Importing a vehicle, a few questions...
Discussion
Something I haven't done for some time so I am looking for some advice/tips from those that have imported a vehicle to the UK recently as I am led to believe that the process may have changed.
I understand that I have to inform HMRC that the vehicle is in the UK and pay whatever fees/duty may be applicable. How do I get vehicle approval? Is a Certificate of Conformity enough or are things more stringent now? How do I then register the vehicle, is it all done online now or will the vehicle have to be physically checked?
All advice greatly appreciated from those who have been through the process recently.
I understand that I have to inform HMRC that the vehicle is in the UK and pay whatever fees/duty may be applicable. How do I get vehicle approval? Is a Certificate of Conformity enough or are things more stringent now? How do I then register the vehicle, is it all done online now or will the vehicle have to be physically checked?
All advice greatly appreciated from those who have been through the process recently.
Hi. I did it in 2014, so possibly it's changed since.
I had to have paid the import duty for it to get through Customs. Mine was 45 years old at the time, so strictly it should have been 32% Duty/VAT. But the shipper (Hill Shipping - recommended) successfully did it at 5% VAT (no duty).
That gets the car into the country. For me it was then a case of insuring it (which I actually did before it got here). You can insure from a chassis number, don't need a registration. Then it needed an MOT - you can drive it with no licence plate and no MOT directly to a nearby MOT station. Then I had to fill in a form for the DVLA (can't remember which) and they registered it within a week. You get another form which you can use to get number plates made.
Somewhere in there was taxing the car, although mine was tax-free at >40 yrs.
It didn't have any government inspections. The MOT was all it needed. But, I do think the rules are different for younger cars, so if you're importing a fairly new one it might be different.
It's probably worth paying for the services of a good shipper and/or dealer, unless you're happy going through the loops.
I had to have paid the import duty for it to get through Customs. Mine was 45 years old at the time, so strictly it should have been 32% Duty/VAT. But the shipper (Hill Shipping - recommended) successfully did it at 5% VAT (no duty).
That gets the car into the country. For me it was then a case of insuring it (which I actually did before it got here). You can insure from a chassis number, don't need a registration. Then it needed an MOT - you can drive it with no licence plate and no MOT directly to a nearby MOT station. Then I had to fill in a form for the DVLA (can't remember which) and they registered it within a week. You get another form which you can use to get number plates made.
Somewhere in there was taxing the car, although mine was tax-free at >40 yrs.
It didn't have any government inspections. The MOT was all it needed. But, I do think the rules are different for younger cars, so if you're importing a fairly new one it might be different.
It's probably worth paying for the services of a good shipper and/or dealer, unless you're happy going through the loops.
PC80 said:
It's probably worth paying for the services of a good shipper and/or dealer, unless you're happy going through the loops.
I need to know the loops as I intend to do this on a regular basis. Can it be done easily in under 4 weeks otherwise my idea won't be financially viable.It might depend if you're importing new (under 10 years) or old cars. For me it was something like:
6 weeks to get from the dealer's showroom (California) to my door. You can't speed up the boat of course.
In that time you can sort the insurance, prepare the forms for taxing and registering the car, book an MOT. The bit I didn't do personally was the HMRC forms, but the shippers are doing this regularly, so this can also be done whilst the car is on the boat.
When it arrives you can quickly have it MOT'd, then get the forms to the DVLA (MOT, proof that duties are paid and registration forms). The DVLA took about 6 days to register mine. If you have a company that can produce number plates quickly then you could have them on the road quite soon after landing in the UK - within 4 weeks.
The bit I'm unsure of is additional testing for modern vehicles.
6 weeks to get from the dealer's showroom (California) to my door. You can't speed up the boat of course.
In that time you can sort the insurance, prepare the forms for taxing and registering the car, book an MOT. The bit I didn't do personally was the HMRC forms, but the shippers are doing this regularly, so this can also be done whilst the car is on the boat.
When it arrives you can quickly have it MOT'd, then get the forms to the DVLA (MOT, proof that duties are paid and registration forms). The DVLA took about 6 days to register mine. If you have a company that can produce number plates quickly then you could have them on the road quite soon after landing in the UK - within 4 weeks.
The bit I'm unsure of is additional testing for modern vehicles.
Ructions said:
Something I haven't done for some time so I am looking for some advice/tips from those that have imported a vehicle to the UK recently as I am led to believe that the process may have changed.
I understand that I have to inform HMRC that the vehicle is in the UK and pay whatever fees/duty may be applicable. How do I get vehicle approval? Is a Certificate of Conformity enough or are things more stringent now? How do I then register the vehicle, is it all done online now or will the vehicle have to be physically checked?
All advice greatly appreciated from those who have been through the process recently.
Where are you importing from (EU/non-EU)?I understand that I have to inform HMRC that the vehicle is in the UK and pay whatever fees/duty may be applicable. How do I get vehicle approval? Is a Certificate of Conformity enough or are things more stringent now? How do I then register the vehicle, is it all done online now or will the vehicle have to be physically checked?
All advice greatly appreciated from those who have been through the process recently.
How old is the vehicle (<10yo/10yo+)?
If it's 10yo+, you only need an MOT.
If it's <10yo, you either need a CoC (if it's EU spec) or an IVA.
Form V55/5 from DVLA - they need to post it you.
NOVA from HMRC - zero VAT or duty if it's from the EU.
Old registration paperwork, MOT/IVA/CoC, insurance, first reg fee, VED money with the form when you send it to DVLA.
Wait, get entitlement certificate to reg. Get plates made. Drive.
TooMany2cvs said:
Where are you importing from (EU/non-EU)?
How old is the vehicle (<10yo/10yo+)?
If it's 10yo+, you only need an MOT.
If it's <10yo, you either need a CoC (if it's EU spec) or an IVA.
Form V55/5 from DVLA - they need to post it you.
NOVA from HMRC - zero VAT or duty if it's from the EU.
Old registration paperwork, MOT/IVA/CoC, insurance, first reg fee, VED money with the form when you send it to DVLA.
Wait, get entitlement certificate to reg. Get plates made. Drive.
Vehicle(s) will be imported from Ireland. All under 10 years old.How old is the vehicle (<10yo/10yo+)?
If it's 10yo+, you only need an MOT.
If it's <10yo, you either need a CoC (if it's EU spec) or an IVA.
Form V55/5 from DVLA - they need to post it you.
NOVA from HMRC - zero VAT or duty if it's from the EU.
Old registration paperwork, MOT/IVA/CoC, insurance, first reg fee, VED money with the form when you send it to DVLA.
Wait, get entitlement certificate to reg. Get plates made. Drive.
Thanks for the answers.
Ructions said:
Vehicle(s) will be imported from Ireland. All under 10 years old.
So you'll need CoCs.Stupid question - they started off in Ireland, and have never been in NI or anywhere else in the UK...? Lots of Irish-reg cars have already crossed over. If they've been UK reg'd, then it's always worth just applying for a replacement V5C...
I've heard a whisper about something they're calling Brexit, others might have heard about it as well. Whether that will impact who knows, but current references to the EU in legislation etc. might well change, which could impact on any business case. However, as those charged with implementing it have no idea what is going to happen, I wouldn't think that any PHer knows either.
tonys said:
I've heard a whisper about something they're calling Brexit, others might have heard about it as well. Whether that will impact who knows, but current references to the EU in legislation etc. might well change, which could impact on any business case. However, as those charged with implementing it have no idea what is going to happen, I wouldn't think that any PHer knows either.
Since that won't be for another 18 months...I did it all myself on a classic car. It's not hard and the DVLA were helpful but did reject my paperwork 3 times. On old cars, so there is NO tax to pay at all. You will need the paperwork (V5 equivalent) from the country you got the car from. Get MOT send of paperwork and £55 to DVLA. I would trailer the car to MOT center band back as its less the getting cover on it but your call.
Easy to do, just takes time. I would not pay for anyone to do this for me.
Easy to do, just takes time. I would not pay for anyone to do this for me.
Hi everybody, just imported Toyota Prius 2013 from Japan. All custom/duty is paid and car is cleared from the port.
Now for the IVA Test im struggling to fill that IVA 1C form.
First thing is that, as the car is from Japan do i need CoC?
And if you look at the form,
Q3 c. Which class will this prius come under? Its a import to keep the car for myself or i might sell it?
Q4 e. Whats the overall length of the load area?
Q4w (i). Design laden weights of the vehicle, axle 1/2/3 gross weight, Train, towable mass. Where can i get this info? And Q4w (ii) is also similar.
Q4 x. Is it NO, as its from Japan and requires IVA instead of CoC?
Q7. What evidence do i need as i bought this car from a online dealer and maybe keep this car for a private use or might sell it.
Q7. Did not understand this question :/
Looking forward for your replies.
Regards
Now for the IVA Test im struggling to fill that IVA 1C form.
First thing is that, as the car is from Japan do i need CoC?
And if you look at the form,
Q3 c. Which class will this prius come under? Its a import to keep the car for myself or i might sell it?
Q4 e. Whats the overall length of the load area?
Q4w (i). Design laden weights of the vehicle, axle 1/2/3 gross weight, Train, towable mass. Where can i get this info? And Q4w (ii) is also similar.
Q4 x. Is it NO, as its from Japan and requires IVA instead of CoC?
Q7. What evidence do i need as i bought this car from a online dealer and maybe keep this car for a private use or might sell it.
Q7. Did not understand this question :/
Looking forward for your replies.
Regards
nouman_aziz said:
Hi everybody, just imported Toyota Prius 2013 from Japan. All custom/duty is paid and car is cleared from the port.
I find it hard to believe you're saving much money over just buying a used 5yo Pious in the UK, but...nouman_aziz said:
First thing is that, as the car is from Japan do i need CoC?
As it's a Japanese-spec car, it won't have a European CoC. So you need to put it through the IVA instead.nouman_aziz said:
And if you look at the form,
This one?https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...
nouman_aziz said:
Q3 c. Which class will this prius come under? Its a import to keep the car for myself or i might sell it?
Hover over the arrows for explanations. You're class R.nouman_aziz said:
Q4 e. Whats the overall length of the load area?
"Is it a goods vehicle? If yes, then..."nouman_aziz said:
Q4w (i). Design laden weights of the vehicle, axle 1/2/3 gross weight, Train, towable mass. Where can i get this info? And Q4w (ii) is also similar.
"Refer to the weights plate on the vehicle". It's all on the VIN plate.nouman_aziz said:
Q4 x. Is it NO, as its from Japan and requires IVA instead of CoC?
Correct. That's for approving modifications to EU/UK approved base vehicles - motorhomes, coachbuilt trucks, etc.nouman_aziz said:
Q7. What evidence do i need as i bought this car from a online dealer and maybe keep this car for a private use or might sell it.
Q7. Did not understand this question :/
Not applicable to R.Q7. Did not understand this question :/
Hi, thanks for help. Yes actually, bought that prius very cheap compared to uk prices. Will see if i be able to sell it quick and at a profit.
And sorry, as my import is Class R. Then theres another set of question.
8a. to 8d. Do i check No for all?
And finally, which documents I’ve to include with this application?
Regards
And sorry, as my import is Class R. Then theres another set of question.
8a. to 8d. Do i check No for all?
And finally, which documents I’ve to include with this application?
Regards
Hi, to dig up an old thread.
Ive put a deposit down on a 2013 Audi which has been imported from Japan. The car has a V5 document and HPI checked confirmed it's been imported. It's also got a fresh MOT. The dealer isnt forthcoming with an IVA certificate though. He claims it's a euro spec car sold to Japan.
Im dubious but love the car so im hesitant.
Would it be possible for them to register the car with DVLA without the IVA? If so, and I buy the car, is it likely to get taken away? Or would I end up having to get an IVA for it?
DLVA search lists the "Vehicle Type Approval: Not Available"
Ive put a deposit down on a 2013 Audi which has been imported from Japan. The car has a V5 document and HPI checked confirmed it's been imported. It's also got a fresh MOT. The dealer isnt forthcoming with an IVA certificate though. He claims it's a euro spec car sold to Japan.
Im dubious but love the car so im hesitant.
Would it be possible for them to register the car with DVLA without the IVA? If so, and I buy the car, is it likely to get taken away? Or would I end up having to get an IVA for it?
DLVA search lists the "Vehicle Type Approval: Not Available"
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