Carbarn United Kingdom FAQs

Cars aged 30 years or more are charged import VAT at 5% instead of 20%. Import policies can change; confirm the current treatment with HM Revenue & Customs before you commit.

No. The United Kingdom requires no inspection in Japan before shipment. The checks happen after arrival: a Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) filing within two weeks, then the test set by the car's age.

Vehicles are shipped by RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) with Höegh Autoliners and unloaded at Southampton or Bristol (Portbury).

Every listing carries photographs, the Carbarn inspection comments, the full inspection report, and the auction grade, so the condition can be verified before you commit.

Customs Duty is 10% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value, and VAT is 20% of the CIF value plus duty. Import policies can change; check with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for the latest rates.

Shipping from Japan takes 30-50 days, depending on the sailing. Ships depart monthly.

Cars aged 3 to 10 years pay an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test fee of £325. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) first registration is £55.

The United Kingdom has no age limit for cars or vans. Cars aged 3 to 10 years need an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test before registration. Cars over 10 years need only an MOT.

Carbarn accepts Bank Transfer and Credit / Debit Card. Bank details are issued only on an official Carbarn proforma invoice, after your quote is confirmed.