Fully-Managed Japan Import Service

Import Process Includes

• Vehicle sourcing from trusted Japanese suppliers and auctions
• Pre-purchase inspection and condition verification in Japan
• International shipping and freight forwarding to UK port
• UK customs clearance and import duty handling
• IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) testing and certification
• DVLA registration and V5C logbook application
• Full MOT testing and certification
• Pre-delivery inspection, service, and vehicle preparation
• Delivery to your location (UK mainland)

Import Timeline: What to Expect

A typical Japanese car import takes around 12 to 16 weeks from start to finish. Here is a detailed breakdown of each stage so you know exactly what to expect when you import a car from Japan through our service.

• Weeks 1-2: Vehicle Sourcing & Selection
  We search our trusted network of Japanese dealers, auctions, and private sellers to find exactly what you are looking for. You receive photos, auction sheets, condition reports, and our honest assessment before committing to purchase.
• Weeks 2-3: Purchase & Export Preparation
  Once you approve the vehicle, we handle the purchase, de-registration in Japan, inland transport to the port, and the Japanese export inspection (EAI). The car is prepared and loaded into a secure shipping container.
• Weeks 4-10: Containerised Shipping to the UK
  Your vehicle is shipped via containerised freight from Japan to a UK port. Container shipping protects your car from salt water, weather, and transit damage. Typical transit time is 6 to 8 weeks depending on the shipping route and port of departure.
• Weeks 10-12: UK Customs Clearance
  We handle all customs paperwork, pay the import duty (6.5%) and VAT (20%) on your behalf, and arrange collection from the port. Your car is transported to our Bedford workshop.
• Weeks 12-14: IVA Testing & DVLA Registration
  If your vehicle requires IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) testing, we prepare it to meet UK standards and book the test. Once passed, we handle DVLA registration, V5C logbook application, and number plate fitting.
• Weeks 14-16: Full Preparation & Handover
  Your car receives a full service, MOT test, and thorough pre-delivery inspection at our Bedford workshop. We address any issues found during the process and prepare the car to the standard you expect. Then it is ready for collection or delivery.

Import Costs Breakdown

We believe in full transparency when it comes to Japanese car import costs. Here is a clear breakdown of what you can expect to pay when importing a car from Japan to the UK. All figures are approximate and vary depending on the vehicle.

• Vehicle Purchase Price
  The price of the car itself in Japan, which varies depending on make, model, condition, and mileage. We help you find the best value within your budget.
• Japan-Side Costs: ~£300-£500
  Covers de-registration fees, inland transport to the Japanese port, and the export inspection certificate. These costs are relatively fixed regardless of the vehicle.
• Containerised Shipping: £1,500-£2,500
  Secure container shipping from Japan to UK port. Cost depends on the size of the vehicle and the shipping route. Larger vehicles like the Mitsubishi Delica will be at the higher end.
• UK Customs Duty: 6.5% of Vehicle Value
  Calculated on the declared purchase price of the vehicle. HMRC may request supporting documentation to verify the value.
• VAT: 20% on Total Landed Cost
  VAT is charged at 20% on the combined total of the vehicle value, customs duty, and shipping costs. This is the largest single cost after the car itself.
• IVA Testing: ~£500-£700 (If Required)
  Individual Vehicle Approval testing is required for most vehicles under 40 years old that were not originally sold in the UK. We prepare your car and handle the booking.
• DVLA Registration & First MOT: ~£200-£300
  Covers first registration fee, V5C logbook application, number plates, and the initial MOT test.
• Our Import Management Fee
  A fixed fee covering our end-to-end management of the entire import process. This is agreed upfront with no hidden charges.

Example: A car purchased for £15,000 in Japan would have approximate additional costs of: Japan-side fees (~£400) + shipping (~£2,000) + customs duty (~£975) + VAT (~£3,675) + IVA (~£600) + registration (~£250) + our management fee. Total landed cost: approximately £23,500-£25,000. We provide a detailed quote before you commit.

What Makes Our Import Service Different

With over 18 years in the JDM and Subaru trade, Hurst Cars has built strong, established relationships with trusted dealers and suppliers across Japan. We do not rely solely on auction houses. Our network includes specialist dealers, private collectors, and trade contacts who give us access to vehicles that never reach the open market. This means better condition cars, more accurate descriptions, and fewer surprises.

Every vehicle we source undergoes a physical inspection before purchase. We do not buy blind from auction sheets alone. Our contacts inspect the car in person, check for rust, accident damage, mechanical issues, and verify the condition matches the description. If a car does not meet our standards, we walk away and find a better one. This is the difference between a Japanese car import specialist and a broker who simply places auction bids.

We handle absolutely everything from start to finish. This is not just a shipping service. We manage the purchase, export paperwork, containerised shipping, UK customs clearance, import duty and VAT payment, IVA testing preparation and booking, DVLA registration, and full mechanical preparation at our Bedford workshop. When your car arrives at our workshop, it receives a complete service, MOT, and thorough inspection before handover. You get a fully UK-registered, road-ready vehicle with no loose ends.

Cars We Commonly Import

We can import virtually any vehicle from Japan, but these are some of the most popular models our customers ask us to source. Whether you want a JDM legend or an everyday Japanese classic, we can find it.

• Nissan Skyline (R32, R33, R34)
  The iconic GT-R and GTS models. One of the most sought-after JDM imports in the UK.
• Toyota Supra (A70, A80)
  The legendary twin-turbo Supra continues to be a dream car for enthusiasts worldwide.
• Mazda RX-7 (FC, FD)
  Rotary-powered sports car with timeless styling. The FD3S is particularly desirable.
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (IV-IX)
  Rally-bred performance with legendary 4G63 turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
• Subaru Impreza WRX STI
  Our speciality. JDM-spec STIs offer more power and equipment than UK models.
• Honda NSX (NA1, NA2)
  Mid-engine, naturally aspirated perfection. Japanese examples are often in superb condition.
• Nissan Silvia (S13, S14, S15)
  Drift icon and affordable sports car. The S15 was never officially sold in the UK.
• Toyota Chaser / Mark II (JZX90, JZX100)
  1JZ-GTE powered luxury sports sedan. A unique alternative to the usual JDM choices.
• Honda Integra Type R (DC2, DC5)
  The ultimate front-wheel-drive car. Japanese-spec models are lighter and more powerful.
• Suzuki Jimny
  Hugely popular compact 4x4 with excellent off-road capability. Japanese models offer wider choice.
• Subaru Forester STI
  JDM-only STI versions of the Forester with turbo power and sport suspension. A Hurst Cars favourite.
• Mitsubishi Delica
  The go-anywhere van with 4WD and diesel power. Increasingly popular for adventure and overlanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to import a car from Japan?
  The full process typically takes 12 to 16 weeks from initial sourcing to handover. The largest variable is shipping time, which is usually 6 to 8 weeks. We keep you updated throughout every stage so you always know where your car is and what is happening next.
• How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to the UK?
  Total costs depend on the vehicle purchase price, but you should budget approximately 50-65% on top of the car price to cover shipping, customs duty (6.5%), VAT (20%), IVA testing, registration, and our management fee. We provide a detailed written quote before you commit to anything.
• Do all Japanese imports need IVA testing?
  Most vehicles under 40 years old that were not originally type-approved for the UK market will require IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) testing. Vehicles over 40 years old are generally exempt. We assess each vehicle individually and handle all IVA preparation and booking if required.
• Is it cheaper to import a car from Japan myself?
  You can save on the management fee by doing it yourself, but the process involves navigating Japanese auction houses, arranging international shipping, handling customs paperwork, preparing for IVA testing, and dealing with DVLA registration. Mistakes can be costly. Our service removes all that risk and stress, and our buying power often means we secure better purchase prices than individuals can achieve.
• What condition are Japanese import cars in?
  Japanese cars are generally in excellent condition compared to UK equivalents. Japan has strict vehicle inspection requirements (shaken), vehicles are driven fewer miles, roads are well maintained, and many areas do not use road salt. We still physically inspect every vehicle before purchase and give you an honest assessment of its condition.
• Can you import any car from Japan?
  We can import almost any vehicle from Japan, including cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles. Some vehicles may face additional IVA requirements depending on their specification. If you have a specific vehicle in mind, get in touch and we will advise on feasibility, likely costs, and timescales.