Importing cars from Japan to the UK has become increasingly popular in recent years, but is it really worth it? With a vast array of Japanese cars available in the UK market, what benefits are there to importing one?
In short, the answer is yes. Japanese cars have a reputation for being reliable, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for UK drivers. Not only that, but importing a car from Japan can offer a wider range of models and specifications than those available in the UK.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of importing a car from Japan, including the process involved, the costs, and any potential pitfalls to be aware of. We will also hear from industry experts on the subject, providing valuable insights into the world of importing cars from Japan to the UK. So, without further ado, let's dive into the exciting world of importing cars from Japan.
From technology to durability or efficiency to reliability- Japanese vehicles are perfect in every way. Including developed countries like the UK, USA, Russia etc., Japanese cars are exported in almost every country. Every year a large number of vehicles get imported to the UK from Japan. As this is a long and complicated process, you need to know some rules & provisions to import a car from Japan to UK.
How to import a car from Japan to UK
If you are in the market for a car and want something unique, importing a car from Japan to the UK might be the most suitable option for you. You may feel overwhelmed if you are unfamiliar with how to import a car. This article will guide you through the process of importing a car from Japan to the UK, from finding the right car to shipping it across the ocean and registering it in the UK.
Car import from Japan to UK is not that hard. But you need to handle a lot of paperwork. As several countries in the UK are strict about ensuring safe and environment-friendly vehicles on the roads, you must select your car carefully.
The following steps will help you to reach some knowledge about car import from Japan to UK -
1. Select a car to purchase
You can choose a vehicle via an auction sheet where they show Japanese used cars for sale. They have a good selection of quality vehicles for your purchase.
The Grading system will help you to ascertain the situation of a used car. Popular brands like - Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, etc., have numerous designs and choices of vehicles.
2. Finding a reliable and reputable exporter
Not all exporters and owners are honest. When buying a used car, you need to check if they have all the necessary vehicle registration documents. When you are purchasing a vehicle from an exporter, check if they have a membership of JUMVEA or JETRO.
3. After buying to arrange for shipping
Select the nearest shipping port from your location. Bristol, Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tilbury are some popular shipping ports in the UK. Inform HMRC about your car. You can do this after your vehicle arrives but within 14 days after shipping. Otherwise, you won't be able to register the vehicle hassle-free. If it's an eclectic car, there's no need to inform HMRC.
4. Driver & Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA)
It must pass the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to ensure safety standards on public roads.
5. Customs document in UK
● Bill of Landing.
● Driving license which DVLA issues
● Papers of ownership
● Motor insurance document
● Proof of address
● Deregistration certificate
6. Pay Import Taxes and Duties
The import duty is 10 per cent of the price you paid. Other fees you have to pay are- 20 per cent of the prize for import vat, recycling & auction fees, UK customs clearance & port fees. But not all these fees are mandatory. The costs could be reduced or cut in some terms.
7. Register the car
If the vehicle is ten years old, it has to go through MOT filling in a V55/5. If it's below ten years, it needs an SVA certificate. If it's below three years old, it needs an IVA test.
8. Enjoy Your New Car
Once your car has been registered, MOT tested, and modified (if necessary), you're ready to hit the road and enjoy your new car. Importing a car from Japan to the UK can be a complicated process, but by following these steps, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly. Whether you're looking for a unique car or just want to try something new, importing a car from Japan can be a great option.
Reasons to import cars from Japan to UK
There are many benefits of importing cars from Japan to UK. You may already know many of them. Here are some top reasons to buy a car from Japan to UK -
1. As most Japanese people drive on the left, Japanese cars are outfitted as right-hand-drive vehicles. Which means the steering wheel is on the right. So you won't have to pay an expensive bill to re-fit the wheel to drive it on UK roads.
2. Reliable Japanese car brands manufacture cars with great functions and facilities. They provide the latest technology and ensure a comfortable ride. You can barely find any automakers with this much multiplication. And all the companies offer the cars with benefits at a very cheap rate.
3. Japanese cars mostly get sold by car auctions. Japanese car auction in UK has pretty good service when it comes to purchasing and shipping vehicles. They will take a minimum vat deposit for vehicles with auction bids and authorize the car without issues.
4. The vehicle will be imported by car dealers from outside the EU. So, you have to pay tax and other shipping costs. But the import tax from Japan to the UK is not expensive at all. Sometimes, they reduce the register, auction, or transport fees when one buys a car from an auction.
Few problems for car import from Japan to UK
When you're importing a car from another country, you may face some problems in onrush. The repairs and maintenance might be a struggle. Some car parts may need to be ordered from Japan. If the shipment takes a long time, you can do nothing to use or repair the car temporarily. The break may feel different & the paint may not be durable as the vehicles are made for another climate.
Cost for car import from Japan to UK
The cost of importing cars from Japan to UK varies on different affairs. You have to pay some fees in Japan, and some in the UK.
Total costs for importing a car from Japan to UK will include -
- Car purchase fees
- Export & import taxes
- Shipping, Import duty
- Customs, Auction fees
- Exporting agents commission
- Transport fees
For MOT & IVA tests, you have to pay a small amount. The price for an imported car can increase or decrease according to the factors like distance from the origin & destination ports, ocean transit, or the car's model. So if you compute the overall cost of import from Japan to UK, the amount is significant.
How long it takes to import a car from Japan to the UK
Importing a car from Japan to the UK has to go through a lot of processes & formalities. So it may take some time to complete the beadledom. Generally, it takes 8-10 weeks to import cars. It may take longer if any unexpected issues arrive; otherwise, shipment timing will not change.
Best cars to import from Japan to UK
Though all brands of Japanese cars have the best quality & fancy outlooks, some vehicles are specifically popular in the UK. Top selling used cars in the UK are-
- Toyota Alpha
- Toyota Prius Alpha
- Subaru Impreza Wrx
- Nissan Skyline
- Nissan Elgrand
- Toyota Estima
- Honda N BOX
Auction & Grading learning for car import from Japan to UK
A Japanese car auction is a process where they show you numerous types and designs of cars according to your needs. Every year almost 9 million vehicles are sold through auction worldwide. Some of the best Japanese auction houses are- USS, TAA, ARAI, JAA, BAYAUC, CAA, ASNET Auction House.The grading system is where they describe the physical condition of a Japanese used car briefly. Overseas buyers who want to purchase a low-priced car can observe the shape of a used car through this system & buy one of them which they think they can operate for several years.
The Japanese car auction and grading system are pretty popular among overseas buyers. They monitor the catalogue of the cars through auction, peruse the vehicle's physical condition, and buy it at a reasonable price.
Choosing vehicles from a Japanese car auction in UK
A Japanese car auction in UK is an excellent way to lookup for your desired vehicles. There are many reliable Japanese car brands from which you can choose your car. As there are too many options, it's hard to pick one among them. So you can set specific criteria for the car you want to purchase. It'll be their duty to show you that type of vehicle. Also, put your purpose, budget & maintenance cost on the scheme. Add your shipping port & if you want a right-hand or left-hand car. As they manufacture both right-hand or left-hand vehicles, it'll be easier to show them.
Car auctions will also describe which car will be helpful for a large or small family, which one is better for long-term usage, which one is best for a long trip & which one is perfect for safe driving. You need to explain the category.
Necessary documents for car imports from Japan to UK
There are plenty of documents you will need from time to time for importing a vehicle. Every step requires different types of documents. You will need some papers when the car arrives in a Japanese port, other documents in customs clearance, and others in the payment process.
These are some necessary papers for car import from Japan to UK you have to ready for customs clearance-
- Bill of Lading
- Proof of ownership
- Foreign registration
- Proof of original identification.
- Trader's Unique Reference Number (TURN)
- CBP clearance certificate, Marine Insurance Industrial License, Letter of credit are also required.
Car Import duties and taxes in UK for imported cars
The import duties and taxes vary depending on the imported vehicles.
Private imports could cost £50.00 flat rate of import duty if you can show the letter of origin to prove country of manufacture. It's overall 10% import duty and 20% vat for commercial and personal imports for non-EC manufactured cars.
For pickup trucks, it will be 22% import duty and 20% vat. Some mini trucks can be classified as car imports, securing a lower import rate of duty.
Car registration in the UK after importing from Japan
In the UK, you have to register your car if you have-
- Bought it
- Imported it
- Built it
- Re-built it
For registration, you have to fill-up the form and send it to DVLA. You have to send the paper depending on your circumstances. DVLA may inspect your vehicle if it exists & if the logbook is in your name. Then they will update records if you have made some changes in the car.
You may have to spend £55 for the first time you register or tax the vehicle. It must not be in cash, Either pay by check or postal card.
You will need extra documents when you want to register a foreign car in UK.
These documents are needed for your car registration when you do car import from Japan to UK -
- Original copy for vehicle approval proof.
- Declaration paper for your newly registered vehicle.
- Invoice from the Japanese supplier.
- Original Japanese registration certificate.
Conclusion
So, these are the ins and outs of the information you need to know to import a car from Japan to UK. Though this is a long-term process and you have to deal with a lot of paperwork, you will feel relieved to import a quality car at a cheap rate once all the process is completed. If you think the import process is too difficult to handle, you can import the car from the Next Drive. We will provide you with authentic information about your aimed car & make the importation process easier for you.
Importing a car from Japan to the UK can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a straightforward process. From finding the right car to registering it in the UK, each step requires careful planning and attention to detail. However, this guide will assist you in importing a car from Japan to the UK.
