+81 45-271-7805 admin@washinauto.co.jp
6-100, Aioi-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
+81 45-271-7805
admin@washinauto.co.jp
6-100, Aioi-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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Importing Cars to UK

Complete guide on importing Japanese vehicles directly to UK

Importing a used Japanese car to UK with Washin Auto: choose your vehicle, we prepare the export documents and ship it to your port, then you clear customs and register locally. Age limit: Less Than 10 Years. Typical shipping time: RoRo (24-34 Days).

Year Restriction

Less Than 10 Years

Destination Port

Bristol, Liverpool, Southampton

Time of Shipment

RoRo (24-34 Days)

Vessel Schedule

RoRo (Monthly)

Shipping Line

Mediterranean Shipping Co (UK) Ltd.

Inspection

SVA or IVA

Rules & Regulations

Used Car Import Rules & Regulations in UK

Both Left/Right Hand Drive Vehicles

UK is Right Hand Drive country and can import any steering Left Hand Drive or Right Hand Drive.

Inspection

Japanese used cars must pass the Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Test in order to ensure that the vehicle meets safety standards when used on public roads. To check vehicle’s road-worthiness, compulsory inspection MOT (Ministry Of Transport) is carried out by a Government approved testing center. Every year, vehicles go through MOT test after third year since the vehicle first registration

Duties & Taxes

Used Cars Import Duties And Taxes in UK

Duty

  • 10% on used cars
  • 22% on pick-up and commercial vehicles

VAT

  • The standard VAT rate which is currently 19%.
  • Ownership tax on passenger cars and commercial vehicles based on CO2 emission and weight and axles respectively.

Conditions When Importer Does Not Have To Pay Duty or VAT

Moving Back To The UK

  • The importer has had his home outside the UK for at-least a year.
  • The vehicle must be possessed and used by the importer for at-least 6 months before it is imported.
  • Taxes or duty must be payed by the importer while buying the vehicle.
  • The vehicle must be use for personal work for at-least a year after it is imported.

Importing Previously Exported Vehicle

  • Vehicle must be exported within last 3 years only.
  • Vehicle must not be tampered except necessary repairing.

Non-EU Registered Vehicles

  • The importer should be a non-EU resident.
  • The importer should not sell, lend the vehicle in EU.
  • Use it for personal use only and re-export it after 6 months.

For Registering a Used Car in UK

Test on Vehicles Depending on Their Age

  • Vehicles below 3 years old should pass SVA/ESVA Test only.
  • Vehicles between 3 years and 10 years should pass SVA/ESVA Test along with MOT Test.
  • Vehicles with age more than 10 years should pass MOT Test only.

To register a used vehicle fill the V55/5 form and send it along with the following documents to DVLA:

  • Documents to confirm name such as birth certificate, driving license, passport.
  • Documents to confirm address such as Utility bill, Council tax bill.
  • Motor insurance from a British company.
  • Cost of vehicle tax.
  • Vehicle registration fee.
  • Deregistration Certificate.
  • MOT certificate.
  • Proof of customs clearance.
  • SVA/IVA as vehicle imported from outside the EU.

Documentation

Used Cars Import Documentation in UK

  • Bill of Lading (BOL)
  • Purchasing Invoice from the supplier to show the owner of the vehicle.
  • Deregistration Certificate.
  • Original Identification proof.
  • Trader’s Unique Reference Number (TURN) for Commercial Importers.
  • Driving licence or original document confirming name;
  • Utility bill or other original document to confirm address.
  • Motor insurance from a British company,
  • Original Export Certificate.
  • Translated Export Certificate.
  • Cost of vehicle tax

Import Consultation Request

Our import specialists can guide you through the entire process and ensure compliance with your country's regulations

Import Process Overview

Understanding the step-by-step process of importing a Japanese vehicle

1

Choose Your Vehicle

Browse our inventory and select the perfect Japanese car for your needs

2

Documentation

We help you prepare all necessary export and import documents

3

Shipping & Logistics

Secure shipping arrangements to your destination port

4

Local Clearance

Customs clearance and registration in your country