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United Kingdom قائمة الموانئ
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Office Hours:Monday to Saturday 8:30 to 17:30
Office Address:156-1 Hatakenaka Aza Izumimachi, Iwaki, Fukushima 971-8183, Japan
Office Hours:Monday to Saturday 08:30 to 17:30
Office Address:Purfleet-on-Thames, Grays RM20 3NL, United Kingdom
بدون قيود
Bristol
4 to 8 weeks
(can vary)
Yes
There is no age restriction on importing used Japanese cars into the UK.
Importing both left- and right-hand drive vehicles is permissible in the UK.
Japanese used vehicles must pass the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test (which replaced the older SVA/ESVA scheme) to ensure they meet UK safety and environmental standards when driven on public roads. This test covers design and construction standards, not just roadworthiness, and is conducted by DVSA-approved inspection centers.
In addition, a compulsory MOT (Ministry of Transport) inspection is carried out at a government-approved testing center to assess the vehicle's roadworthiness.
A vehicle requires its first MOT three years after its first registration date. After that, it must be tested every year.
Duty
On used passenger cars - 10%
On commercial vehicles and pickup trucks - 22%
VAT
The standard VAT rate of 20% applies to the combined total of the vehicle's purchase price, shipping costs, and any duty already charged.
Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax)
Road tax applies to passenger cars and commercial vehicles but is calculated differently by vehicle type:
Passenger cars registered after April 2017: based primarily on CO₂ emissions for the first year, then a flat annual rate thereafter.
Commercial vehicles (vans/trucks): based on gross vehicle weight.
Heavy goods vehicles: based on the number of axles and gross train weight.
Vehicles less than 10 years old: IVA test required (plus MOT if the vehicle is over 3 years old)
Vehicles more than 10 years old — MOT test only
If the vehicles pass the required tests, they can then be registered in the UK. registered in the UK.
Bill of Lading
ID card (as proof of identification)
Commercial invoice from the supplier
Driving licence
Original export certificate
Translated export certificate
Cost of vehicle tax
Motor insurance from a British company
Deregistration certificate
Trader's Unique Reference Number (TURN) for commercial importers
Import duty is 10% of the cost + freight (Add the FOB cost and the
shipping cost together & calculate 10% of total amount).
VAT is 20% of FOB, Freight & Import Duty ( Add the FOB cost,
shipping cost and import duty together & then take 20% of total
amount).
Cars manufactured within the preceding 10 years are required to
have the "IVA (SVA) Test Certificate" submitted with the
application to the DVLA.
If your car does not undergo the IVA Test or doesn't achieve the
required standards, you will not secure a Ministers Approval
Certificate and will not be able to register your vehicle for use
on UK roads. There are extra charges for IVA test.
Specialized Shipping & Clearing Agents can manage the car
registration process all required associated documents are
included such as a Certificate of Mutual Recognition (or proof of
exemption), Certificate of Conformity, Ministers Approval
Certificate.
Cars manufactured within the preceding 10 years are required to
have the "IVA (SVA) Test Certificate" submitted with the
application to the DVLA.
If your car does not undergo the IVA Test or doesn't achieve the
required standards, you will not secure a Ministers Approval
Certificate and will not be able to register your vehicle for
use on UK roads. There are extra charges for IVA test.
Specialized Shipping & Clearing Agents can manage the car
registration process all required associated documents are
included such as a Certificate of Mutual Recognition (or proof
of exemption), Certificate of Conformity, Ministers Approval
Certificate.
For more information, please reach out to us at [email protected]
For more information, please reach out to us at [email protected]
Many imported Japanese cars in the UK pass through several dealers before reaching buyers, adding extra markup at each step. Active in vehicle exports since 2002, SAT JAPAN sources vehicles directly from Japan’s auctions, helping UK buyers review pricing, auction details, landed costs, registration needs, and emissions status. Browse our live stock of Japanese used cars, or contact our team to discuss your import.
Are Japanese used cars actually worth buying in the UK? For most drivers, yes. Japanese brands such as Lexus, Toyota, and Mazda continue to perform strongly in reliability and dependability studies, and that reputation often shows up in real ownership costs. For buyers choosing well-graded vehicles, strong reliability can mean fewer surprise garage bills, which matters when fuel and maintenance costs are already squeezing UK households.
Here's the thing that makes Japan such a natural fit for British roads:
Japan is one of the few major car-producing markets that builds right-hand-drive vehicles at scale.
No steering conversion, no compromise, no awkward retrofit.
A Japanese import simply slots into UK roads the way it was built to.
Hybrid and EV models add another layer of appeal. Toyota and Honda hybrids are widely available in Japan’s domestic market, and many petrol-hybrid models may meet Clean Air Zone or ULEZ standards. Buyers should still check the exact emissions status before purchase.
Parts and servicing are usually manageable, especially for Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki models, as dealerships and independent garages are available across the UK.
Resale value tells its own story. A well-graded Japanese import in the 3- to 6-year-old bracket tends to move quickly on the UK second-hand market. Even after shipping, insurance, VAT, import duty, and registration costs, a direct auction vehicle from Japan can still undercut UK dealer prices, depending on the model and market conditions.
These are the models UK buyers search for most. All of them are available directly through our Japanese auction network.
Make | Model | Why It Sells in the UK |
Toyota | Prius | Often ULEZ-suitable petrol hybrid, strong resale |
Toyota | Aqua | Compact hybrid, city-friendly, low running costs |
Toyota | Land Cruiser | 4x4 demand, prestige, reliability |
Toyota | Hilux | Pickup demand, farming and trades |
Toyota | Noah / Voxy | MPV/family van segment |
Honda | Vezel / HR-V | Compact SUV, hybrid variant popular |
Honda | Fit / Jazz | City car, low running costs |
Nissan | Note e-Power | Hybrid tech, affordable |
Nissan | X-Trail | SUV segment, family use |
Mazda | CX-5 | Premium feel, diesel alternative |
Mitsubishi | Outlander PHEV | Plug-in hybrid appeal, family SUV demand |
Suzuki | Jimny | Cult following in UK, limited local supply |
SAT JAPAN is a registered Japanese car exporter with direct access to Japan’s largest auction networks. Here’s how a UK import works, from the first search to driving off in your new car. For a deeper breakdown of documents, taxes, approval steps, and registration, read our guide on “How to import a car from Japan to the UK”.
Browse the stock or place an auction bid: Explore our live UK inventory online, filtered by make, model, year, engine size, mileage, and budget. If you're after something specific, our team will bid on your behalf at major Japanese auctions.
Request a full landed cost estimate: We'll send the auction sheet, condition photos, and a complete cost breakdown covering vehicle price, Japan domestic transport, port fees, ocean freight, UK import duty, and VAT liability. You'll see the full total before committing to anything.
Check import eligibility and compliance: Our team checks key UK import requirements, including NOVA notification, IVA requirements where they apply, vehicle approval needs, and ULEZ status if you are based in a Clean Air Zone city. Full duty and tax figures are covered separately in our Import Rules and Regulations section.
Complete the purchase: Once you approve the landed cost, secure payment and export documentation, confirm your vehicle. A deposit confirms your auction bid or reserves the stock unit you have chosen.
Shipment to the UK: Vehicles usually travel by RoRo or container from Japan to Southampton, Grimsby, or Tilbury. Sea transit typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the vessel schedule and route.
UK customs clearance and registration: Our UK clearing partner handles customs entry, duty payment, and the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) submission. We also support the IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) process for vehicles that aren't type-approved.
Drive away: Once it's registered, taxed, and insured, your Japanese import is fully road-legal in the UK.
SAT JAPAN is a direct Japanese car exporter, not a UK reseller buying from another importer first. That distinction matters because it's what keeps our prices honest.
You can reach our UK team by phone, WhatsApp, or email, and we aim to respond within one business hour. Inquiries are handled directly by our Japan-side team alongside a dedicated UK liaison, so you're never stuck waiting on a third party to relay information.
Our export operations and credentials help show that buyers are dealing with the exporter directly, not only a forwarding broker working from someone else’s stock. SAT JAPAN has been active since 2002, states that it is JUMVEA-registered, and provides pre-shipment inspection support where applicable.
Our live inventory is updated regularly, and you can filter by make, model, year, engine size, mileage, and price to find exactly what you are after.
Every listing comes with real auction photos and the original auction grade sheet, so you can see the vehicle's actual condition before you commit to anything. That level of transparency is something many local dealers cannot always offer. Our stock spans hybrids, kei cars, SUVs, MPVs, commercial vehicles, and pickup trucks, with each listing showing its current status: available now, in transit, or arriving at port.
Save the vehicles you like, and our team will send you a full landed cost estimate for each one, including UK duty, VAT, and delivery to your postcode.
Many buyers search for Japanese cars dealers in the UK, but most local Japanese car dealers buy from an exporter first, then mark the price up before it ever reaches you. SAT JAPAN removes that layer entirely.
Feature | SAT JAPAN | UK-Based Import Dealers |
Vehicle Selection | 100,000+ vehicles listed | Limited local stock |
Access to Japanese Auctions | Yes, USS, AUCNET, TAA | Usually limited or indirect |
Auction Sheet & Condition Reports | Included on every vehicle | Varies |
JEVIC Pre-Shipment Inspection | Included | Not standard |
Direct Japan Sourcing | Yes | No, typically via importer |
UK Import Guidance | Full end-to-end support | Varies |
JUMVEA Registered Exporter | Yes | Usually not applicable to UK resellers |
Unlike many Japanese used cars exporters, SAT JAPAN gives UK buyers direct access to auction vehicles, clear documentation, and full landed cost guidance before purchase. Over 20 years of exporting has taught us what UK buyers actually need: named staff they can speak to, verifiable registration, and a cost model that stays transparent from the auction hammer all the way to your driveway.
SAT JAPAN gives UK buyers access to over 100,000 vehicles, with export experience, inspection support where applicable, and stated JUMVEA registration behind the process. From the first auction bid to UK import guidance, we handle the entire journey so you don't have to navigate it alone.
Browse our live inventory now, or message our team on WhatsApp or by phone to start your import. Whether you're searching for a fuel-efficient hybrid or a compact city car, SAT JAPAN is the Japanese car exporter UK buyers rely on for direct, transparent, and cost-effective imports.
مع SAT، لا داعي للقلق بشأن الرسوم المخفية أو التكاليف الإضافية. نسعى جاهدين لتقديم صفقات عادلة لعملائنا في United Kingdom دون المساومة على الجودة.
تفخر SAT بتقديم سيارات يابانية مستعملة عالية الجودة في United Kingdom بأسعار معقولة. مع SAT، يمكنك العثور على مركبات موثوقة بأنسب الأسعار.
تفضل بزيارة SAT واختر من مجموعتنا الواسعة من السيارات اليابانية المستعملة. نحن أكبر مصدري السيارات اليابانية في United Kingdom، ونقدم مركبات تناسب أسلوبك وميزانيتك.
فريقنا المتفاني يبذل قصارى جهده دائمًا لتقديم خدمات استثنائية لعملائنا في United Kingdom وبناء علاقات طويلة الأمد معهم.
The Alphard feels more like a luxury lounge than a normal car. The comfort level is outstanding and the ride quality is very smooth on both city roads and motorways. SAT Japan gave me confidence because they shared detailed information about the car before I committed. Their communication was professional and very polite throughout the process. Passengers have loads of space inside. Fuel economy is also surprisingly good for such a large MPV because of the hybrid system. This vehicle is perfect for family travel or executive use. Very refined and enjoyable to drive.
This Voxy hybrid is brilliant for family travel. The cabin space is huge and the seats are very comfortable. Even with many passengers inside, the drive still feels smooth and quiet. SAT Japan impressed me with how organised they were. Everything from inspection reports to delivery timing was handled professionally. It felt like they genuinely cared about customer satisfaction. The hybrid system helps save fuel, especially in town driving, which surprised me for a vehicle this size. Visibility is excellent and parking sensors make driving easier than expected. Overall, this is one of the best family vehicles I have owned. Spacious, efficient, and extremely comfortable.
I bought this Golf because I wanted something reliable and easy to drive, and so far it has done exactly that. The handling feels stable and the car stays comfortable even on rough roads. SAT Japan helped by making the import process much easier than I expected. They explained shipping and documents clearly, which removed a lot of stress for me. The car is not flashy, but it feels dependable. Fuel usage is reasonable and maintenance has not been difficult. For daily driving and family use, this car is a very smart choice.
The Golf feels solid on the road and much more refined than I expected. Steering is sharp, suspension feels balanced, and the cabin is comfortable even on longer drives. It gives a nice premium feeling without being too expensive to maintain. My experience with SAT Japan was smooth from beginning to end. I appreciated the regular updates and the honesty about the vehicle history. It made me feel confident during the purchase. Fuel economy is decent and the engine responds well in traffic. This is a car that feels enjoyable every single day. Very practical and still fun to drive.
This Prius has been excellent for everyday driving. The hybrid system works very smoothly and fuel economy is honestly one of the best things about it. I use the car mostly for commuting and longer motorway journeys, and it stays comfortable throughout. SAT Japan made the buying process feel straightforward. They kept me updated properly and the paperwork was handled without stress. I liked that they explained the vehicle condition clearly before delivery. One small downside is that acceleration can feel slightly slow when overtaking, but for normal driving it performs perfectly well. Overall, very reliable and economical car. I can easily recommend it to anyone looking for comfort and low running costs.
I received Volkswagen Touran a week from SAT Japan and I’m really delighted. I usually don’t give reviews but I really want to thank them for delivering such an amazing car. Literally, I couldn’t find any damage it’s really in good condition. The interior is fresh and clean. The seats are very comfortable and soft and is very spacious. I’m using it daily and I haven’t observed anything uncomfortable. And the best part it’s fuel efficient. For anyone who is looking to import a car I strongly recommend SAT Japan because I felt no problem with them. From start to end the whole process was really smooth. They have proven to me why they are the big name in the automotive industry and why they are the safest option.
I have bought Toyota Prius from SAT Japan and I’m glad that I did. It was a good experience and I didn’t feel any pressure in the whole process. The car has been delivered in excellent condition. As you start driving the car you’ll get a feeling of relaxation and comfort right away. The interior of the car is convenient, neat and space is very comfortable and best for long travel. I really want to thank SAT Japan for delivering this car to me without any stress. I literally felt no regret and I’m feeling that I made the best decision. SAT Japan should be in mind whenever importing a car. I was really provided with a smooth, trustworthy and respectful experience.
It was not very long ago that I purchased a Lexus 450h through SAT Japan, and my experience has been great from start to finish. The vehicle exactly matched what I saw in the auction photos. It did not give the impression of a used car at all; it was in mint condition. It had a very clean exterior, and the paint had no scratches and wasn’t chipped off from any side. Yes, the shipment took some time as I had to anxiously wait for six weeks, but when I finally received my car, I was genuinely satisfied with it, like I was happy that its hybrid system ran smoothly even after a long shipment. The shipment process was very smooth and transparent. The customer care department was there to assist me at all times. This is slightly off topic, but if you log onto SAT’s website and read their car blogs, they are also fascinating and will help you make an informed decision.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with importing a car from Japan because I have no experience with this, but SAT Japan made the whole thing pretty straightforward. Their website wasn’t very user friendly, but it had a good selection. Once I found the car I wanted, the sales executive guided me through the process. Shipping took me a few weeks, but I guess that is expected with international delivery. The car arrived in great shape, exactly as shown in the pictures. I’d say if you’re patient and want your car directly shipped from Japan, they’re worth checking out. Overall, a good experience and happy with my purchase.
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