Want To Import Cars From UK? Read This Complete Guide

Moving from the UK to a new home in Northern Ireland or an EU country? You can bring your new or used car along with you regardless of how long you plan to be out of the UK. The importation process and requirements depend on the country you are taking the car to and the vehicle type.

You will learn the details necessary to import cars from UK to different countries within and outside of the EU.

Importing Cars To EU Countries From The UK

Making a customs declaration is often the first step to take immediately after your vehicle arrives in the EU country from the UK. The other processes that follow would be as specified by the particular country’s transport agency and customs.

Here are some examples of EU states and their procedures for car importation from the UK in 2022:

Vehicle Importation From The UK To Ireland

When you directly purchase a new or used car of UK origin with the intention of importing it to Ireland, you will need to pay customs duty and VAT. VRT might also be necessary if the vehicle is not exempt. Claim relief from customs if you are eligible.

Fees

Aside from the customs duty usually charged on vehicles coming in from Great Britain, you will also need to pay VAT and motor tax on your new or imported car. Vehicle registration tax is another payment you may have to make when registering the car after satisfying customs requirements.

Vehicle Registration

Registration of imported UK cars happens at the National Car Test (NCT) centre after you register your Certificate of Conformity (COC). An EU COC is a document that shows your vehicle’s compliance with European standards. It is best to order yours ahead of registration if you don’t have one.

Here are the other documents you’ll need for registration:

•     VRTVPD2 form for private-use cars.
•     Vehicle log book (V5C).
•     Invoice showing the purchase date.
•     Proof of identity, address, and PPS number.
•     VRT exemption certificate, if applicable.

Vehicle Importation From The UK To Malta

You are expected to register the imported vehicle no longer than 30 days after you bring it in from the UK. The Authority for Transport in Malta will handle the rest of the registration process.

Required Documents

Here is a list of documents you need to successfully register a UK vehicle in Malta:

•     An original vehicle insurance certificate carrying your name.
•     VRT for cars older than 4 years.
•     Inspection of vehicle by TM’s Technical Unit.
•     Filled forms VEH 001, VEH 002, and VEH 005.
•     Vehicle log book (V5C).
•     Original notice of arrival.
•     UK license plates.
•     An SVA (single vehicle approval) test and mileage verification certificates.
•     Certificate of Conformity for online registration.
•     Fees including registration tax and payment for license plates.

If you bring a used vehicle into Malta from the UK and you do not take it for the necessary inspection within 30 days of importation, you might have to pay an administrative fine.

Importing A Car From The UK To Northern Ireland

The requirements for importing cars from UK to EU are less flexible than what you get when moving your car to Northern Ireland. You can drive your car freely into Northern Ireland provided that the vehicle is registered in Northern Ireland or Great Britain and is intended for private or non-commercial use.

You need to inform the DVLA of the change of address so that your vehicle log book can be updated. You will also need to modify the address on your driving licence.

If someone else has to move the car on your behalf, ask them to register for the goods vehicle movement system. Making a safety and security declaration might be required, so check beforehand to know if this is necessary.

The Trader Support Service can direct you through the customs processes so ensure to sign up for free if you need guidance.