How to Import a Car from Europe to the UK After Brexit (2026 Guide)

Before 2021, a car bought in the EU simply moved to the UK under free circulation. Since Brexit, every car coming from the EU into Great Britain is a customs import. That means an import declaration, possible customs duty, import VAT, an HMRC NOVA notification and then DVLA registration.

The good news: the process is predictable, and many EU-built cars pay no customs duty at all thanks to the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, a car that meets the rules of origin (made in the EU or UK with enough local content) can enter the UK at 0% duty, provided you have a valid origin statement — usually on the dealer invoice or a supplier declaration.

Cars without proof of preferential origin — for example a Japanese, Korean or US-built car bought in Germany — normally pay the standard 10% duty on the customs value (price plus shipping and insurance).

Import VAT of 20% is charged on the customs value plus any duty. If you paid VAT in the EU country, you can often reclaim it there by buying the car as an export (VAT-free) sale — ask the seller for an export invoice.

Genuine historic vehicles over 30 years old, unmodified and no longer in production may qualify for the reduced 5% VAT rate and 0% duty. If you are moving to the UK permanently, Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can remove both duty and VAT on a car you have owned and used abroad for at least 6 months.

1. Buy the car and get an export invoice, the registration document and a certificate of conformity (CoC) if available.

2. Arrange transport — driven over on export plates, trailer/transporter via ferry or Channel Tunnel, or container.

3. Customs import declaration on arrival (we or your broker submit it on CDS) and pay any duty and VAT.

4. NOVA notification to HMRC within 14 days of arrival.

5. Approval: EU-type-approved cars with a CoC can usually register without IVA; others need IVA or mutual recognition.

6. DVLA registration using form V55/5, with insurance, MOT (if over 3 years old) and UK plates.

Most EU cars are left-hand drive. They are legal to register and drive in the UK, but you must adjust headlamp beam pattern and make sure the speedometer shows mph. Insurance can cost a little more and resale values are usually lower than an equivalent right-hand-drive car.

Typical transport from Germany, France, Belgium or the Netherlands to the UK is £600–£1,200 by covered transporter, more from Spain, Italy or Eastern Europe. Add duty (if due), 20% VAT, NOVA and registration fees, plus around £55 for the first registration fee and road tax. Request a quote and we will give you a clear landed-cost estimate.