What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to United Kingdom?

No age limit. All vehicles must pass MOT.

Import Japanese Car to United Kingdom — Complete Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to United Kingdom?

Export Certificate (Japanese Shakken), Bill of Lading, Invoice, NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival), HMRC Customs Entry (C384/C285), MOT certificate

Age Limit

No limit

Import Duty

~27% total

6.5% import duty + 20% VAT

Steering Side

RHD

Right-hand drive. UK drives on the left — ideal for Japanese JDM vehicles.

Transit Time

25–35 days

From Japanese port to United Kingdom

✅ Age Check — No Restriction

United Kingdom has no strict age limit on Japanese car imports. Any year vehicle can be imported (subject to emissions and roadworthy standards).

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Southampton 🚢 Grimsby 🚢 Sheerness

📋 Required Documents

📄Export Certificate (Japanese Shakken)

📄Bill of Lading

📄Invoice

📄NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival)

📄HMRC Customs Entry (C384/C285)

📄MOT certificate

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select RHD vehicle from Japan

Ship to Southampton or Grimsby

Submit NOVA within 14 days of arrival

Pay 6.5% import duty + 20% VAT via HMRC

Convert lights/speedo if needed

Get MOT

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

6.5% import duty + 20% VAT

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in United Kingdom before committing to a purchase.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔Must pass MOT

⛔Sidelights/headlights may need adjustment

⛔Speedometer must show mph

⛔Fog light required

⛔Number plates must meet UK spec

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

MOT test required. Lighting and speedometer conversion may be needed.

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-United Kingdom imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for United Kingdom

UK is a very popular destination for JDM sports cars and collectibles. Post-Brexit the 6.5% duty applies. The NOVA submission is a legal requirement within 14 days of the vehicle arriving in the UK.