Import cars from Japan to the UK
If you’re a UK dealer looking to import stock from Japan, look no further. Davey Japan are the experts in sourcing the best quality vehicles.
When you work with us, you work with our specialist team who know the Japanese market like the back of our hand. With more than 20 years’ experience exporting Japanese vehicles around the globe, our team can work with you to find the right car and get it shipped to the UK fast.
UK specialists in Japanese car imports
A lot of people imagine Japanese imports as the Gran Turismo hero cars from the 1990’s; the Nissan Skyline, Honda NSX, Mitsubishi Evo generation. However, these days the majority of cars being imported to the UK are much more mainstream. These include MPV’s such as the hugely popular Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Nissan Elgrand and Honda Stepwagon, or European models such as the VW Golf GTI or Mercedes A-Class.
Japan is a huge opportunity for UK dealers to obtain stock, with advantages such as:
- Models: Japanese examples are typically in excellent condition with significantly less risk of rust
- Condition: Japan-supplied models are often petrol or hybrid and automatic - both highly desirable in the current UK market
- Specification: Many can be found in higher specification than their UK equivalents
Contact us today to discuss what's available for import from Japan to the UK.
MPVs are another strong opportunity for UK dealers. The Toyota Alphard, Vellfire, and Nissan Elgrand are consistently popular because they were never officially supplied to the UK market. Available in a wide range of engines, specifications, and 7 or 8 seat configurations, they’re particularly attractive to the family market.
Davey Japan simplifies importing to the UK
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Source
With over 70,000 vehicles exported worldwide in the last 20 years, we know how to find the right stock at the right price. Our purpose-built auction platform gives dealer partners direct access to listings at closed Japanese auction houses – complete with translated auction sheets, high-quality photos, and current market pricing guidance from our sales team.
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Secure
Our experienced staff are on the ground at all major Japanese vehicle auctions every single day, carrying out inspections on your behalf. You’ll receive detailed inspection notes, photos, and video before you commit to anything – and when you’re ready to buy, we bid for you.
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Ship
Once purchased, your vehicles are in safe hands. Our office team in Fukuoka manages every step of the export process – from paperwork and documentation through to shipping – working with a trusted network of global freight partners to get your stock to the UK smoothly and on time.
How to Import from Japan to the UK
The UK market has a clear framework for importing Japanese vehicles – you just need to know the rules. Here’s what to be aware of:
Vehicles under 10 years old - IVA
Vehicles under 10 years old can be imported providing they carry the correct Japanese classification and specification codes. On arrival they must pass an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test – a more stringent one-time inspection required on first registration. Once registered, it doesn’t need to be repeated.
Vehicles over 10 years old - MOT
Vehicles under 10 years old can be imported providing they carry the correct Japanese classification and specification codes. On arrival they must pass an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test – a more stringent one-time inspection required on first registration. Once registered, it doesn’t need to be repeated.
Modifications to be aware of
Vehicles under 10 years old can be imported providing they carry the correct Japanese classification and specification codes. On arrival they must pass an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test – a more stringent one-time inspection required on first registration. Once registered, it doesn’t need to be repeated.
Mileage verification and background checks on imported vehicles can be obtained through the British Independent Motor Trade Association (BIMTA) - the UK's specialist trade body for vehicle imports.
Why work with Davey Japan as your trade partner?
We’ve spent over two decades building the relationships, expertise, and infrastructure that UK dealers need from a Japan-side partner. From first enquiry to vehicles landing on your forecourt, we’re with you every step of the way.
End-to-end import management
From identifying the right vehicles at auction through to shipping, compliance, and documentation, we manage the entire process on your behalf - so you can focus on selling.
Vehicle selection
Our sales team are across the latest import regulations, market trends, and eligible inventory at all times. That means better buying decisions and the best possible vehicles for your budget.
Your local experts
We have staff at all major Japanese vehicle auctions every day. They know what to look for, they inspect on your behalf, and they bid when you're ready - giving you the confidence to buy from thousands of miles away.
Stay up to date with auction alerts
Japanese auctions aren’t open to the public – but our app puts live listings in your pocket. Register today for access.
FAQs about importing cars from Japan to the UK
Can I import a car directly from Japan to UK?
Yes, you definitely can. It does pay to work with an import expert to ensure you are aware and comply with all of the regulations required.
Japanese technical regulations are not the same as those that apply in the UK and Europe. This means that cars must undergo Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). This is to ensure the vehicle meets the right safety and environmental standards before it is legal to use on UK roads. There are exceptions to this rule; you can check out the Gov.UK list here.
Exporting vehicles can be complicated. Davey Japan manages the entire process – from working with you to find the perfect vehicle, all the way through compliance and regulation requirements, shipping and vehicle arrival. We even have partners who can help ensure your vehicle is fit to hit the roads once it lands in the UK. If you are looking for a vehicle import and shipping company you can trust, get in touch with us today.
Are you a commercial buyer looking to import more than one vehicle? We work with businesses around the globe to bulk ship vehicles of all types, and for all uses. Speak to our expert team today to learn more about how we can source and import your next order.
Read to jump right in? Register as a buyer today to keep an eye on our latest Japanese Car Auctions online.
What kinds of cars can I import to the UK from Japan?
As a general rule imports to the UK can be split into 2 categories, cars which are over and under 10 years old.
- Vehicles under 10 years old are required to go through an IVA (individual vehicle assessment) test.
- Vehicles which are over 10 years old can be imported more simply. They usually do not require an IVA test, just the standard UK MOT test;
What is an IVA (Individual Vehicle Assessment)?
When importing a vehicle under 10 years old to the UK, an IVA (individual vehicle assessment) test must be carried out at a pre-booked DVSA test centre once the car arrives in the UK. It is worth checking the requirements for the specific vehicle from Japan before importing to understand the required work and costs involved. Common requirements include converting the speedometer from KPH to MPH and the addition of a rear fog light.
The test itself is quite stringent. The DVLA offers a full test handbook (Link to DLVA information from the UK government).
If you are unsure about anything, including the customs clearances required, please contact us for more information on importing Japanese cars to the UK.
What are the benefits of importing a car from Japan to the UK?
There are many benefits to buying a car and importing it from Japan to the UK. Popular reasons why buyers choose Japanese car imports include:
- Buying a vehicle that isn’t available in the UK (or might be available but only via a long waiting list)
- Your vehicle of choice might actually be cheaper than the UK equivalent
- Access to cars that are built to a higher or custom spec compared to UK versions
- The ability to purchase unique or unusual models that can’t be found in the UK
Want to know more?
If you're ready to get started on your importing journey, or want to speak to a member of our expert team, get in touch.