Transit
40–55 days
Services
RoRo / Container / Shared Container
UK Loading
Southampton, Tilbury
From
£2,200
Sailing frequency and operators
Monthly RoRo via the deep-sea Asia loop; weekly container. Carriers serving Yokohama include NYK, Mitsui OSK Lines, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Maersk.
Terminal and facilities
Daikoku Pier vehicle terminal with covered storage, Shaken inspection lanes, and customs assessment offices on-port.
Customs and import
0% duty on cars under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. 10% consumption tax. Shaken roadworthiness inspection required to register.
See the full Japan destination guide for documents, age limits and tax detail.
Insider tips for Yokohama
Have the original V5C, bill of sale and a Japanese-translated specification sheet ready 7 days before arrival. Shaken can take 2–3 weeks to schedule at peak times.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK cars enter Japan duty-free?
Yes, most UK-built passenger vehicles qualify for 0% duty under the UK-Japan CEPA, provided a valid statement of origin is presented.
What is Shaken and is it expensive?
Shaken is Japan's mandatory roadworthiness inspection. For an imported car expect JPY 80,000–150,000 plus modifications for headlight aim and emissions.