{"id":64314,"date":"2023-01-17T07:03:34","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T06:03:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eurococ.eu\/reimporting-exported-vehicle-to-uk\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T16:18:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:18:39","slug":"reimporting-exported-vehicle-to-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eurococ.eu\/en\/blog\/reimporting-exported-vehicle-to-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Re-Importing A Previously Exported Vehicle To The UK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The rules for car importation and re-importation in the UK are similar in several ways. The major difference is that you may be exempt from certain payments when bringing in a previously exported car back into the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, the re-importation requirements will depend on whether the vehicle was temporarily or permanently exported. Re-importing a previously exported vehicle to the UK can be straightforward if you are aware of all you will need beforehand.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the guidelines provided here to begin or complete the process of vehicle re-importation in the UK. You will also learn the next steps to take after successfully re-importation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Re-import A Previously Exported Car Into The UK<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several reasons exist why a person might be interested in re-importing their car after previously exporting it out of the UK. Depending on the destination country, the vehicle may have to be returned to the UK after being exported for a reason such as if there is a \u2018retraction of export\u2019 order.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also be bringing your car back to the UK after taking it for an exhibition or display in a foreign country. Some people may also prefer to export their cars to another country to have the vehicle repaired or for a special vehicle upgrade process like coating or electroplating.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common reason for exporting a car from the UK and bringing it back appears to be the car owner’s return to the United Kingdom. For instance, if a person had to be away from the UK because of work, they might have to re-import their car after their foreign work contract ends.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the reason for re-importation, what is most important is that the car is in great condition, especially if you plan to re-import a car that wasn\u2019t originally exported by you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amount of time that you exported the car determines the processes that you will need to follow to complete the re-importation process. This information must be established with the <\/span>Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)<\/span><\/a> before importation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are still expected to comply with UK laws if the exported vehicle would be spending less than 12 months in the foreign country. This means that you will have to keep paying taxes in the UK for the car while it is overseas and you must also go with your recent MOT and UK insurance documents.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foreign countries have respective regulations for driving, taxation, and licensing, so prepare to comply with them. Your V5C certificate or<\/span> its duplicate<\/span><\/a> should also be with you, as certain countries make them mandatory. If you are travelling to a non-EU country, you may have to pay duty unless you purchase a <\/span>CPD Carnet<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK considers vehicles that have been exported for over 12 months permanently exported. Since you must have registered the vehicle in a foreign country within this duration, the car will be treated as a fresh import during re-importation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the initial export, you must have informed the DVLA of your intentions to export the car for over a year and filled the \u201cpermanent export\u201d section of your V5C. Sometimes, that section might be missing from the log book, in which case you have to inform the DVLA in a letter about taking your vehicle abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When re-importing a previously exported vehicle to the UK, if the vehicle has been exported for less than a year, it will be straightforward to import and register it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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COC<\/span><\/a>Documents<\/span><\/a>Import<\/span><\/a>UK<\/span><\/a><\/div>

Is A COC For Cars Important? Here\u2019s Everything To Know<\/h4><\/a>\n <\/div>\n Read article<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Importing A Previously Exported Car To The UK<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since the DVLA treats all cars exported for over a year as permanent exports, you will have to follow the standard importation process, when re-importing a car that has been abroad for more than 12 months.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find a reputable transport company such as <\/span>ShipMyCar<\/span><\/a> to help you handle the logistics. Here are detailed steps on how to go about the re-importation:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n