Why Irish Dealers Are Switching From UK to Japan Sourcing in 2026

Japan is now Ireland's main source of used imports

For decades, the UK was where Irish dealers went to top up their used stock. That has changed. Between January and September 2025, Irish registrations of used cars imported from Japan rose 19.84% to 26,942, while used imports from the UK fell 20.91% to 9,790. Japan now supplies almost three times as many used cars to Ireland as the UK does (Cartell analysis of SIMI data, via Autotrade.ie).

The demand for used imports is still growing in 2026. SIMI reported 15,679 used car imports in January and February 2026, up 40% on the same period in 2025 (SIMI).

Our Vehicle Sourcing Team has supplied Japanese used cars to Irish dealers and private buyers for years, and we have watched this shift happen order by order. This article explains why it happened and what it means if you are thinking of buying Japanese used cars for the Irish market.

Irish dealers are switching to Japan because Brexit added customs duty, VAT and paperwork to UK imports, while Japan offers a large supply of low-mileage, well-documented right-hand-drive cars, including the VW, Audi and hybrid models Irish buyers want.

The numbers behind the shift

Sources: Cartell via Autobiz.ie (2014 and 2023 figures) and Cartell via Autotrade.ie (2025 figures).

Why Irish dealers are moving from UK to Japan sourcing

Brexit made UK imports slower and more expensive

Before 2021, a car bought in the UK moved to Ireland like any other EU purchase. Since Brexit, UK imports carry customs paperwork and can attract VAT and customs duty, depending on where the car was originally made (CompleteCar.ie). Cartell's data shows UK imports peaked in 2019 and began falling quickly from 2020. Once dealers had to deal with customs on UK cars anyway, buying from Japan stopped looking like the harder option.

Japan's car market produces young, low-mileage stock

Japan's shaken roadworthiness inspection gets more expensive as cars age, so many Japanese owners replace their cars early. Combined with short average journeys, this produces a steady supply of cars with low mileage for their age. Cartell has noted that Japanese imports are seen as reliable and well maintained, and often have more technology and better fuel economy than older UK equivalents.

Every auction car comes with an inspection report

Most of these cars are sold through Japanese car auctions, where each one is inspected and given an auction sheet showing its grade, mileage and damage. That gives dealers condition data before they buy, which is rare when buying at home. Our auction sheet guide explains how to read one, and you can check mileage and past auctions with our guide to checking history by chassis number.

The cars Irish buyers want are available in Japan

Japan drives on the left, so its cars are right-hand drive like Ireland's. And it is not only Japanese brands: Volkswagen is the most popular make imported from Japan, led by the Golf and Polo, with Audi in third place. Hybrids now make up almost a quarter of Japan-sourced imports, and diesel imports are rising from a low base.

Customs duty on Japanese cars has been phased out

Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, customs duty on cars made in Japan was reduced in stages and reached 0% in February 2026 (Odo.ie import cost calculator). VAT and VRT still apply, so confirm the current rules with Revenue for each car before you buy.

What is harder about buying from Japan

Japan sourcing is not risk-free, and dealers should plan for three things. First, lead time: shipping to Ireland typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, so you need to buy ahead of demand. Second, auction risk: you may be outbid, and condition depends on reading the auction sheet correctly. Third, VRT: older cars and diesels can carry a high VRT and NOx charge, so calculate the full landed cost on each car before you bid. Our 2026 import cost breakdown covers each charge for Ireland.

How to import a car from Japan to Ireland

1. Choose a Japanese used car supplier with auction access. Our checklist on how to choose a reliable Japanese car supplier covers what to verify.
2. Pick a car from auction or stock, check the auction sheet, and agree an itemised quote.
3. The car is exported with an export certificate and shipped to Ireland, either on its own or in a shared container. See shared vs dedicated containers.
4. The car clears customs on arrival, then goes for its VRT appointment and is registered.
5. Cars over four years old need an NCT before they can be driven on Irish roads.

Our Ireland page explains each step in more detail. Dealers planning regular orders should also read our trade buyer's guide.

Frequently asked questions

Why are there so many Japanese imports in Ireland?

Brexit made UK imports more expensive and complicated, while Japan offers low-mileage, right-hand-drive cars with documented condition at competitive prices.

Is it cheaper to import a car from Japan to Ireland than from the UK?

Often, because many UK cars now carry customs charges and Japanese supply is larger. Compare the full landed cost, including VRT, for each car.

Do I pay customs duty on a car from Japan?

For cars made in Japan, customs duty reached 0% under the EU-Japan trade agreement in February 2026. VAT and VRT still apply, so confirm with Revenue for each car.

How long does shipping from Japan to Ireland take?

Usually 4 to 6 weeks, plus time for bidding and customs clearance.

Source your next cars from Japan

Browse Japanese used cars for sale, follow live listings on our Japanese car auctions page, or request a specific car for the Irish market. To set up regular trade orders, get in touch through our contact page. Our payment rules are in our terms of trade, and you can read what other buyers say on our testimonials page.

About the author

Nobuko Japan Vehicle Sourcing Team

Our sourcing team has 14 years of experience in Japanese used vehicles, auction bidding and vehicle sourcing. The team buys at Japanese auctions and from leasing and rental sources every week, and supplies dealers and private buyers in Ireland, the UK, Cyprus, Pakistan and the USA. This article draws on published Cartell and SIMI data and on what Irish customers have told us about why they now buy from Japan.

Last reviewed: October 2026.