01 — Key details
Destination port
Yokohama / Osaka
Transit time
35–42 days
Local currency
JPY
Available methods
Container, RoRo
How it works
We source your vehicle from UK auctions or dealers
Full inspection, export documentation and DVLA notification
Vehicle shipped from UK port to Yokohama / Osaka
You receive all documents and updates throughout
Vehicle cleared and delivered to your door
03 — Local import rules
What you need to know about importing to Japan.
Japan drives on the left and uses right-hand drive vehicles — so UK cars are immediately compatible with Japanese driving standards. However, Japan is overwhelmingly a vehicle exporter rather than importer, and UK car imports represent a specialist, low-volume route primarily used for rare, classic, or prestige vehicles.
Right-hand drive
Yes — UK RHD vehicles match Japan's left-hand traffic standard
Maximum vehicle age
No age limit
Required documentation
Import/duty declaration form (C-5020) · Commercial invoice · Bill of Lading · Freight account · Statement of premium charges · Vehicle Customs Clearance Certificate (form C-8050, required for registration) · Proof of undercarriage cleaning (biosecurity requirement)
Customs duty
0% — Japan has abolished customs duties on imported passenger vehicles
VAT / local tax
10% Japanese Consumption Tax (on customs value + duty + specified excise charges)
Registration cost
Requires registration with local Land Transportation Office (運輸支局) following customs clearance and shaken (車検) inspection; costs vary significantly by vehicle age, weight and engine size
Roadworthiness inspection
Yes — mandatory shaken (車検) roadworthiness and emissions inspection; includes safety checks and emissions testing to Japanese standards; vehicles over 10 years have relaxed emissions thresholds
Notable restrictions
Undercarriage must be professionally steam-cleaned before shipment to meet Japanese biosecurity requirements. This is a specialist import route — parts availability for UK models in Japan is limited. Low import volume means clearing agents with specific UK-to-Japan experience are important.
Port clearance time
Variable; no standard published timeline — dependent on port and documentation completeness
Buyer note
0% customs duty is advantageous, but budget for 10% consumption tax, shaken inspection costs, and potentially limited parts availability for UK models in Japan — this is a route best suited to rare or classic vehicles.
Sources
Information last researched 13 May 2026. Import regulations and duty rates change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with the destination country's customs authority before shipment. Damianos Auto Exports provides current verification as part of our export service.
04 — Ready to begin
Start your Japan export.
Tell us what you need and we'll handle everything from sourcing to delivery.
Request a vehicle