How much is import tax on a Japanese car to the UK?

Petrol and diesel cars pay 10% customs duty plus 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive value. Pure EVs are zero-rated for duty but still pay 20% VAT.

Are JDM imports cheaper to bring into the UK than EU cars?

After Brexit, EU cars also incur 10% duty + 20% VAT, so the UK-side cost gap has narrowed. Japan often wins on auction price for older RHD specs.

Does the calculator include IVA / MOT?

No. It includes the DVLA first-registration fee but not Individual Vehicle Approval, MOT, type-approval translation, or modifications. Add those under Local fees.

Is the 6-month / 6,000 km new-vehicle rule handled?

Yes — younger vehicles trigger a warning so you know HMRC may treat it as a new car for VAT purposes.

Does it cover NOVA / VAT registration?

It estimates the tax cost only. NOVA submission to HMRC is still required within 14 days of UK arrival.

Car taxesFreeRuns locally

Japan to UK Car Import Calculator

Estimate the cost of importing a JDM car from Japan to the United Kingdom with 10% customs duty, 20% VAT, shipping and DVLA fees.

Japan purchase and shipping

Auction price, JPY

Hammer / final auction price before fees.

Japan-side fees, JPY

USS / TAA buyer fee, agent commission, recycling fee.

Ocean freight, JPY

Yokohama or Kobe to UK port (RoRo or container).

Marine insurance, JPY

Use 0 to skip cargo insurance.

JPY to GBP rate

1 JPY in GBP — match your bank or broker rate.

Local fees, GBP

IVA, port handling, broker, MOT, modifications you want included.

Vehicle and UK rules

Manufacture year

UK declaration year

Engine displacement, cc

Use 0 for full electric vehicles.

Fuel type

Landed cost, GBP: £8,820
Landed cost, JPY: ¥1,664,219
UK taxes + fees: £2,672
Customs duty: £615
VAT: £1,353
Excise / VRT: £0

Cost breakdown

Customs value (CIF)£6,148

Customs duty£615

VAT£1,353

Excise / VRT£0

DVLA registration fee£55

Local fees£650

Total taxes + fees£2,672

Formula details

Tax age, years8

Customs duty formula10% × 6,148

VAT formula20% × (6,148 + duty)

Excise formula—

RegistrationDVLA first-registration fee £55

Official source links

gov.uk — Importing vehicles into the UK UK Trade Tariff — heading 8703

Estimated CIF customs value: £6,148. This is an unofficial planning estimate, not legal or customs advice. The calculation runs locally in your browser and does not upload your numbers.

About the Japan to UK Car Import Calculator

Use this Japan to UK car import calculator to estimate the landed cost of a Japanese-domestic-market vehicle bought at USS, TAA or HAA and cleared into the United Kingdom. Enter the JPY auction price, Japan-side fees, ocean freight and JPY-to-GBP rate to see the 10% customs duty, 20% VAT base, DVLA registration fee and your local broker costs. Everything runs in your browser — no values are uploaded.