Import rules depend on where the car is headed. Select your destination to see what applies.
Over 25 Years Old
Any right-hand drive vehicle over 25 years old can be imported. Left-hand drive vehicles over 25 years old are also possible, though some states only grant a club permit until the vehicle reaches 30.
Under 25 Years Old
Must be listed on the Federal Government's Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS), which currently covers over 250 models. Check the eligibility list before you commit to a car.
Standard MOT Route
If the car's original Japanese registration date is 10 years or more before you apply, it's exempt from IVA testing — a standard MOT (required once a car is 3 years or older) is enough before DVLA registration. There's no age-based import ban on right-hand drive JDM cars in the UK.
IVA Test Required
Cars registered in Japan within the last 10 years need an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test before they can be registered, unless the model already holds UK/EU type approval, which is rare for JDM-only models. Budget for the test as part of the process.
Every import is also notified to HMRC within 14 days of arrival (the NOVA process) before registering with the DVLA for a UK plate.
Federally, the same 25-year rule applies nationwide — vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from FMVSS safety and EPA emissions standards. But that only covers import; each state sets its own rules for registering the car once it lands, and requirements vary widely.
California
California applies smog requirements to most 1976-and-newer vehicles even when they're federally exempt — there's no blanket 25-year smog exemption. Many imports need a BAR Referee inspection and a Statement of Facts (REG 256) before they'll register.
Montana
Montana has no state emissions or safety inspection for registration — in most cases, a copy of the front and back of the title is enough to get plates, making it one of the most straightforward states for JDM imports.
The process
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Tell us your dream car
Share the make, model and condition you're after. We'll assess feasibility within your budget and timeframe, then collect a ¥120,000 deposit (for vehicles under ¥5,000,000) to begin sourcing.
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We source & bid at auction
We shortlist upcoming auction vehicles, inspect them in person on auction morning, and bid on your behalf up to your maximum — you only ever pay what we actually win the car for.
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International Shipping
Once purchased, we handle transport to a Japanese port and book your shipping. Ocean transit typically runs 3-8 weeks depending on your destination port e.g. Australia 2-4 weeks. See shipping times by country.
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Compliance & registration
On arrival, we coordinate delivery to a compliance and registration specialist in your region, so your JDM import is ready to register and drive.
Import Calculator
Estimate landed cost — purchase, shipping, duties and compliance — before you commit.
Estimate your cost →Eligibility List
For Australia check whether a newer model is eligible before you bid — requirements vary by destination.
Check eligibility →