135,204 used hybrid car sales in the UK, Q3 2026 (SMMT)

Yes. The UK sets no age limit on imported cars. A car under 10 years old must pass the IVA test. Older cars need an MOT. The import rules and regulations page sets out which cars qualify and which tests apply.

Customs duty is 0% for cars originating in Japan under the UK-Japan agreement, as the UK Trade Tariff shows for commodity 8703409090 (checked 13 November 2026). Import VAT of 20% still applies on the customs value. Cars built outside Japan pay the 10% third-country rate, so origin on the invoice matters.

Sailings run monthly with Höegh Autoliners, and the crossing takes 30 to 50 days at sea to Southampton or Bristol (Portbury). Add time for the auction or purchase, Japanese export paperwork and loading before departure, and customs clearance, testing and registration after arrival. No door-to-door time is promised.

Age decides. A car under 10 years old needs Individual Vehicle Approval, priced by DVSA at £199 in working hours (page updated 30 October 2026). A car over 10 years old needs an MOT instead. The 2019 Aqua and 2023 Sienta above fall under IVA, while the 2012 Prius Alpha needs an MOT.

The buyer does, personally or through a customs agent. That covers paying import VAT to HMRC, filing the NOVA notification within 14 days of the car arriving in the UK, booking the IVA or MOT, and registering with the DVLA for £55. The seller supplies the invoice and bill of lading, and the export certificate is issued by Japanese authorities. The import rules and regulations page lists the documents in more detail.