cover UK port to Japanese port sea freight only. Japanese import duty, Consumption Tax, Shaken inspection, modification costs, agent fees, and local port charges are all additional. Contact Ship Cars Ltd for a precise, tailored quote.

What Is Included in the Ship Cars Ltd Quote?

When you receive a quote from Ship Cars Ltd, the following are included:

• UK origin port charges — all UK handling and documentation fees at the departure port (typically Southampton)
• Ocean freight — the cost of the sea voyage from the UK to Yokohama, Kobe, or Tokyo
• Core documentation — preparation of the Bill of Lading and UK export declaration

Optional add-ons available:

• UK vehicle collection service — we collect your vehicle from any UK address and transport it securely to the departure port; strongly recommended to save time and travel costs
• Marine insurance — comprehensive transit cover for the ocean voyage (see insurance section)

What Is NOT Included in the UK Shipping Quote?

The following are payable separately in Japan and should be budgeted as additional costs:

• Japanese customs duty and Consumption Tax
• Destination port handling charges at Yokohama, Kobe, or Tokyo
• Shaken vehicle inspection fees
• Modification costs to meet Japanese safety and emissions standards
• Japanese import agent and customs broker fees
• Registration fees and Japanese number plates

What Shipping Methods Are Available for Car Shipping to Japan?

What Is RoRo Shipping to Japan and Is It Right for My Vehicle?

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) shipping is the standard, most cost-effective method for sending a driveable vehicle to Japan. Your car is driven onto a specialist car carrier vessel at the UK port and driven off on arrival at the Japanese port. RoRo starts from £1,270 for a standard small car.

RoRo is suitable for:

• Standard, operational vehicles in good condition
• Buyers prioritising cost-efficiency over maximum protection

What Is Container Shipping to Japan and When Should I Choose It?

Container shipping loads your vehicle into a dedicated shipping container — either a 20ft or 40ft box — for maximum protection from the elements throughout the 45-day voyage. It is available as a sole-use dedicated container (FCL) or, for smaller vehicles, as a shared container.

Container shipping to Japan starts from £1,775 for a large car and is the right choice for:

• High-value, classic, or modified vehicles
• Luxury cars requiring protection from salt air and the elements during a long Pacific crossing
• Non-running vehicles (which cannot be shipped by RoRo)
• Electric and hybrid vehicles (typically required to travel by container due to maritime battery regulations)

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle the Booking and Departure Process?

Once your booking is confirmed, Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process:

• Vehicle collection: by transporter or trade plate driver from your UK address, or self-delivery to our port facility
• Pre-shipment condition report: documented inspection before loading — mandatory for comprehensive marine insurance
• UK export documentation: including the Bill of Lading, export declaration, and V5C de-registration notification to DVLA
• Vessel booking: we book space on the appropriate sailing to your destination Japanese port

On the Japanese side, we strongly recommend appointing a licensed Japanese import agent to manage the Shaken inspection, customs clearance, and vehicle registration process.

What Are the Full Costs of Importing a Car into Japan?

What Import Duty Do I Pay in Japan?

Japan’s customs duty structure for imported passenger vehicles is relatively low compared to many countries:

• Customs Duty: Ranges from 0% to approximately 15% of the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), depending on the vehicle’s engine size, type, and country of origin. Many passenger cars from the UK attract 0% under existing trade terms — but verify the current tariff for your specific vehicle with your Japanese import agent before shipping.
• Consumption Tax: Currently 10%, applied to the sum of the CIF value plus customs duty
• Automobile Tax: An annual road tax levied based on engine displacement — payable once the vehicle is registered in Japan
• Automobile Weight Tax: A periodic tax based on the vehicle’s weight
• Scrappage Tax: Applicable to older vehicles being de-registered at end of life

Source: Japan Customs — Ministry of Finance

Who Qualifies for Japanese Duty Exemptions?

Japan offers duty exemptions for individuals permanently relocating their residence to Japan who bring their personal vehicle as part of a Transfer of Residence (ToR). Strict criteria apply:

• The vehicle must have been owned and used by the applicant for a minimum period before relocation
• The applicant must be permanently relocating to Japan
• Applications and approvals must be obtained in advance — this is not arranged on arrival

Confirm your eligibility with a licensed Japanese import agent before booking your shipment.

What Are the Shaken Inspection Costs?

The Shaken (車検) is Japan’s mandatory vehicle roadworthiness and emissions inspection — the most significant additional cost for most UK vehicle owners importing to Japan.

Most vehicles not originally manufactured to Japanese market specifications will require modifications before passing Shaken:

• Headlight conversion — UK headlights are configured to dip to the right (for left-hand traffic); Japanese roads require headlights that dip to the left
• Speedometer — must display kilometres per hour (kph); UK speedometers typically display mph as the primary reading
• Rear fog lights — Japanese standards differ from UK specifications
• Emissions systems — vehicles must meet Japan’s current emissions standards

Modification and inspection costs vary significantly by vehicle, its existing specification, and the modification required. Obtain an estimate from your Japanese import agent before shipping — in some cases, the modification cost for certain vehicles can exceed the shipping cost itself.

Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Japan

What Are Japan’s Import Regulations for Vehicles?

What Is the Shaken Vehicle Inspection?

The Shaken is Japan’s rigorous mandatory vehicle inspection, equivalent in concept to the UK MOT but significantly more demanding for imported non-Japanese-market vehicles. It is conducted by authorised inspection centres (Shaken centres) in Japan after the vehicle has been cleared through customs.

The inspection verifies:

• Roadworthiness and structural safety
• Emissions compliance with current Japanese environmental standards
• Lighting configuration (headlights must dip to the left)
• Speedometer display (kph required)
• Overall vehicle condition and compliance with the Road Vehicle Act

Most imported UK vehicles will fail Shaken without modifications. Engaging a Japanese import agent who specialises in imported vehicle compliance is not optional — it is essential.

What Is the De-Registration (Permanent Export) Process in the UK?

Vehicles being permanently exported from the UK must be de-registered with the DVLA. You will receive a Certificate of Export, which is a required document for Japanese customs clearance. Ship Cars Ltd handles this notification as part of the UK export process.

What Is Temporary Importation into Japan?

For tourists or temporary visitors, Japan allows temporary vehicle importation. Requirements:

• A temporary import permit or a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD)
• The vehicle must be re-exported within the permitted period
• The vehicle cannot be sold or used commercially in Japan during the temporary import period

Shaken inspection is not required for temporary imports.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Japan?

What UK Export Documents Are Required?

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export documentation process on your behalf. Standard documents required:

• V5C logbook (original) — do not leave in the vehicle; Ship Cars Ltd notifies DVLA of permanent export
• Proof of identity — passport copy
• Bill of Lading — prepared and issued by Ship Cars Ltd
• Export Declaration — managed by Ship Cars Ltd
• Commercial Invoice — showing the vehicle’s sale price or declared market value

What Japanese Import Documents Are Required?

Your appointed Japanese import agent will require the following for customs clearance and Shaken registration:

• Bill of Lading (BOL) — the primary shipping document
• Certificate of Export — original UK DVLA de-registration document
• Purchase/Commercial Invoice — to determine customs value for duty assessment
• Japanese Customs Declaration Form — completed upon arrival by your agent
• Proof of ownership — original V5C
• Passport and Japanese visa/residency proof (if applicable to import category)
• Transfer of Residence application approval — if claiming ToR duty relief
• Temporary Import Permit/CPD — for temporary imports
• Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Shaken Sho) — obtained after passing the Shaken inspection
• Weight Certificate — may be required

Ship Cars Ltd manages all UK export documentation. A licensed Japanese import agent must be appointed for the in-country process.

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Manage the Japan Shipping Process?

Ship Cars Ltd provides expert guidance and reliable services for every stage of the UK-side process:

• Shipping options: RoRo, Shared Container, and Dedicated Container — we advise which is right for your specific vehicle
• Weekly sailings to Yokohama, Kobe, and Tokyo — we book space on the appropriate vessel
• UK documentation: complete management of the export declaration, Bill of Lading, DVLA de-registration notification, and condition report
• Pre-departure guidance: we advise on Shaken modification requirements before your vehicle sails, so you can brief your Japanese agent in advance
• Transparent pricing: clear cost breakdowns distinguishing UK-side costs from Japanese destination costs

For the Japanese side — Shaken inspection, customs clearance, duty payment, modification, and registration — we strongly recommend engaging a specialist Japanese import agent. We can advise on this at the point of booking.

For further reading before you ship, see:

• How to prepare your car for international shipping
• How to avoid damage during international car shipping
• Container vs RoRo — which method is right for your vehicle?
• International car shipping costs

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping Costs from UK to Japan

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Japan?

RoRo shipping from the UK to Japan starts from £1,270 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf). Dedicated container shipping starts from £1,775 for a large car (e.g. Range Rover). Both prices cover UK port to Japanese port sea freight only. Japanese customs duty (0–15%), Consumption Tax (10%), Shaken inspection and modification costs, agent fees, and destination port charges are all additional. Get a free instant quote here.

How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Japan?

Sea transit from the UK to Japan takes approximately 45 days. Ship Cars Ltd offers weekly sailings to Yokohama, Kobe, and Tokyo. Including UK collection, export processing, and Japanese customs clearance and Shaken inspection after arrival, allow additional weeks on top of the sea transit for your vehicle to be fully registered and available for road use in Japan.

What is the Shaken inspection and do I need it?

The Shaken is Japan’s mandatory vehicle roadworthiness and emissions inspection — required for all imported vehicles to be registered for road use. Most UK-market vehicles require modifications to pass, including headlight reconfiguration (from right-dipping to left-dipping), speedometer conversion to kph, and emissions compliance updates. Shaken is conducted by authorised inspection centres in Japan after customs clearance. Engage a Japanese import agent before shipping to get an estimate of modification costs for your specific vehicle.

What import duty and tax do I pay in Japan?

Japanese customs duty on passenger vehicles ranges from 0% to approximately 15% of the CIF value, depending on vehicle type and origin. On top of this, 10% Consumption Tax is applied to the CIF value plus duty. An annual Automobile Tax (based on engine displacement) and Automobile Weight Tax also apply once the vehicle is registered. Duty exemptions may be available for qualifying Transfer of Residence applicants. Source: Japan Customs.

Can I claim duty relief when shipping my car to Japan?

Japan offers duty exemptions for individuals permanently relocating their residence to Japan and bringing their personal vehicle as part of a Transfer of Residence (ToR). Strict criteria apply regarding ownership duration, prior usage, and residency intention. Applications must be approved in advance — confirm your eligibility with a licensed Japanese import agent before booking your shipment.

Does Ship Cars Ltd handle the Japanese import process?

Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process — collection, export declaration, Bill of Lading, DVLA de-registration notification, and vessel booking. The Japanese import process — customs clearance, duty payment, Shaken inspection, modifications, and registration — must be managed by a licensed Japanese import agent. We advise on the Japan-side requirements at the point of booking so you can appoint the right agent before your vehicle sails.

Information correct as of October 2026. Japanese import duty rates, Consumption Tax rates, and Shaken inspection requirements are subject to change. Verify current rates with Japan Customs and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) before shipping.