Importing into the UK is simple, but costs a lot in taxes/duties. However, done correctly, you'll be fine. Importers must pay the 10% Import Duty and 17.5% VAT on the value of the bill of sale issued by the seller (like us). Importers must also pay the Customs Duty.
If you're importing your own vehicle, you're best to use the services of a customs agent. We can help arrange that for you.
For vehicles 10 years and older, you're not required to do a SVA test. For vehicles newer than 10 years, an SVA test is required. The SVA Test or MOT test usually means that the speedometer must be refitted with one in Miles Per Hour. Also, typically rear fog lights are also installed.
For vehicles newer than 10 years old, they need to meet the requirements of the Enhanced SVA test, the ESVA, for the Vehicle Inspectorate.
This means providing with the vehicle at the time of the ESVA a "model report" that shows the vehicles compliance with European emission and safety standards.
The model report is a document that has been commissioned by someone for the exact same car as you wish to pass the ESVA. You can hire the Model Report and submit it with your own vehicle to show compliance to the standards.
Unfortunately, if there is no Model Report available for your particular vehicle, then you will have to commission one and pay the full cost of this. You can then, of course, rent out your model report to other owners of that particular Japanese Car. This will allow you to recoup costs and possibly make a profit.
The most common differences between Japanese manufactured vehicles and UK vehicles are: No rear fog light; No Miles Per Hour display on the speedometer; Inadequate number plate space; wrong Radio Activated Security Systems (RASS) frequency; Fuel filter nozzle of incorrect diameter.
The VCA website has valuable information regarding vehicle importing.
Don't let all these requirements worry you. Professional services are available for you to get your vehicle on the road, and thousands of people are doing this every year. They are the smart ones saving thousands of pounds!
