Shipping a car from Japan to the UK takes 50-65 days by RoRo ferry or 40-50 days by container ship. Costs range from £2,000-£4,000 depending on vehicle size and shipping method. Cars must clear UK customs and pay VAT and duty upon arrival.
Transporting a vehicle from Japan to the United Kingdom is a complex process that requires careful planning and professional car shipping services to ensure a smooth, stress-free move. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully ship your car from Japan to the UK.
What are the options for shipping a car from Japan to the UK?
When it comes to shipping a car from Japan to the UK, there are two primary methods:
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping
With RoRo shipping, your vehicle is driven directly onto and off the ship. This is generally the most cost-effective option, ideal for standard cars and motorcycles that are in running condition.
transit time: 50-65 days
Estimated cost: £2,000-£3,000
- Container shipping
Container shipping provides an extra level of protection for your vehicle. Your car is securely loaded into a private 20ft or shared 40ft shipping container and transported via cargo ship.
Typical transit time: 40-50 days
Estimated cost: £2,500-£4,000
| Shipping Method | Transit Time | Cost Range | Ideal For |
| RoRo Shipping | 50-65 days | £2,000-£3,000 | Running vehicles |
| Container Shipping | 40-50 days | £2,500-£4,000 | All vehicles |
What is the process for shipping a car from Japan to the UK?
- Get a quote from a reputable international car transport company like ShipCars. Provide your vehicle details and desired shipping timeframe.
- Prepare your vehicle for shipping. This includes cleaning, documenting any existing damage, servicing, and removing personal belongings.
- Arrange transport of your vehicle to the port of departure in Japan (usually Yokohama, Kobe, or Moji).
- Your shipping provider will handle export customs clearance and loading your vehicle onto the ship or into the container.
- Upon arrival in the UK, your vehicle will need to clear customs and pay VAT and duty (see below). Your car shipping company will guide you through this process.
- Once customs clearance is complete, you can collect your vehicle from the port (usually Southampton or Bristol) or arrange onward transport to your final destination.
What documents do I need to ship a car from Japan to the UK?
To ship a car from Japan to the UK, you will need:
- Passport
- Original vehicle title (Shaken-sho)
- Export certificate (Yushutsu Shonin-sho)
- Bill of lading
- Commercial invoice
- UK NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) form
Gathering the necessary paperwork is a crucial step in the car shipping process. Work closely with your vehicle transport provider to ensure you have all the required documents to avoid delays or issues with UK customs.
What are the customs duties and taxes for importing a car from Japan to the UK?
When importing a vehicle from Japan to the UK, you will need to pay:
- Import VAT: 20% of the vehicle’s total value (CIF value plus shipping costs)
- Customs duty: 10% for cars, 6% for motorcycles (if the vehicle originates in Japan)
You may be exempt from customs duty if the vehicle is over 30 years old and considered a classic car.
Are there any restrictions on importing vehicles from Japan to the UK?
The UK has specific regulations for importing vehicles:
- Vehicles must be right-hand drive (most Japanese vehicles are)
- Vehicles must conform to UK safety and environmental standards
- Vehicles over 10 years old may require an MOT test
Check with your vehicle shipping provider and UK customs for any additional restrictions or requirements before transporting your car.
How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to the UK?
Transit times for shipping a vehicle from Japan to the UK are:
- RoRo shipping: 50-65 days
- Container shipping: 40-50 days
Please note that these are port-to-port transit times. Allow additional time for transport to the port in Japan, customs clearance in the UK, and onward transport to your final destination.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Japan to the UK?
Costs for shipping a car from Japan to the UK range from £2,000-£4,000 depending on factors such as:
- Shipping method (RoRo or container)
- Vehicle size and weight
- Port of origin and destination
- Time of year
For the most accurate pricing, request a custom quote from ShipCars based on your specific vehicle and requirements.
Why choose ShipCars for Japan to UK car shipping?
Ship Cars Ltd are the UK’s leading vehicle shipping experts. We provide reliable, port-to-door car transport services from Japan to the UK. With over [XX] years’ experience and [XX]+ vehicles moved, we deliver a hassle-free shipping experience:
- Competitive rates
- Expert customs support
- UK coverage to any address
- Dedicated account manager
Get a free online quote for shipping your car from Japan in seconds. Or call [ 07513 898320 ] to speak to a Japan-UK vehicle shipping specialist.
