Importing a Kei Truck to United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Is it allowed?
Yes Vehicles under 10 years old must pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test (or a Goods Vehicle Test, GVT, if used commercially) before DVLA registration. Vehicles over 10 years old are exempt from IVA and need only a standard MOT. Age is calculated from first registration, so most imported kei trucks — well over 10 years old — avoid IVA entirely.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Right-hand drive (RHD) acceptance
Allowed The UK is a right-hand-drive country, so kei trucks need no steering conversion — a positive over left-hand-drive markets. RHD is the norm with no issue at all.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Age / eligibility rule
Over 10 years old (from first registration): exempt from IVA, requires only a standard MOT. Under 10 years old: IVA (or GVT if commercial) required before registration.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Taxes summary
Import duty plus 20% VAT, calculated on the customs value (including freight and insurance to the UK frontier). Preferential duty may apply under the UK–Japan CEPA, but only with proper Japanese-manufacture origin evidence — it depends on where the vehicle was made, not where it was bought. TODO-VERIFY the exact duty rate for the kei truck's commercial/passenger classification.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-08
Registration authority
DVLA (registration); HMRC (customs, VAT, and NOVA notification); DVSA (IVA / MOT testing).
Buyer notes
Process: (1) submit NOVA to HMRC within 14 days of arrival; (2) pay duty and VAT; (3) pass IVA (if under 10 years) or MOT (if over 10 years); (4) register with the DVLA using form V55/5 and receive a V5C logbook and number plates; (5) tax and insure before driving. Source: gov.uk DVLA import process; DVSA IVA guidance; UK customs/CEPA import guidance.
Step overview
- 1. Source and purchase your kei truck from Japan (auction, dealer, or exporter).
- 2. Arrange export paperwork and shipping (RoRo or container) to United Kingdom.
- 3. Clear customs and pay applicable duties/taxes (see Taxes summary above).
- 4. Submit NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) to HMRC within 14 days of arrival, then pass IVA (if under 10 years) or MOT (if over 10 years) before DVLA registration.
- 5. Register and insure the vehicle for road use.
This is a general outline. Confirm the exact sequence and requirements with DVLA (registration); HMRC (customs, VAT, and NOVA notification); DVSA (IVA / MOT testing). or a licensed import agent before committing to a purchase.
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