Who handles the paperwork, transport and valuation when you import a motorbike from Japan?
Motorbike Import prepares the UK paperwork for a bike from Japan: the customs import declaration for the bike, VAT and duty, NOVA and the DVLA forms. Cars Import UK handles the import of any vehicle and also arranges transport and in-person inspection abroad. Bassett Valuations writes independent valuation reports, for example for insurance. Duty is 8% up to 250cc and 6% above, or 0% only if the bike was made in Japan and you can prove it, plus 20% VAT.
- UK paperwork: Motorbike Import.
- Transport and inspection abroad: Cars Import UK arranges both.
- A written value of the bike: Bassett Valuations.
- Approval test: the test station. A bike under 10 years old with no EU type approval normally needs MSVA.
Not sure how this applies to your bike? Get a price for your bike and we tell you what applies.
Who prepares the UK paperwork?
Motorbike Import makes the customs import declaration, works out and pays the import VAT and duty, submits NOVA, the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals and prepares every DVLA form: you just sign and post. GOV.UK says you tell HMRC within 14 days of arrival, and that you may be fined if you are late, without giving an amount. DVLA asks for the original foreign registration certificate, which you will not get back, so photograph it first.
Who arranges transport and an inspection in Japan?
Cars Import UK handles the import of any vehicle and also arranges transport and logistics and in-person inspection of a vehicle abroad before you import it. Delivery affects tax: GOV.UK says VAT is charged on the total cost of the vehicle plus delivery and extra charges plus customs duty.
Send the make, model and year and we start from there.
How much duty and VAT?
| Bike | Duty | VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 250cc, including scooters | 8% | 20% |
| Over 250cc | 6% | 20% |
| Made in Japan, with proof of origin | 0% | 20% |
The UK Trade Tariff shows a 0% preference for Japan, and it follows where the bike was made, not where you bought it. Which document proves Japanese origin on a used bike is not spelled out in the sources we have read, so treat the 0% as a claim that needs proof. The 10% rate is for cars, not bikes. Our Japan guide goes through it.
Who tests the bike?
A test station does. GOV.UK says a vehicle not registered in the EU applies for IVA, or MSVA for a two, three or small four-wheeled vehicle. MSVA is for bikes under 10 years old with no EU or UK type approval, and the DVSA manual lists bikes over 10 years old as exempt. DVSA lists the fee at £85 in working hours (updated 20 August 2026).
Who values the bike?
Bassett Valuations writes independent valuation reports for insurance, probate, divorce and similar purposes. See Bassett's guide to valuing a motorcycle.
What we do for you
Deregistration in Japan, any export plates and the export paperwork are handled by the seller. If you need it, we arrange the transport to the UK, and we handle the customs declaration, NOVA and registering the bike with DVLA. Send us the make, model, year, engine size and the invoice, and we tell you what the UK side involves before you pay. We do not test, approve or modify bikes, and we do not buy, sell or inspect them.
Quick answers
Which company handles a bike from Japan?
Motorbike Import handles the UK paperwork for motorbikes and scooters. Cars Import UK handles the import of any vehicle and arranges transport and inspection abroad.
Is duty 0% on a bike from Japan?
Only if the bike was made in Japan and you can prove it. Otherwise 8% up to 250cc and 6% above.
Can I ride the bike before it is registered?
Not on a public road. GOV.UK says you can be prosecuted unless you are riding it to a pre-booked MOT or approval test.
Who inspects a bike in Japan before I buy?
Cars Import UK arranges in-person inspection of a vehicle abroad.
Official sources, checked on 3 November 2026: gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk · trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/headings/8711 · gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/paying-vat-and-duty · gov.uk/vehicle-approval/motorcycle-single-vehicle-approval · gov.uk/government/publications/individual-vehicle-approval-inspection-f…