EK · EK9 · 1997–2000
Import guides / United Kingdom
Importing a car from Japan to the United Kingdom
There is no age ban. Cars under 10 years old need an IVA test (and possibly modifications); older cars need an MOT and DVLA registration. Most verdicts are therefore “conditional”.
Rule verificationResearched, not broker-confirmed
Last verified Oct 12, 2026
Eligibility
- Under 10 years: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA).
- 10 years and older: MOT test and DVLA registration. A rear fog light and an mph speedometer may be required.
- Historic vehicles (30+ years, original condition) can qualify for reduced rates — confirm with a broker.
What you pay
- Duty on the CIF value: Japanese-built cars can qualify for 0% under the UK–Japan CEPA with proof of origin.
- Import VAT on CIF value plus duty (private imports cannot reclaim it).
- Broker and port fees; IVA testing and modifications for younger cars; first registration fee.
Cars from Japan you can import to the United Kingdom now
Model codes whose production years already meet the import rules for the United Kingdom — part or all of the run. Each model page shows the exact years.
DC2 · 1995–2001
NA1 · 1990–2005
AP1 · 1999–2005
NB · NB8C · 1998–2005
FD · FD3S · 1991–2002
SE · SE3P · 2003–2012
Z16A · 1990–2001
Rules MOTORAVI applies
These are the rules our eligibility check uses today, with their sources.
Duties, taxes and fees in estimates
Import duty (0%, UK–Japan CEPA)
0% of vehicle price + export costs + freight + insurance
Source Not yet broker-verifiedImport duty (10%)
10% of vehicle price + export costs + freight + insurance
Source Not yet broker-verifiedImport duty (0%, historic vehicle)
0% of vehicle price + export costs + freight + insurance
Source Not yet broker-verified
Destination ports
Southampton · Avonmouth (Bristol)