6 Tips When Importing a Car into the UK

Purchasing an import car can save you money, and provide you with greater choice when buying a vehicle. However, you will need to complete a number of documents before you are able to drive the car in the UK. Here are some tips when buying import cars.

1. Shop around for the best deals

There are a number of websites that specialise in import cars from a particular country. Use these websites to find the best deals, and browse for different manufacturers, makes and models. Price comparison websites will let you compare and contrast different vehicles quickly and easily, providing you with a wealth of information before you make a purchase. You can also read review websites, which will have further information about a particular car, such as the specifications of the vehicle, and its performance and safety standards.

2. Make sure the car meets environmental and safety standards

When importing a car into the UK, the vehicle will need to be approved to ensure it meets the relevant environmental and safety standards. The company that is importing the vehicle for you will usually take care of this. Contact them directly to ask for more information before you make a purchase.

3. Know the rules

There are different rules when it comes to importing cars into the country. For example, you will need to obtain a European Certificate of Conformity if the car you are importing has a right hand drive, which you can get directly from the manufacturer. If the car has a left hand drive, you will need to obtain a European Certificate of Conformity, as well as a certificate of Mutual Recognition. Some companies may charge a fee for these documents, so you will need to factor in this cost when purchasing an import vehicle.

4. IVA certificates

If the car has no European approval, you will need to obtain an Individual Vehicle Approval, or IVA, certificate. For more information about these documents, and the process of importing a vehicle into the UK, contact the DVLA. You should also contact DVLA if the car is more than 10 years old, dating from the first registration of the vehicle, or the date of its manufacture.

5. Paying tax

You will also need to pay duty and vehicle tax, as well as VAT on a car you want to import into the UK. When you import a car from outside the EU, you will usually pay duty and VAT through customs.

6. Obtaining UK license plates

You will need to obtain UK license plates for your vehicle once it has been imported into the UK. For more information, contact DVLA, or refer to their website. However, there are exemptions for cars that are deemed as ‘temporary imports’.