Shipping a Car to Japan from the UK: Import Guide & Costs

Japan is a fascinating destination for classic British cars, with a passionate collector community that prizes marques like Jaguar, Aston Martin, Lotus, and Mini. Both countries drive on the left, so UK-spec right-hand-drive vehicles are directly compatible.

Common reasons for shipping to Japan include:
• Classic car collectors: Japanese enthusiasts are among the world's most dedicated classic car buyers
• Expatriate relocations: British professionals moving to Japan for work
• Specialist vehicles: Land Rovers and British sports cars have cult followings in Japan

Ship Cars RoRo operates regular RORO and container services from Southampton to Yokohama and Nagoya.

Japan has stringent vehicle import regulations administered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT):

Shaken (車検) Inspection: All imported vehicles must pass Japan's comprehensive vehicle inspection. This covers safety equipment, emissions, dimensions, lighting, and noise levels. UK vehicles often need modifications for headlamp levelling, seat belt anchorages, and rear fog lamp positioning.

Emissions standards: Vehicles must meet Japan's emission standards. Classic vehicles (generally pre-1976) may qualify for exemptions from certain emission requirements.

No age restrictions: Unlike many countries, Japan does not restrict the import of older vehicles. This makes it an excellent market for vintage British cars.

Documentation required:
• Export certificate (V5C/2 or equivalent)
• Bill of Lading
• Commercial invoice with declared value
• Japanese import declaration
• Emissions test results
• Valid passport and Japanese residence card

RORO Shipping:
• Cost: £1,800–£3,200 from Southampton
• Transit time: 35–42 days via Suez Canal route
• Ports: Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka

Container Shipping (recommended for classics):
• Dedicated 20ft: £3,200–£5,500
• Transit time: 35–45 days

Japanese import costs (approximate):
• Customs duty: 0% (Japan has no import duty on passenger vehicles)
• Consumption tax: 10% of vehicle value
• Vehicle acquisition tax: approximately 3% of assessed value
• Shaken inspection and registration: ¥100,000–¥300,000
• Recycling deposit: ¥7,000–¥20,000

Japan's zero-duty policy makes it one of the most cost-effective destinations for vehicle imports.

The Shaken inspection is the most challenging aspect of importing a car to Japan. Key areas that UK vehicles often need modifications:

Lighting:
• Headlamp beam pattern must comply with Japanese standards
• Rear fog lamps must meet specific positioning requirements
• Side marker lamps may need modification

Emissions:
• Vehicles must pass Japan's emission test at an authorised testing facility
• Catalytic converter specifications may differ from UK standards

Safety equipment:
• Seat belt anchorage points must meet Japanese standards
• Interior fittings must comply with occupant protection requirements

Dimensions:
• Japan has strict dimension categories that affect registration tax and highway tolls
• Vehicles exceeding 'standard size' (1,700mm width) incur higher annual taxes

Ship Cars RoRo works with specialist Japanese import agents who handle all Shaken preparation and inspection on your behalf.

- Right-hand drive is standard: UK-spec vehicles are ideal as Japan drives on the left
• Classic cars command premiums: Well-maintained British classics often sell for more in Japan than in the UK
• Zero import duty: Japan's free-trade policy makes it financially attractive for vehicle imports
• Prepare for Shaken costs: Budget ¥200,000–¥500,000 for inspection preparation and modifications
• Consider agreed-value insurance: Classic cars should be insured at their full collector value

Ready to ship to Japan? Get a free quote from Ship Cars RoRo. Asia rates are summarised on our car shipping costs page.

Before any international shipment, vehicles need to reach the loading port — and many customers ask us to handle the UK leg too. Our recovery and transport network covers every postcode, 24 hours a day.

Start with the main hubs: Car Recovery UK, Vehicle Recovery UK, 24/7 Breakdown Recovery and Nationwide Vehicle Transportation.

City coverage includes London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Bristol.

Pre-book a port run on a flatbed transporter from Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool or Felixstowe via Ipswich, or call 24/7 for breakdown recovery in London, Birmingham or Manchester.