Importing a gifted 2nd Hand Golf GTi from Hong Kong to UK
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I have a question about importing a vehicle from Hong Kong to the UK.
My father is retiring from his job in Hong Kong (and staying a HK resident). As part of his retirement package, his work is letting him transport a shipping container from HK to anywhere in the world for free. Since he has nothing he needs to transport, he is suggesting that he gives me his old VW Golf 2.0 GTI A5. (I guess at 65 he reckons a Golf GTI doesn't suit him anymore!)
Obviously i'm not complaining about this, however, I need to figure out if it's actually worth me getting it what with the possible taxes that might be involved.
The full detail of the vehicle are:
VW Golf 2.0 GTI, A5
Auto, 5-Door, Leather Seat & Sunroof, 18” Alloy Wheel
Colour: Blue Graphite P>E.-Pure Beige
Mileage: 19,000km.
I've been looking at the regulations but can't figure out how much tax I would be liable to pay. Also I don't know how much the vehicle is worth. One more thing, although i'm in my mid thirties, i've only just got my license (yes outrageous I know), so there is the insurance to consider. I'm guessing a new driver with a 2.0 GTI doesn't go down well with insurers?
I would be grateful if anyone could give me any advice on this.
Cheers,
Adrian
I have a question about importing a vehicle from Hong Kong to the UK.
My father is retiring from his job in Hong Kong (and staying a HK resident). As part of his retirement package, his work is letting him transport a shipping container from HK to anywhere in the world for free. Since he has nothing he needs to transport, he is suggesting that he gives me his old VW Golf 2.0 GTI A5. (I guess at 65 he reckons a Golf GTI doesn't suit him anymore!)
Obviously i'm not complaining about this, however, I need to figure out if it's actually worth me getting it what with the possible taxes that might be involved.
The full detail of the vehicle are:
VW Golf 2.0 GTI, A5
Auto, 5-Door, Leather Seat & Sunroof, 18” Alloy Wheel
Colour: Blue Graphite P>E.-Pure Beige
Mileage: 19,000km.
I've been looking at the regulations but can't figure out how much tax I would be liable to pay. Also I don't know how much the vehicle is worth. One more thing, although i'm in my mid thirties, i've only just got my license (yes outrageous I know), so there is the insurance to consider. I'm guessing a new driver with a 2.0 GTI doesn't go down well with insurers?
I would be grateful if anyone could give me any advice on this.
Cheers,
Adrian
Thanks for the replies.
I did just now check out compare the market for insurance and the best price i'm getting is from Admiral at £2315 + £450 excess, which even considering the fact i'm in London, is way more than insurance for lets say a BMW 325 which is just over a grand.
So that plus tax issues, I think you're right, best off sellilng it in HK. Any idea at all how much it'll fetch in HK?
I did just now check out compare the market for insurance and the best price i'm getting is from Admiral at £2315 + £450 excess, which even considering the fact i'm in London, is way more than insurance for lets say a BMW 325 which is just over a grand.
So that plus tax issues, I think you're right, best off sellilng it in HK. Any idea at all how much it'll fetch in HK?
If YOU are importing the vehicle and it has been GIVEN to you:
You will need to work out the value of the vehicle in Hong Kong and declare it during the export process. You may need to produce evidence of this value.
You will need to establish the cost of transport (regardless of the fact you're not paying it).
Take this total and add it together.
Upon arrival in the UK you will pay:
10% of that value in import duty
20% of that total as VAT (the value here being the car, transport and import duty combined)
There will be a customs clearance fee too unless the shipping company is also picking up the tab. Last time for me it was <£100.
You really want to speak to a Customs agent. Without invoices it can become messy as HMRC don't approve of people "guessing". I can put you in touch with one if you wish and they can explain in detail. PM me.
If the vehicle was MANUFACTURED in the EU and exported from it, the VAT will have already been paid and you'll get charged a flat fee of £50 instead. I don't know where they make Golfs for the Asian market as to whether this applies to yours.
It's a lot of effort if you don't really want the car. You've then got all the faff of dealing with it once here. You'll need to get it insured (£XXXX) to register it (£55). If the vehicle is under 10 years old you'll need to put it through an IVA test too (£200). VW may supply a certificate of compliance (£110 last time I checked) instead, however it could be subject to them doing any conversion work.
If the cars over 10 years old it just needs an MOT.
Hope that helps.
You will need to work out the value of the vehicle in Hong Kong and declare it during the export process. You may need to produce evidence of this value.
You will need to establish the cost of transport (regardless of the fact you're not paying it).
Take this total and add it together.
Upon arrival in the UK you will pay:
10% of that value in import duty
20% of that total as VAT (the value here being the car, transport and import duty combined)
There will be a customs clearance fee too unless the shipping company is also picking up the tab. Last time for me it was <£100.
You really want to speak to a Customs agent. Without invoices it can become messy as HMRC don't approve of people "guessing". I can put you in touch with one if you wish and they can explain in detail. PM me.
If the vehicle was MANUFACTURED in the EU and exported from it, the VAT will have already been paid and you'll get charged a flat fee of £50 instead. I don't know where they make Golfs for the Asian market as to whether this applies to yours.
It's a lot of effort if you don't really want the car. You've then got all the faff of dealing with it once here. You'll need to get it insured (£XXXX) to register it (£55). If the vehicle is under 10 years old you'll need to put it through an IVA test too (£200). VW may supply a certificate of compliance (£110 last time I checked) instead, however it could be subject to them doing any conversion work.
If the cars over 10 years old it just needs an MOT.
Hope that helps.
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