1. Sourcing the Vehicle

Selection and Inspection:
Osaka Auto Traders would first need to source the vehicle. This can be through auctions, dealerships, or private sales in Japan. Most used cars in Japan go through auction houses like USS Auctions, JU Auctions, or Baya Auctions.

Vehicle Inspection: Ensure the vehicle is inspected, usually through services like JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center) or independent assessors. This is critical to verify the vehicle’s condition and compliance with UK regulations.

2. Vehicle Purchase

Bidding and Purchase:
After identifying the vehicle, the purchase is made either through bidding at auction or directly from the dealer. Once the bid is successful or the price agreed upon, payment is made to the auction house or seller.

Payment: Osaka Auto Traders would arrange payment through a bank transfer, ensuring funds are available for the final purchase and export costs.

3. Exporting the Vehicle from Japan

Export Documentation:
The trader needs to secure essential documentation, which includes:

• Export Certificate from Japan’s Ministry of Transport.
• Bill of Sale or Commercial Invoice.
• Deregistration Certificate (for used vehicles).
• JEVIC or QISJ (Quality Inspection Services Japan) certificate if applicable.

Shipping Arrangements:

Osaka Auto Traders would need to book a shipping slot on a Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) vessel or container service. RoRo is generally cheaper for used car.

Shipping Company: They would coordinate with logistics providers such as NYK Line, K Line, or MOL for sea freight services to UK ports like Southampton or Bristol.

Shipping Duration: Expect a shipping time of 6-8 weeks, depending on the service.

4. Importing into the UK

Port Arrival and Customs Clearance:

Customs Declaration: Before the vehicle arrives in the UK, the auto trader must complete a customs declaration. They can either do this directly via the HMRC system or hire a customs agent to handle it.

Required Documents:

Bill of Lading (from the shipping company).

Original Export Certificate and translated version (Japanese to English).

Commercial Invoice (showing the vehicle’s purchase price).

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for customs declaration.

Duties and VAT:

Import Duty: 10% of the purchase price.

VAT: 20% of the vehicle’s total cost, including the purchase price, duty, and shipping.

5. Vehicle Compliance

Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval):

To be legally driven in the UK, most Japanese imports need to pass an IVA or SVA test. This ensures that the car meets UK road safety and environmental standards.

Common modifications may include adjusting headlights for left-hand driving, rear fog lights, and speedometer adjustments to mph from km/h.

6. Vehicle Registration with DVLA

Documentation for Registration:

• Complete the V55/5 form for new vehicle registration.
• Original Japanese Export Certificate (translated to English).
• Proof of identity (passport or ID).
• Proof of purchase (invoice).
• Evidence of passing the IVA or SVA test.
• Insurance details.

Road Tax and Number Plates:

• Pay road tax based on CO2 emissions or engine size.
• Once the vehicle is registered, the auto trader can obtain a UK registration number and have the number plates fitted.

7. Final Preparations

Vehicle Insurance:

Ensure that insurance is arranged before the car is driven on UK roads. Most traders would have motor trade insurance to cover multiple vehicles.

Delivery or Sale:

After registration, the car can be delivered to customers or displayed for sale in the UK market.

8. Cost Overview

Purchase Cost in Japan:

Varies by make, model, and condition of the car.

Shipping Costs: Around £800 to £1,500 depending on the shipping method.

Import Duty and VAT: As mentioned above, 10% duty and 20% VAT.

Compliance Modifications and IVA/SVA Test: Usually costs between £500 and £1,500.

Registration and Road Tax: Registration fees are around £55, with road tax depending on the vehicle’s emissions.

9. After-Sales Support

Warranty:

Ensure that any warranties or guarantees offered to UK buyers are valid for vehicles imported from Japan.

Servicing and Parts:

Traders might need to arrange after-sales services for imported cars, including sourcing parts that may not be available locally.