Importing a vehicle from overseas into the United Kingdom could mean having access to a scarce model, more specification options, or an existing one in another country. However, importing a car is not simply making arrangements for transportation from one country to another. There is a number of requirements that need to be fulfilled prior to driving the car.
It should be taken into consideration that the procedure varies depending on the origin of the vehicle, its age, and new or used condition. In addition, there are differences between regulations in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Table of Contents
Check the Vehicle Before Making a Purchase
The research should be done even before any transaction of money takes place. The buyer should verify the status of the vehicle in terms of identification, state of repair, history of ownership, and registration in the present country. An important starting point in this process would be the vehicle identification number (VIN).
The seller should provide the original registration papers, receipts, title documents, and all other service papers that might be needed at a later date by the UK authorities. Lack of these papers could make registration quite tough.
It is important to know if the vehicle in question has been declared to be a serious damage write off or non-repairable car by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Some seriously damaged imported cars are not registered by the DVLA.
Calculate the Full Cost Before Shipping
The buying price forms only one component of the overall cost. Buyers must also consider shipping, marine insurance, import duties, alterations to the vehicle, testing, registration, and number plate acquisition.
The cost of transportation will depend on the size of the vehicle, its place of origin, port of discharge, and mode of transport. It may be advisable to use roll-on/roll-off services for ready-to-drive vehicles and container transport for valuable or special vehicles.
There may also be VAT and duty payable. VAT calculation could take into account the cost of the vehicle, accessories, freight costs, surcharges, and duties. The rates and reliefs will depend on the circumstances and place of origin of the vehicle.
A specialized Car Import service or a customs agent could assist in estimating these costs before shipment. Getting a proper estimation will make it easier to evaluate if the overseas purchase is worthwhile.
Choose an Appropriate Shipping Method
International transport of a vehicle is carried out via one of two methods: container shipment or roll-on/roll-off transport. Both have different prices and requirements.
In the case of container shipping, the vehicle is loaded into a closed shipping container. It may be appropriate to use for a classic car, luxurious or altered car, or expensive vehicle.
For roll-on/roll-off shipping, the vehicle will be driven into the shipping vessel and unloaded there. This is an easy method when transporting operational vehicles.
Before starting the transportation process, check out all requirements set by the shipping company concerning the amount of fuel left in the vehicle, items, keys, alarms, and other issues. Keep copies of bills of lading and other documents, since they may be required for customs procedures.
Complete Customs and HMRC Requirements
The customs duties change depending on the mode of entry of the vehicle into the country. The vehicles entering Great Britain through shipment usually need to be declared. A shipper or customs official usually makes the declaration for the owner.
People Importing a car to the United Kingdom permanently must also follow HM Revenue and Customs requirements for reporting the vehicle’s arrival. HMRC generally requires notification within 14 days, and the vehicle cannot be registered until the required notification process has been completed.
Depending on the situation, it could be that VAT and Customs Duty have to be paid prior to registering the vehicle. There are some owners who may actually be entitled to relief. The Transfer of Residence relief is applicable to those moving from abroad, provided they satisfy HMRC criteria.
Returned Goods Relief can sometimes apply if the vehicle was previously registered in the UK and then exported and is now re-imported.
Make Sure the Vehicle Meets UK Standards
The car imported from abroad may need to have approval before the DVLA will allow for its registration. The purpose of approval is to make sure that the vehicle satisfies all the relevant safety and environmental standards.
In some cases, cars imported from non-EU countries will require individual vehicle approval (IVA). Cars from EU countries may use conformity documents; however, there will be situations when further approval will be required.
Left-hand drive cars may need modifications before approval. Such components as headlamps, rear fog lamps, and speedometers may require alterations depending on the specifications of the particular car.
Age of the car is also an important criterion in terms of approval. Some cars which are more than 10 years old are exempted from requirements for vehicle approval. This, however, does not relieve the owner from other obligations, such as registration, roadworthiness, and insurance.
Arrange an MOT When Required
The MOT is an inspection that ensures the car is safe enough and environmentally friendly. The imported car may be required to have an MOT certificate in order to register it. It depends on the age of the car and on particular conditions.
In order to pass the MOT test easily, you should bring your car to the garage first and ensure that everything is okay – from brakes and tires to suspension and emissions equipment.
The MOT regulations for older cars vary in Northern Ireland, so the owner should clarify the conditions depending on the UK region he wants to register his car in.
Register the Vehicle With the DVLA
After customs affairs and approval requirements are fulfilled, if needed, the registration can be applied for. Different DVLA forms for registration are needed for new and used imported cars.
For a new car form V55/4 is normally needed, whereas form V55/5 is usually needed for a used imported car. The supporting documents include proof of identity, foreign registration, approval, and MOT details when needed.
DVLA may inspect the vehicle to identify it and make sure of its details. Following the successful application, the number plate is assigned by the DVLA.
Owners can organize number plates accordingly. Copies of records which were used in the process should be saved whenever it is possible, including purchasing, shipping, customs, and approval documents.
Arrange Insurance Before Driving
However, registration does not eliminate the necessity of proper insurance for the vehicle. The driver must be insured prior to putting the car on public roads.
Some conventional insurance companies might lack the knowledge regarding foreign cars. However, specialized insurance companies can evaluate the car on the basis of its specifications, place in market, alterations, and value.
Please supply all necessary information regarding the engine size, trim level, alteration done, type of steering wheel, and security features.
Avoid Common Problems and Delays
Problems caused by incomplete documentation can be easily avoided. Check your documentation requirements prior to the export of your vehicle from the home country. Replacement of foreign documents when transporting the vehicle will cost you much time.
Another frequent mistake is made by people who compare the price of a foreign car to the domestic ones without including in the calculation the cost of transportation, port expenses, tax, inspection, modifications, registration and insurance.
Do not rely on the fact that a roadworthy abroad car will be automatically roadworthy in the UK due to differences in lighting, speedometer, emissions, etc.
Final Thoughts
Importing a car from abroad to Britain gets simpler if the process is done in the right sequence. Begin with checks on ownership and condition of the car, determine the landed cost, arrange transportation, and fulfill customs and vehicle approval requirements.
Proper planning also helps in making the Car Import process easier to deal with. Maintain the original documents, check for the latest requirements of the government, and give enough time for customs and DVLA clearance. With all the procedures taken care of, you can get your car registered and insured.