IMPORT CARS FROM JAPAN

Import / Export Overview
Here is an example overview of the process involved in importing a car from Japan if you intend to do it yourself.
Note, that there may be variations on this import process, and this is just an example of what you might expect.
I imported my own car from Japan (an Isuzu Bighorn 4x4) and these are the steps and processes that I went through.


Find an exporter of used cars from Japan. (See the Exporters page for a list of Japan Used Car Exporters).
Choose the used Japanese car you want. (See the Cars page).
Contact the exporter and offer to purchase the car from Japan.
A Pro-Forma Invoice will be issued by the Exporter, usually by fax.
Sign and return the Pro-Forma Invoice - you have agreed to purchase the car!
Send payment for the car to the Exporter by Telegraphic Transfer via your bank.
Exporter will book the vehicle onto a ship from Japan and clear the car for shipping - known as FOB.
A short while after the ship has sailed from Japan the Exporter will send by Special Air Post the shipping documents and car documents to you by courier.
At this point you may be asked to pay the balance of any outstanding amount owed to the Exporter (as you have received confirmation from the Exporter that the car is on board ship from Japan and on its way).
Instruct a Shipping Agent who will handle the arrival of the car in the UK and the clearance through customs. (See the Freight page for a list of Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents).
When the car arrives, the Shipping Agent will clear it through UK Customs.
Pay the shipping fee, which is calculated on the cubic meterage of the vehicle.
Pay the 10% Import Duty and 17.5% VAT.
Pay the Customs Duty.
Pay the Shipping Agent for their Services.
The car is released from Customs and available for collection.
Register the car and pay the registration fee.
Prepare the car for the SVA Test or MOT test. (i.e Change Speedometer to Miles Per Hour, Fit Rear Fog Lights etc.).
SVA test and/or MOT the car.
Tax and Insure the car for use on the road.
Drive and enjoy your imported Japanese Car!