Japan to UK Shipping

Shipping Your Car from Japan to the UK | Expert Services | Ship Cars Ltd.

Ship Cars Ltd. specialises in seamless and cost-effective car shipping from Japan to the United Kingdom, serving major UK ports including Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool, and Teesport. Whether you’re importing a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model, a brand-new vehicle, or a classic car, our comprehensive services ensure your vehicle arrives safely and efficiently. We offer flexible shipping options, including Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), shared container, and dedicated container services, catering to all your import needs.

Our Services for Shipping Cars from Japan to the UK

We provide a range of shipping methods to suit your vehicle and budget:

At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective to Less than Container load (LCL), perfect for when you are looking to load your car when shipping and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.  

• Cost: For a 40ft High Cube container, prices start from approximately £3200, allowing up to 5 cars to be loaded.

Importing a Car into the UK from Japan: Rules and Regulations

Importing a vehicle from Japan into the UK involves specific customs procedures and compliance checks.

1. Permanent Import:

• Vehicle Standards: All vehicles imported into the UK must comply with UK vehicle safety and emissions standards. Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles often require modifications to meet UK regulations, such as:

  • Lighting: Headlights and rear lights may need adjustment.

  • Speedometer: Must be able to display speed in miles per hour (MPH).

  • Fog Lights: Rear fog lights are mandatory.

  • Emissions: Compliance with European/UK emissions standards.

• Age Restrictions: There are no strict age limits for importing cars, but the registration process and associated requirements can differ.

• Authorities:

  • Department for Transport (DfT) / Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA): Oversees vehicle type approval and roadworthiness.

    • Website: GOV.UK – Importing a vehicle into the UK

  • His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC): Manages customs, duties, and taxes.

    • Website: GOV.UK – HMRC

    • Pre-Shipping Checklist for RoRo, LCL, and FCL Shipments
    • Collection Service: Trade Plate Driven, Open and Enclosed Transport
    • Pre-Shipping Checklist for RoRo, LCL, and FCL Shipments
    • Marine Insurance for Vehicle Shipping: Comprehensive Coverage Options and Pricing

2. Transfer of Residence (ToR):

• Eligibility: If you are relocating permanently to the UK from Japan, you may be eligible to import your personal vehicle without paying Import Duty and VAT. Key conditions include:

  • You must have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months prior to your move.

  • You must be moving your residence to the UK and intend to stay for at least 12 months.

  • The vehicle must be for your personal use and cannot be sold or transferred for at least 12 months after import.

• Documentation: Requires proof of ownership, usage history, residency status, and visa information.

• Authorisation: An application for ToR must be submitted to HMRC and approved before the vehicle arrives in the UK.

• Compliance: Even with ToR, the vehicle must meet UK roadworthiness and emissions standards.

3. Temporary Importation:

• Purpose: For tourism, specific events, or temporary stays.

• Documentation: A temporary import license or a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) may be required.

• Duration: Typically limited to 12 months.

• Restrictions: The vehicle cannot be sold, modified, or used for commercial purposes in the UK during the temporary import period.

Inspections and Permits for UK Imports from Japan

• Customs Declaration: All vehicles imported into the UK must be declared to HMRC upon arrival.

• Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Test: Most vehicles imported from Japan that were not originally built to UK/EU specifications will need to undergo an IVA test. This is administered by the DVSA to ensure compliance with UK road safety and emissions standards. Modifications may be necessary.

• Vehicle Approval Certificate: Upon successful completion of the IVA test, you will receive a certificate required for UK registration.

• National Motor Museum (NMM) Approval: For vehicles older than 10 years, an NMM approval might be an alternative to the IVA test.

• MOT Test: Once the vehicle is registered with the DVLA, it will need to pass an MOT test to be legally driven on UK roads.

• Permits: No specific import permits are generally required for permanent imports from Japan, beyond the ToR approval if applicable.

Required Paperwork: Japan Export & UK Import

Accurate documentation is crucial for a smooth import process.

Japan Export Documentation:

• Export Certificate (Syako Shomeisho): Proof of Japanese deregistration and export.

• Exportations Declaration: Handled by our agents in Japan.

• Bill of Lading: Issued by Ship Cars Ltd.

• Proof of Ownership: Such as the original purchase invoice or de-registration papers.

UK Import Documentation:

• Bill of Lading (BOL): Issued by Ship Cars Ltd.

• Japanese Export Certificate / De-registration Documents:

• Purchase Invoice / Proof of Value:

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Forms:

  • VT1: If applying for Transfer of Residence (ToR).

  • Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): For customs.

• Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Certificate: If applicable.

• MOT Test Certificate: Obtained after UK registration.

• Passport / Photographic ID:

  For the importer.

• Proof of UK Address:

Using a reputable UK customs broker is highly recommended to manage the import procedures effectively.

Why Ship a Car from Japan to the UK?

Importing vehicles from Japan is popular for several compelling reasons:

• JDM Performance & Styling: Japan is renowned for its high-performance and uniquely styled vehicles (JDM imports) that are often sought after in the UK.

• Reliability & Quality: Japanese cars are globally recognised for their engineering, reliability, and build quality.

• Exclusive Models: Access to models and specifications not available in the UK or European markets.

• Classic & Rare Cars: Importing sought-after Japanese classic cars and performance models from the 80s and 90s.

• Relocation: Individuals moving from Japan to the UK often wish to bring their personal vehicles.

Duty and Tax When Importing into the UK

Importing a vehicle from Japan into the UK typically involves Customs Duty and Import VAT.

• Customs Duty: A standard rate of 10% is applied to the customs value of the vehicle (which includes the purchase price, shipping, and insurance costs).

• Import VAT: A 20% VAT is charged on the customs value plus the Customs Duty.

• Transfer of Residence (ToR): If you qualify for ToR, you can be exempt from paying Customs Duty and Import VAT. Approval from HMRC is required before the vehicle arrives.

• Vehicle Approval Fees: Costs associated with modifications and the IVA test.

• MOT Test Fee: Standard fee for the MOT test.

• Registration Fee: Paid to the DVLA upon registering the vehicle in the UK.

• Potential for LCT: If the vehicle exceeds the luxury car tax threshold, additional Luxury Car Tax may apply.

Estimated Costs and Transit Time

Ship Cars Ltd. offers competitive pricing for shipping your car from Japan to the UK.

Estimated Costs:

• Small Car (e.g., Golf): Starting from £1400 (RoRo), £1200 (Shared Container).

• Dedicated 40ft HC Container (up to 5 cars): From £3200. (These are indicative costs from Japanese port to UK port and do not include duties, taxes, IVA, IVA testing, or UK registration fees. Contact us for a precise quote.)

Insurance / Risk Coverage:

• Total Loss Cover (Fire/Water Damage): 1% of vehicle value + shipping cost.

• Comprehensive Cover: 1.5% of vehicle value + shipping cost. Covers cosmetic damage as well.

  • Condition: Vehicle cannot be older than 10 years. A condition report is required.

  • Condition Report: Free if Ship Cars Ltd. collects your vehicle; £35 if you deliver it to us.

Transit Time & Frequency:

• Transit Time: Approximately 55 days (port to port).

• Sailing Frequency: Approximately four sailings per month.

What’s Not Allowed (Prohibited Items & Restrictions)

• Prohibited Items:

  • Flammable materials, explosives, weapons, ammunition.

  • Illegal substances.

  • Items that contravene UK import laws.

• Restrictions:

  • Electric Vehicles: Not allowed on RoRo vessels. Must be shipped via container, potentially with a hazard surcharge (e.g., £295).

  • Personal Belongings: Not permitted in vehicles shipped via RoRo. Can be included in containers, subject to UK customs regulations for imported goods.

  • Fuel: Vehicles must have minimal fuel (less than 1/4 tank).

  • Non-Operational Vehicles: Cannot use RoRo service. Container shipping is required.

Cost Breakdown: What Contributes to the Price?

The overall cost of shipping your car from Japan to the UK comprises:

• Japan Port Fees: Handling and terminal charges at the Japanese departure port.

• Ocean Freight: The core cost of sea transport.

• Insurance: Optional coverage for transit risks.

• UK Port Fees: Charges at the UK arrival port for handling and customs processing.

• Documentation Fees: For export and import declarations.

• UK Customs Clearance: Fees for customs brokerage services, if used.

• Cleaning: If required for quarantine (less common from Japan) or condition reporting.

(Note: Duties, taxes, IVA, IVA testing, MOT, and registration are separate costs payable to HMRC and DVSA/DVLA.)

Vehicle Registration in the UK

Registering your imported vehicle involves different processes depending on its age.

• Vehicles Newer than 10 Years: Generally require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to ensure compliance with current UK safety and emissions standards. Modifications may be necessary.

• Vehicles 10 Years or Older: May be eligible for an National Motor Museum (NMM) approval as an alternative to the full IVA test, especially for classic or historic vehicles. However, DVSA still assesses roadworthiness.

• All Imported Vehicles: After obtaining the necessary approval certificate (IVA or NMM) and paying duties/taxes, you will need to register the vehicle with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and obtain UK number plates. An MOT test is also required before full registration can be completed.

Ship Cars Ltd.: Your Japan to UK Car Shipping Experts

Ship Cars Ltd. provides a comprehensive and reliable service for importing vehicles from Japan to the UK.

• Extensive Network: Strong relationships with shipping lines and ports in both Japan and the UK.

• Transparent Pricing: Clear cost breakdowns and competitive rates.

• Flexible Options: RoRo, shared container, and dedicated container shipping.

• Expert Guidance: Assisting you through every step of the import process, from documentation to UK registration advice.

Explore further resources:

• For secure and versatile transport: International Container Shipping

• Learn essential preparation steps: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping and Preparing Your Car for Export

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

• Ensure safe transit: How to Avoid Damage with International Shipping

Contact Ship Cars Ltd. today to get a personalised quote and discuss your car shipping needs from Japan to the UK. We are dedicated to making your import experience smooth and successful.

We also provide fast and secure import services for car shipping from Yokohama to UK to the UK without any stress or delay.