Used cars Import Regulations, Duty in the UK

The UK is a European country, and there are other brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW, etc. But still, citizenry prefers Japanese used cars UK. Moreover, there are JDM vehicles Nissan Skyline, Toyota Alphard, and Subaru Impreza from Japan, preferable in the UK. Japanese manufacturers in San Diego are sprucing up the development of their used cars in san diego models. They are working on environmentally friendly and advanced technology vehicles.

Japan exported 143,000 cars to UK in the year 2019, which were worth over USD 1.9 billion. Japanese cars are affordable, durable, more efficient, performance-wise perfect, and roadworthy.

Moreover, people worldwide are enthusiastic about buying Japanese used cars, especially in Asia, Australia, the US, Africa, and European countries.

Japanese manufacturers are sprucing up the development of their models. They are working on environmentally friendly and advanced technology vehicles. Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Honda, Mitsubishi, Lexus, and Daihatsu are famous Japanese brands worldwide.

If you are from the UK and buying Japanese used cars for the first time, this article is for you. We’ll guide you about the importation rules and regulations in the UK.

Without any further ado, let’s dive into it.

Rules and Regulations

Here are a few rules and regulations, which you should keep in mind before buying any Japanese used cars UK.

Right-hand drive vehicles

People from UK usually prefer right-hand steering vehicles; however, you can also import both left- and right-hand drive vehicles in the UK. There is no restriction on it.

Inspection

The Japanese used car to be roadworthy must pass the Individual Vehicle Approval Test or Single Vehicle Approval test. It is to make sure the car is safe for the roads, environment, and buyer itself. The inspection inspector must ensure the vehicles are according to the rules and regulations of the UK.

Moreover, the UK government implements MOT (Minister of Transport) inspection. The vehicles pass through this test every 3-years.

Age-Restriction

The Japanese used car should not be older than 10-years; make sure to get an IVA certificate. Your car won’t be permitted to drive without this.

Import Documentation for Import

Here are the documents, which you must have.

1. Identification Proof (Original).
2. Bill of lading (BOL): – It is a contract that your car (or any good) has been shipped on the cargo.
3. Cost of car tax.
4. TURN (Traders Unique Reference Number): It is a 12-digit number with nine digits VAT and three digits suffix.
5. National Identity Card or Driving license to confirm your name.
6. Utility bill.
7. Vehicle Insurance from UK company.
8. Certificate of Deregistration.
9. An invoice sent from the trader to the buyer confirms the automobile’s owner.

Duties and Taxes

1. It is a 10% duty on used Japanese cars.
2. It is a 22% duty on commercial and pickup vehicles.
3. A 17.5% VAT.

Conditions

The importer won’t pay duty or taxes if they haven’t lived in the UK for more than a year. Moreover, the importer cleared the duties and taxes at the time of buying the vehicle.

Top used cars in the UK from Japan

• Toyota Alphard.
• Toyota Estima.
• Nissan Skyline.
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.