How to Import a Kei Truck to the UK, Step by Step (2026)

Importing a kei truck isn't hard — it's a sequence of steps, and people come unstuck by skipping one (usually the 14-day NOVA deadline). This is the order that works, the realistic 2026 costs, and the rules that actually matter. New to kei? Start with what a kei truck is first.

This guide is for Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) — Northern Ireland has different rules.

Two ways to import

Route 1 — buy from a UK specialist (easiest). Dealers like Motoyama, UK Mini Trucks, Algys Autos and Roadworthy Bristol import, IVA (if needed), and DVLA-register trucks, then sell them ready to drive with a V5C and often a warranty. You pay a markup (~£2,000–4,000 over the DIY all-in cost) and you're limited to their stock — but it's zero hassle. Best for first-timers.

Route 2 — DIY import from Japan (cheaper, more work). You buy from a Japanese exporter or auction agent and handle the steps yourself. You save money and get a far wider choice, but take on an 8–14 week process, several agents to coordinate, and the risk of a truck you've never seen.

The rest of this guide covers the DIY process — which is also exactly what a dealer does on your behalf.

The step-by-step import process

Step 1 — Buy in Japan

Either bid at a Japanese auction through a licensed agent (the biggest pool; agent fee ~£100–250 on top of the hammer price; read the auction sheet — aim for grade 3.5+), or buy a fixed-price car from a Japanese exporter. Make sure you'll receive the export certificate (de-registration document), the original Japanese registration (shaken), and an invoice. The first-registration date on the shaken is the single most important fact — it decides MOT vs IVA, so confirm it before you pay.

Step 2 — Ship it to the UK

RoRo (drive-on/drive-off) is the standard for a single truck — roughly £1,200–1,800, 4–6 weeks, into ports like Southampton, Bristol, Grimsby or Tilbury. Container (~£1,500–2,500 shared) protects better and suits clean classics. Basic marine insurance is usually included — check what it actually covers.

Step 3 — Customs clearance

At the UK port a customs agent makes the import declaration to HMRC (you can't easily do this yourself). VAT and any duty are paid here — the agent invoices you, plus their fee (~£150–300). They give you the clearance document (C88/E2 or an MRN) — keep it for NOVA. Have the agent lined up before the ship docks to avoid port storage fees.

Step 4 — NOVA (within 14 days)

Step 5 — Vehicle approval: MOT or IVA?

This is the big fork, set by the first-registration date in Japan:

• Over 10 years old → MOT only. A standard MOT at any garage (up to ~£55). No IVA.
• Under 10 years old → IVA + MOT. The Individual Vehicle Approval test is a fuller DVSA inspection (safety, lighting, brakes, emissions). Fee around £199 (basic), DVSA aims to inspect within 20 working days, and you'll usually need some modifications first (below). Budget IVA + mods at £500–1,200 and a few weeks' wait.

"10 years and a day" counts as over 10 — so a truck near its anniversary can be worth waiting for to skip IVA entirely.

Step 6 — Pre-test modifications

JDM trucks need a couple of tweaks for UK roads:

• Rear fog light — required (JDM trucks don't have one). ~£30–100 fitted. The most common kei modification.
• Headlights — kei trucks already dip to the left like the UK, so most pass; just confirm the beam pattern.
• Speedometer — see the warning below.

Step 7 — Register with the DVLA

Apply on form V55/5 (used imports) with the originals (no photocopies): your NOVA reference, the MOT (and IVA certificate if applicable), the original Japanese registration, your purchase invoice, and proof VAT/duty were paid. Fee is £55. The DVLA keeps the Japanese document and issues your V5C logbook in up to ~6 weeks — only then can you have number plates made.

Step 8 — Tax and insurance

Pay VED (road tax) at registration (kei trucks usually sit in a flat light-goods band). For insurance, mainstream insurers won't quote — use a specialist import broker (Adrian Flux, Brentacre, Advance, Footman James). You can get cover on the VIN before registration, which is what legally lets you drive the truck to its pre-booked MOT/IVA.

What it costs — a realistic 2026 example

A worked example: a £4,000, over-10-year 4WD truck (e.g. a DA63T or Hijet S210P) on the MOT-only route:

Bottom line: a £4,000 truck lands at roughly £7,800–9,100 on the road. The same truck from a UK dealer is ~£9,000–12,000 +VAT — you pay the difference for zero hassle and a warranty.

VAT and duty — get this right

VAT is 20% on the CIF value (vehicle + shipping + insurance), plus any duty. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim the import VAT.

How long it takes

• MOT route (over 10 years): ~10–14 weeks from buying to V5C in hand.
• IVA route (under 10 years): ~16–22 weeks, depending on the IVA booking wait.

Roughly: purchase → 4–6 weeks shipping → clearance + NOVA → MOT/IVA → DVLA (up to 6 weeks for the V5C).

Common pitfalls

• The IVA trap. A cheap-looking 2016–2018 truck is under 10 years old, so it needs IVA + modifications — easily £500–1,200 and a few weeks more. Always check the first-registration date before bidding (and consider waiting for the 10-year anniversary).
• Read the auction sheet. Grade 3.5+ and check the body diagram — structural rust (floor, chassis rails) is a walk-away; surface rust on bed panels isn't.
• "Fresh import" listings. A privately-sold "just arrived" truck may not have had NOVA/MOT/registration done — you'd inherit the whole compliance job (and any missed NOVA deadline).
• ULEZ. Pre-2006 trucks (all the 1990s F6A classics) generally aren't ULEZ-compliant — £12.50/day in London. Check the TfL checker once it has a plate.
• Insurance. Mainstream insurers won't touch it — budget £400–800/yr with a specialist.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take from purchase to driving?

About 10–14 weeks for an over-10-year truck (MOT route). You can drive on VIN insurance to the test, but proper plates wait for the V5C (up to ~6 weeks after the DVLA application).

How much does it really cost?

For a £4,000 truck, roughly £7,800–9,100 all-in. The two big extras after the vehicle are VAT (20% of CIF) and shipping (£1,200–1,800).

Can I just buy one already UK-registered?

Yes — that's Route 1. UK specialists sell DVLA-registered trucks from ~£6,000 +VAT (used) to £13,000–19,000 +VAT (near-new), ready to drive.

Do I need an IVA?

Only if the truck's first Japanese registration was within the last 10 years. Over 10 years = MOT only. It's measured from first registration, not manufacture.

Does the US 25-year rule apply in the UK?

No. The UK rule is 10 years. The 25-year rule is a US-only regulation with no relevance here.

Who pays the VAT and duty?

You do — via your customs agent at the border, before the truck is released. VAT-registered businesses can reclaim the import VAT.

Can I drive it home from the port?

Only to a pre-booked MOT/IVA test, on VIN insurance — gov.uk allows that one exception. Otherwise most people use a transporter from the port to the garage (safer if anything's mechanically wrong).

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Next steps: pick a model from the truck lineup or vans, read the DA63T guide (the easiest first import), or just get in touch — we can source, import and register one for you.