Yokohama to UK

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

Ship Cars Ltd. specialises in efficient and affordable car shipping services from Yokohama, Japan, to the United Kingdom. As one of Japan’s busiest ports, Yokohama is a key hub for international vehicle exports. We offer comprehensive shipping solutions to major UK ports, including Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool, and Teesport. Whether you’re importing a sought-after Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model, a contemporary vehicle, or a classic car, our expertise ensures your vehicle arrives safely and in compliance with all UK regulations. Our services include Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), shared container, and dedicated container shipping.

Our Shipping Services from Yokohama to the UK

We provide a range of options to suit your specific needs and budget:

• Cost: For a small car, prices start from approximately £1200 for a shared container service.

• Cost: A 40ft High Cube container, which can accommodate up to 5 cars, starts from approximately £3200.

•  Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options. 

Importing a Car from Japan to the UK: Regulations

The UK has specific regulations governing the import of vehicles to ensure they meet domestic standards.

1. Permanent Import:

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

  • Lighting: Adjustment of headlight aim and the addition of a rear fog light are frequently necessary.

  • Speedometer: Must display speed in miles per hour (MPH), often requiring conversion or replacement.

  • Emissions: Compliance with current Euro emissions standards applicable at the time of first registration.

• Age Restrictions: While there are no strict age limits for importing cars, the registration process and associated testing requirements can vary significantly for vehicles over 10 years old.

• Relevant Authorities:

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

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

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

    • Website: GOV.UK – HMRC

2. Transfer of Residence (ToR):

• Eligibility: This scheme allows individuals permanently relocating their residence to the UK from Japan to import their personal vehicle without paying Import Duty and VAT. To qualify:

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

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

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

• Documentation: Comprehensive proof of ownership, usage history, residency status, and visa/residency permit information is mandatory.

• Authorisation: An application for ToR must be submitted to HMRC and approved before the vehicle arrives in the UK. Failure to get prior approval can negate the exemption.

• Compliance: Regardless of ToR status, the vehicle must still meet all UK roadworthiness and emissions standards.

3. Temporary Importation:

• Purpose: For non-residents bringing a vehicle into the UK for tourism, specific events, or temporary work assignments.

• Documentation: Typically requires a temporary import license or a Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) issued by an authorised motoring organisation.

• Duration: The vehicle must be re-exported from the UK within a specified period, usually up to 12 months.

• Restrictions: The vehicle is strictly prohibited from being sold, modified, or used for commercial purposes within the UK during its temporary stay.

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

Inspections and Permits for UK Imports from Yokohama

• Customs Declaration: Upon arrival at a UK port, all vehicles must be declared to HMRC. This involves submitting an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

• Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Test: For most vehicles imported from Japan that were not originally manufactured to UK/EU specifications, an IVA test is mandatory. This is conducted by the DVSA. The test assesses various aspects, including:

  • Braking system

  • Lighting (headlights, rear lights, indicators, fog lights)

  • Speedometer (MPH requirement)

  • Emissions

  • Noise levels

  • Structural integrity Modifications are often required to pass the IVA test.

• Vehicle Approval Certificate: Successfully passing the IVA test results in a certificate, which is a prerequisite for registering the vehicle with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

• National Motor Museum (NMM) Approval: For vehicles that are 10 years old or more, an NMM approval may be an alternative to the full IVA test, particularly for historic or classic vehicles. This assessment still focuses on roadworthiness.

• MOT Test: Once the vehicle has passed its IVA/NMM inspection and is ready for UK registration, it must pass a standard UK MOT test to confirm its roadworthiness for use on public roads.

• Permits: For permanent imports from Japan, no specific import permits are generally required beyond the successful application and approval for the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme, if applicable.

Required Paperwork: Japan Export & UK Import

Accurate and complete documentation is fundamental to a smooth import process.

Japan Export Documentation:

• Export Certificate (Syako Shomeisho): This is the official Japanese document confirming the vehicle has been deregistered for export.

• Export Declaration: Our agents in Japan will handle the necessary export customs declarations.

• Bill of Lading (BOL): The contract of carriage issued by Ship Cars Ltd.

• Proof of Ownership: This could include the original purchase invoice or relevant de-registration paperwork.

UK Import Documentation:

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

• Japanese Export Certificate / De-registration Documents: The original documents proving export from Japan.

• Purchase Invoice / Proof of Value: Essential for customs valuation.

• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Forms:

  • VT1 Form: Required if applying for Transfer of Residence (ToR) status.

  • Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): The customs declaration for arrival in the UK.

• Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Certificate: Issued upon successful completion of the IVA test.

• MOT Test Certificate: Proof of passing the UK roadworthiness test.

• Passport / Photographic ID: For the importer.

• Proof of UK Address: Utility bills or official correspondence.

Engaging a reputable UK customs broker is highly recommended to navigate the complexities of customs clearance and ensure all requirements are met accurately.

Why Ship a Vehicle from Yokohama to the UK?

Importing vehicles from Japan, particularly from Yokohama, is a popular choice for several reasons:

• Access to JDM Market: Japan is the origin of many highly desirable Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) performance cars, unique models, and classic vehicles that are not officially sold in the UK.

• Engineering Excellence: Japanese vehicles are globally renowned for their exceptional reliability, advanced engineering, and high build quality.

• Unique Specifications: Importing models with specific performance enhancements or features tailored for the Japanese market.

• Investment Potential: Many JDM cars, particularly from the 1980s and 1990s, are appreciating in value and are sought after by collectors in the UK.

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

Duty and Tax on Imports from Japan

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

• Customs Duty: A standard rate of 10% is applied to the customs value of the vehicle. The customs value is generally considered to be the purchase price, plus the cost of shipping and insurance to the UK.

• Import VAT: Currently set at 20%, this is charged on the total of the customs value plus the Customs Duty amount.

• Transfer of Residence (ToR): If you meet the strict eligibility criteria for ToR, you can claim an exemption from paying both Customs Duty and Import VAT. Approval from HMRC is essential before the vehicle arrives.

• Vehicle Approval Fees: Costs associated with any modifications required to pass the IVA test, and the test fee itself.

• MOT Test Fee: The standard fee for the MOT test conducted in the UK.

• Registration Fee: A fee payable to the DVLA for registering the imported vehicle.

• Luxury Car Tax (LCT): If the vehicle’s value exceeds the designated threshold for luxury cars, an additional LCT may apply.

Estimated Costs and Transit Time

Ship Cars Ltd. provides competitive and transparent pricing for shipping your car from Yokohama to the UK.

Estimated Shipping Costs:

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

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

• Dedicated 40ft High Cube Container (up to 5 cars): From £3200. (These prices are indicative port-to-port costs and do not include UK duties, taxes, IVA, IVA testing, MOT, registration fees, or customs clearance charges. Please contact us for a precise, tailored quote.)

Insurance / Risk Coverage:

• Total Loss Cover (Fire/Water Damage): Costs 1% of the vehicle’s value plus the shipping cost.

• Comprehensive Cover: Costs 1.5% of the vehicle’s value plus the shipping cost. This covers cosmetic damage as well.

  • Eligibility: This cover is only available for vehicles that are 10 years old or newer.

  • Condition Report: A condition report is mandatory for comprehensive cover. This report is provided free of charge if Ship Cars Ltd. collects your vehicle. A charge of £35 applies if you deliver the vehicle to us.

Transit Time & Sailing Frequency:

• Transit Time: The journey from Yokohama to the UK typically takes approximately 55 days (port to port).

• Sailing Frequency: We maintain a reliable schedule with approximately four sailings per month, ensuring flexibility in your shipping plans.

Prohibited Items and Shipping Restrictions

When shipping a vehicle from Yokohama to the UK, please adhere to the following:

• Prohibited Items:

  • Flammable materials, explosives, firearms, ammunition.

  • Illegal narcotics or controlled substances.

  • Any items that contravene UK import laws or customs regulations.

• Restrictions:

  • Electric Vehicles: Cannot be shipped via RoRo due to safety regulations. They must be transported via container, which may incur a hazard surcharge (e.g., £295).

  • Personal Belongings: Not permitted inside vehicles shipped via RoRo. Personal effects can be shipped within containers, but you must comply with UK customs regulations regarding imported goods and declare all items.

  • Fuel: Vehicles must have minimal fuel in the tank, typically no more than one-quarter (1/4) full.

  • Non-Operational Vehicles: Vehicles that cannot be driven cannot be shipped using the RoRo service. Container shipping (shared or dedicated) is the required method.

Cost Breakdown: Understanding Your Shipping Quote

The total cost of shipping your car from Yokohama to the UK is influenced by several key components:

• Japanese Port Fees: Charges for handling, terminal services, and documentation at the departure port in Yokohama.

• Ocean Freight: The base cost of sea transportation, determined by vessel space and route.

• Insurance: The premium for optional marine insurance coverage.

• UK Port Fees: Charges levied by the UK arrival port for handling, storage, and customs processing.

• Documentation Fees: Costs associated with preparing export and import customs declarations.

• Customs Clearance Fees: Charges for a customs broker’s services in the UK, if employed.

• Cleaning: Fees may apply if cleaning is required for quarantine purposes (less common from Japan) or for the condition report.

(Please note: Duties, taxes (Import VAT), IVA testing, MOT test fees, and DVLA registration fees are separate costs payable directly to the relevant UK authorities.)

Vehicle Registration in the UK After Import

The process for registering an imported vehicle in the UK differs based on its age:

• Vehicles Newer Than 10 Years: These typically require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test. This comprehensive test ensures the vehicle meets all current UK safety, environmental, and noise regulations. Modifications to lighting, speedometers, and emissions systems are often necessary.

• Vehicles 10 Years or Older: For older vehicles, the National Motor Museum (NMM) approval can often serve as an alternative to the full IVA test. This assessment focuses on the vehicle’s roadworthiness and structural integrity, though DVSA officers still conduct thorough checks.

• Universal Requirements: Regardless of age, after obtaining the necessary approval certificate (IVA or NMM) and paying all import duties and taxes, you must:

  1. Register the vehicle with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

  2. Obtain UK number plates.

  3. Pass a UK MOT test to confirm its roadworthiness for UK roads.

Ship Cars Ltd.: Your Trusted Partner for Yokohama to UK Shipping

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

• Extensive Experience: Deep knowledge of Japanese export procedures and UK import regulations.

• Competitive Pricing: Transparent and cost-effective shipping solutions.

• Flexible Shipping Methods: RoRo, shared container, and dedicated container options to suit your needs.

• Full Support: Guidance through every stage of the import process, from Yokohama to your UK doorstep.

Useful 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 pitfalls: 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 personalised quote and expert advice on shipping your car from Yokohama to the UK. We are committed to making your international car import experience seamless and successful.

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