Importing a car from Japan may get you a unique, high-quality vehicle that you can’t find at your local garage. However, to ensure that your car officially meets the standards for safe driving, you must adhere to strict rules and laws. Knowing these rules in advance will save you time, money and legal trouble.
Importing Japanese cars to the UK: the basics
Anyone who imports a Japanese car to the UK is essentially importing a car to the UK that was not made in the UK or approved for the UK market. This means that the car must meet certain standards in terms of safety, pollution and registration. Whether you are importing a car to the UK for your own use, to sell or to receive, the first step is to find a suitable vehicle and arrange for transportation.
Approval of vehicle type and age
The age of the car is one of the first factors that you need to consider. Vehicles under 10 years old must undergo an Individual Vehicle Inspection (IVA) to demonstrate that they meet UK safety and environmental regulations. The tests include brakes, lights, seat belts and emissions tests. Older vehicles are exempt from the Individual Vehicle Inspection (IVA) but must still undergo an MOT test before they can be driven on the road.
Import duty and VAT
Once a vehicle arrives in the UK, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) must be notified. You will need to pay VAT and import duty. The exact rate depends on the type of vehicle, shipping costs and insurance. Normally, import duty is 10% and VAT is 20%, but there are exceptions, for example if you are importing a rare car that is over 30 years old and still in its original condition.
How to register with the DVLA
The Japanese car you are bringing into the UK must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) before you can drive it. You will need to provide proof of UK insurance, a valid MOT test certificate, IVA or age-related approval and proof of tax payment. The original Japanese deregistration certificate will need to be translated into English. If all goes well, you will receive a UK driving licence booklet (V5C) from the UK Vehicle Registration Authority (DVLA).
Vehicle modifications and compliance
Many Japanese products require minor modifications to comply with UK road rules. This usually involves changing the clock from kilometres to miles, adjusting the headlights for left-hand traffic and checking that the rear fog lights are in the correct position and working properly. Once these modifications have been made, an MOT or IVA test will need to be carried out. Some importers choose to carry out these modifications themselves, while others hire a professional to do it for you.
Thoughts on insurance
Insuring an imported Japanese car can be trickier than insuring a local car. Some UK insurers are reluctant to insure foreign cars, believing them to be more dangerous and expensive to repair. The good news is that there are insurance companies that specialise in covering imported Japanese cars and offer comprehensive insurance. Prior to finalizing your import, it would be advisable to obtain quotes from several providers to prevent any unexpected issues later on.
Environmental and Emission Zones
Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs) are becoming more common in major cities such as London. You must ensure that your foreign vehicle meets pollution standards. If you have an older Japanese car that does not meet Euro 4 or Euro 6 standards, you may have to pay a daily surcharge. This is especially true for high performance models. Always check the pollution levels of your vehicle and consider how this could impact your driving freedom in certain locations.
When to Use an Import Agent
If the import process is too complicated, many car enthusiasts use a professional import dealer. These experts do everything from finding the vehicle in Japan to sending it to the HMRC and the DVLA (Department of Vehicles), where they review all the necessary documentation and prepare the vehicle for inspection and registration. This service is more expensive, but it makes everything go a lot smoother, especially for first-time importers.
Last Thoughts: Get Ready Before You Import
Bringing a Japanese car into the UK can be a fun way to enjoy a high-quality car with a unique look and performance. But to keep things simple, it’s important to carefully follow the UK’s import rules. From paying taxes to making sure you follow safety rules and register, every step is important. If you do your research and follow the rules, importing a Japanese car can be a quick and easy process that gives you a unique ride on British roads.
