Import a car from Japan to the UK

Posted on by

Let us look at the steps to importing a Japanese car to the UK. Models like the Toyota Prius and Toyota Estima are very popular for import to the UK. Lower costs (including shipping) make importing to the UK an attractive option.

On UK arrival your car will be customs cleared by your shipping agent and NOVA applied for. Tax and duty is then paid directly to HMRC. You will then receive a NOVA letter confirming taxes and duty have been paid. Your vehicle can then be registered.

The DVLA will require an MOT certificate and the original Japanese Export Certificate in order to register and tax your vehicle. Vehicles under 10 years will also require an IVA Test. To apply for the IVA Test simply complete the form (IVA 1C). With your application select the tick box category ‘R’ (Normal IVA) and upload the Japanese Export Certificate.

To pass the IVA Test some Modifications may need to be made to the vehicle. For example, speedometer and rear fog lights.

Source: ShipMyCar