Car Shipping to Japan from the UK
Ascope Shipping offers expert car shipping services to Japan from the UK, backed by 15 years of experience in the export and shipping industry. We specialise in transporting cars to the Port of Yokohama, Japan, ensuring a hassle-free and reliable process for private individuals, dealers, and commercial exporters alike.
Whether you’re relocating, exporting a vehicle for sale, or shipping a car for business, our team manages every stage of the process, from booking and export documentation to customs clearance and safe delivery at the destination port. We combine RoRo and container options to suit every vehicle type and budget, with clear communication at every stage so you always know exactly where your shipment stands.
Why Choose Us for Car Shipping to Japan?
- Expertise: We have extensive knowledge and familiarity with the requirements and processes involved in shipping cars to Japan, thanks to our many years of experience in the industry
- Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and transparent pricing
- Reliable and Trustworthy: Our reputation for reliability and trustworthiness precedes us, so you can rest assured that your car will be in safe hands throughout the shipping process
Shipping Methods to Yokohama, Japan
RO/RO Car Shipping to Japan (Yokohama Port)
Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) shipping is a cost-effective method for transporting cars (saloons and 4x4s), vans, minibuses, buses, trucks, tractors, agricultural machinery, and plant equipment to Yokohama, Japan. With this method, units are charged based on the space they occupy on the vessel, making it an economical choice. We export both new and used vehicles, as well as self-propelled machinery, to Japan from the UK. We offer door-to-port and port-to-port services, allowing you to either drive your vehicle to the port or take advantage of our door-to-port transportation service. Our access to weekly departures from the UK ensures a seamless shipping process.
Container Car Shipping to Japan (Yokohama Port)
Prefer extra protection for your vehicle during the journey to Japan? Our container shipping service loads and securely fastens your vehicle into a 20ft or 40ft container before departure, guarding against weather and handling damage throughout the long voyage. This method offers added safety for high-value vehicles, classic cars, or shipments combined with household goods, where extra security matters most. We offer container loading and lashing services at the port or our Essex warehouse, or containers can be delivered to your address for loading, whichever suits you best. See full container pricing, sizes, and options on our container shipping to Japan page.
Car Shipping to Japan Cost
We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness when it comes to car shipping. That’s why we offer competitive prices for various vehicle types:
Vehicle Type | RO/RO Prices | Container Costs |
|---|
Saloon Vehicle e.g Audi TT | | Enquire |
|---|
4×4 Vehicle e.g. Freelander | | Enquire |
|---|
Vans e.g Vauxhall Combo | | Enquire |
|---|
2 cars(saloon / 4×4) | Enquire | Enquire |
|---|
UK Ports for Vehicle Shipping to Japan
We ship regularly from major UK export ports:
Our team confirms the best available sailing when you request your quote, based on your vehicle’s location and preferred timeline.
Car Shipping to Japan Route & Transit Time
Sea freight schedules vary depending on vessel routes, port congestion, and seasonal demand.
| UK Departure Port | Japan Arrival Port | RoRo Transit | Container Transit |
|---|
| Southampton | Yokohama | 26–32 Days | 28–35 Days |
| Tilbury | Yokohama | 27–34 Days | 30–38 Days |
| Felixstowe | Yokohama | 25–31 Days | 27–34 Days |
We provide weekly sailings with realistic delivery timelines for international car shipping.
Competitive Quotes and Reliable Service
At our company, we pride ourselves on offering competitive quotes for exporting your car to Japan or shipping your household items. Our negotiated affordable shipping costs, combined with the high volumes we move every month, position us as one of the UK’s leading international shipping companies. We are committed to providing transparent, competitive pricing for your overseas move.
With weekly departures, Ascope Shipping Services assures you peace of mind. Our years of experience in the shipping and forwarding industry ensure that your vehicle or cargo will arrive on time and in the same condition as when it left, no matter the destination, Yokohama, Japan, or anywhere else in the world.
Import Requirements for Vehicles in Japan
Before car shipping to Japan from the UK, it’s crucial to be aware of the country’s strict import regulations and requirements. Here are the key points to consider:
Vehicle Age Restriction
Japan has a stringent policy on importing used vehicles. Generally, cars must be less than 3 years old to be eligible for import.
Emissions and Safety Standards
Imported vehicles must meet Japan’s stringent emissions and safety standards. This includes:
- Compliance with Japanese exhaust emission regulations
- Meeting Japan’s safety standards for brakes, lights, and other critical components
Documentation
Several documents are required for importing a vehicle into Japan:
- Original vehicle registration
- Proof of ownership
- Export certificate from the country of origin
- Certificate of conformity to Japanese standards
- Customs declaration form
Inspection and Registration
Upon arrival in Japan, vehicles must undergo:
- A thorough customs inspection
- Registration with the Japanese authorities
- Acquisition of Japanese number plates
Taxes and Duties
Importers should be prepared to pay:
- Import duty, typically around 0 to 3% for most passenger vehicles
- Consumption tax, 10% of the vehicle’s value plus shipping and insurance costs
- Automobile tax, based on engine size
Right-Hand Drive Requirement
While not strictly prohibited, left-hand drive vehicles face additional scrutiny and may require modifications to meet Japanese road safety standards.
Environmental Regulations
Japan has strict environmental policies. Imported vehicles must:
- Meet or exceed Japanese emission standards
- Comply with noise pollution regulations
It’s important to note that these requirements can be complex and subject to change. We strongly recommend consulting with Japanese customs authorities or a licensed customs broker for the most up-to-date and detailed information before shipping a vehicle to Japan.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping to Japan
Proper preparation reduces the risk of delays during inspection and loading.
Before your vehicle departs the UK, make sure to:
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly, inside and out
- Remove all personal belongings
- Leave the fuel tank low for safety during transit
- Keep spare keys ready to hand over at collection
- Have your documentation organised and easily accessible for customs officials and port staff
Marine Insurance for Car Shipping to Japan
We recommend marine cargo insurance for every vehicle shipped to Japan. Cover protects against damage, loss, or unforeseen risks during such a long voyage, and matters most for higher-value vehicles where repair or replacement costs would be significant if anything went wrong along the way.
DVLA Notification
If you’re exporting your vehicle permanently from the UK, you’re required to notify the DVLA that the car is leaving the country. We guide customers through this step as part of our service, so it’s never overlooked before departure.
Why Experience Matters for Car Shipping to Japan
Japan’s 3-year age restriction, strict emissions standards, and detailed registration process make it one of the more demanding destinations to import a vehicle into. With 15 years of experience navigating these specific requirements, our team understands how to prepare documentation correctly the first time, helping customers avoid the delays and unexpected costs that catch out less experienced exporters.
Get Your Car Shipping to Japan Quote Today
For all your car or personal item shipping needs to Yokohama, Japan, or any other destination, whether you’re relocating, exporting a vehicle for sale, or sending a car to family overseas, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation. Our team manages the documentation, scheduling, and customs process from start to finish, so you can ship with complete confidence. Experience our affordable shipments and exceptional service, backed by 15 years of experience shipping vehicles safely and reliably to Japan.
