Car Shipping to Japan from UK | Yokohama & Kobe | Ship Cars Ltd

Car Shipping From UK to Japan | International Vehicle Shipping

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Japan via RoRo and container to Yokohama, Kobe, and Tokyo, with approximately 35–40 days transit and weekly sailings. RoRo starts from £1,270 for a standard car. Japan drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal. All imported vehicles must pass the Shaken (車検) vehicle inspection to be registered for road use in Japan. Customs duty is 0–15% of CIF value and consumption tax is 10%. We handle UK export documentation.

Car Shipping Services to Japan with Ship Cars Ltd

We provide a range of shipping methods to suit your vehicle type, budget, and security needs. At Ship Cars Ltd, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and container shipping including Full container load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars. 

What Are Japan’s Import Rules and Regulations?

Japan has specific regulations for importing vehicles to ensure they meet domestic standards for safety and emissions.

1. Permanent Export from the UK:

• DE-registration: Vehicles being permanently exported from the UK must be de-registered with the DVLA. This is usually handled by the shipping company or an agent. You will receive a Certificate of Export.

• Compliance: Ensure all UK export documentation is accurate and complete.

2. Importing into Japan:

• Import Declaration: The vehicle must be declared to Japanese Customs upon arrival.

• Compliance with Japanese Standards: Japan has stringent safety and emissions standards that imported vehicles must meet. This is managed through the Japanese Road Vehicle Act.

  • Vehicle Inspection (Shaken): Most imported vehicles, especially those not originally manufactured to Japanese specifications, will need to undergo a rigorous vehicle inspection process (known as Shaken) to be registered for use in Japan. This often requires modifications to lighting (headlights, indicators, rear fog lights), emissions control, and potentially speedometers.

  • Modifications: Expect that significant modifications might be necessary to meet Japanese standards, especially for vehicles not originally destined for the Japanese market.

• Authorities:

  • Japan Automobile Import Association (JAIA): Provides information on import procedures and standards.

    • (Note: This is a general link; specific import procedural guidance might be found through associated government sites.)

  • Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): Oversees vehicle safety and emissions standards.

    • Website: Search for MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) Japan for transport-related information.

  • Japan Customs: Manages import declarations and duties.

    • Website: Japan Customs

3. Transfer of Residence (ToR):

• Japan offers procedures for individuals relocating their residence to import personal vehicles with potential duty exemptions. Strict criteria apply regarding ownership duration, usage, and intention to reside permanently. Applications and approvals are required in advance.

4. Temporary Importation:

• Purpose: For tourists or temporary visitors.

• Documentation: Typically requires a temporary import permit or a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD).

• Restrictions: The vehicle must be re-exported within a specified period and cannot be sold or used commercially in Japan.

Inspections and Permits for Import into Japan

• Customs Inspection: Japanese Customs may inspect the vehicle upon arrival to verify its contents and declared value.

• Vehicle Inspection (Shaken): This is the most significant hurdle. It’s a mandatory roadworthiness and emissions test conducted by authorized inspection facilities in Japan. Most non-Japanese market vehicles will require modifications to pass.

  • Where to get it: Authorised vehicle inspection centres (Shaken centres).

  • Permits: No specific import permit is usually required from a UK authority before shipping, beyond the necessary export de-registration. However, obtaining approvals or understanding modification requirements from Japanese authorities before shipping is highly advisable.

• Import Agent: Engaging a Japanese import agent is strongly recommended. They can assist with navigating the complex Shaken process, customs clearance, and registration.

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

Accurate and complete documentation is critical for a smooth process.

UK Export Documentation:

• V5C logbook (original — de-register with DVLA before shipping; you will receive a Certificate of Export)
• Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner
• Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old
• Purchase invoice or proof of ownership
• Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form

Japan Import Documentation:

• Bill of Lading (BOL):

• Certificate of Export: Original UK de-registration document.

• Purchase Invoice: To determine customs value.

• Japanese Customs Declaration Form: (To be completed upon arrival).

• Proof of Ownership:

• Vehicle Inspection Certificate (Shaken): Obtained after passing the Japanese inspection.

• Weight Certificate: May be required.

• Temporary Import Permit / CPD: For temporary imports.

• ToR Application Approval: If claiming relocation concessions.

Ship Cars Ltd. will manage UK export documentation and provide the BOL. We strongly advise using a Japanese import agent for navigating the complex import, inspection, and registration process in Japan.

Can I Ship an Electric or Classic Car to Japan?

Electric vehicles cannot travel via RoRo to Japan — maritime safety regulations prohibit EVs on roll-on/roll-off vessels. EVs must be shipped by dedicated container only. A hazard surcharge of £295 applies and the battery must be charged below 40–50% at loading. In Japan, imported EVs must pass the Shaken inspection covering battery safety systems. Japan has a growing collector market for classic and performance EVs — contact our team for current EV container availability to Japanese ports.

Why Ship a Vehicle to Japan?

While Japan is a major car manufacturer, there are reasons individuals and businesses ship vehicles to Japan:

• Importing Specific Models: Bringing in classic European or American cars, unique performance vehicles, or models not available in Japan.

• Personal Relocation: Individuals moving to Japan for work or residency may wish to bring their personal vehicle.

• Specialised Vehicles: Exporting unique or specialised vehicles for specific purposes or collections.

• Investment: Importing certain vehicles that may hold or increase in value in the Japanese market.

Duty and Tax When Importing into Japan

Importing a vehicle into Japan involves several costs:

• Customs Duty: This varies depending on the vehicle’s engine size and type. For passenger cars, rates can range from 0% to around 15%.

• Import Consumption Tax: This is equivalent to VAT and is currently 10%. It is calculated on the sum of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value plus the Customs Duty.

• Automobile Tax: An annual tax levied based on engine displacement.

• Automobile Weight Tax: A tax based on the vehicle’s weight.

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Tax: If applicable.

• Scrappage Tax: A tax applicable to older vehicles being de-registered.

Concessions: For individuals relocating permanently to Japan with their personal vehicle, duty exemptions may be available under specific ToR-like schemes, but these require strict adherence to rules and prior approval.

Estimated Costs and Transit Time

Transit from UK ports to Yokohama takes approximately 40–55 days. Kobe and Tokyo (Nagoya) take approximately 40–55 days depending on routing and shipping line. Contact our team for current sailing schedules.

Estimated Shipping Costs:

• Small Car (e.g., Golf) via RoRo: £1860.

• Large Car (e.g., Range Rover) via Container: £2121. (These prices are indicative port-to-port costs and do not include Japanese duties, taxes, inspection fees, modification costs, or local charges in Japan. Contact us for a precise, tailored quote.)

Cost Breakdown: What Contributes to the Price?

The total cost of shipping your car to Japan includes several key components:

• UK Port Fees: Handling, terminal, and documentation charges at the UK departure port.

• Ocean Freight: The base cost of sea transport via RoRo or container.

• Insurance: Premium for optional marine cargo insurance.

• Container Fees (if applicable): Rental and handling for shared or dedicated containers.

• Japanese Port Fees: Charges at Japanese ports (Yokohama, Kobe, Tokyo) for handling, storage, and customs processing.

• Customs Duties and Taxes: Levied by Japan Customs based on vehicle type, value, and origin.

• Inspection & Modification Costs: The significant cost associated with passing the Japanese Shaken test, including potential modifications.

• Agent Fees: If using a Japanese import agent for customs clearance, inspection, and registration.

• Documentation Fees: For Bills of Lading, export/import declarations, etc.

Vehicle Registration in Japan (Shaken)

The process of registering an imported vehicle in Japan is complex and mandatory for legal road use.

1. Import Procedures: Customs clearance and payment of duties/taxes.

2. Vehicle Inspection (Shaken): The vehicle must pass a rigorous inspection at an authorised facility. This is where most imported vehicles require modifications to meet Japanese safety and emissions standards (e.g., lighting, emissions, speedometer).

3. Acquire Necessary Documents: Including the inspection certificate (Shaken Sho), weight certificate, and proof of insurance.

4. Registration: Submit all documents to the relevant transport branch office (Un’yu Shijo) to obtain Japanese number plates and final registration.

Engaging a reputable Japanese import agent is crucial for successfully navigating the Shaken process and all import formalities.

Ship Cars Ltd.: Your Partner for Shipping to Japan

Ship Cars Ltd. offers expert guidance and reliable services for shipping your vehicle from the UK to Japan.

• Specialised Services: RoRo, Shared Container, and Dedicated Container options to suit your needs.

• Global Network: Extensive experience in international car shipping routes.

• Transparent Pricing: Clear cost breakdowns to help you budget effectively.

• Expert Guidance: We provide support and advice throughout the shipping process.

Essential Resources:

• For secure and versatile transport options: International Container Shipping

• Learn how to prepare your vehicle: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping and Preparing Your Car for Export

• Avoid common shipping mistakes: Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping

• Ensure your vehicle’s safety during transit: How to Avoid Damage with International Shipping Contact Ship Cars Ltd. today for a detailed quote and expert consultation on shipping your car to Japan. We are committed to making your international vehicle export a success.

Contact Ship Cars Ltd today for a detailed quote and expert consultation on shipping your car to Japan. We are committed to making your international vehicle export a success. Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Japan

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Japan?
RoRo shipping from the UK to Yokohama or Kobe starts from £1860 for a standard car (e.g. VW Golf). Large vehicles via dedicated container start from approximately £2121.These prices cover UK port to Japanese port sea freight only. Japanese customs duty, Consumption Tax (10%), Shaken inspection and modification costs, and agent fees are all payable separately in Japan.

Q: How long does car shipping from the UK to Japan take?
Transit from the UK to Yokohama takes approximately 40–55 days, with weekly sailings. Including UK collection and Shaken inspection/registration in Japan, allow 3–4 months total before the vehicle is registered and on the road in Japan — Shaken compliance and modifications can take 4–12 weeks.

Q: Can I drive my UK right-hand drive car in Japan?
Yes. Japan drives on the left — UK right-hand drive cars are fully road-legal in Japan without any steering conversion. The primary compliance requirement is passing the Japanese Shaken (車検) vehicle inspection, which may require modifications to lighting, speedometer, and emissions systems, but not to steering configuration.

Q: What is the Shaken (車検) inspection and what does it involve?
The Shaken is Japan’s mandatory vehicle inspection required to register any imported vehicle for road use. It tests roadworthiness, safety, and emissions. Most UK vehicles require modifications to pass: headlight beam adjustment, speedometer conversion to km/h, emissions testing, and potentially other changes. Costs range from £150–£3,000+ depending on modifications required. Allow 4–12 weeks and use a reputable Japanese import agent who specialises in imported vehicles.

Q: What duty and tax will I pay when shipping a car to Japan?
Standard UK passenger cars attract 0% customs duty in Japan. The main tax is the Consumption Tax at 10% of the vehicle’s CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Additional annual taxes include Automobile Tax (based on engine displacement) and Automobile Weight Tax (based on vehicle weight). These are payable upon registration in Japan, not at customs clearance.

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