Vehicles manufactured in Japan and shipped from Japan: 0% import duty + 20% VAT (Subject to HMRC Approval)
All other vehicles:10% import duty + 20% VAT Duties and VAT are calculated on the combined value of the vehicle purchase price and shipping costs.
For vehicles manufactured in Japan, you can claim a 0% import duty preference under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), provided you have a proper Statement of Origin from the exporter. Vehicles manufactured elsewhere face the standard 10% duty.
For anyone thinking of importing any newer Japanese cars. UK and EU have an agreement with Japan