Canada → United Kingdom
Importing a Car to the UK from Canada
Import a car from Canada to the UK: shipping from Halifax, Montreal or Vancouver, 10% duty and 20% VAT, ToR relief, NOVA, IVA and DVLA registration explained.
Importing from Canada: Overview
Quick answer: complete Canadian export (CBSA export declaration and ownership transfer), ship from Halifax or Montreal (about 2 weeks) or Vancouver (5–6 weeks) to Southampton, pay 10% duty and 20% VAT or claim Transfer of Residence relief, file NOVA and pass IVA before DVLA registration.
Canadian cars are left-hand drive and North American spec. Popular imports include pickups, classic American cars and returning-resident vehicles. Winter use means you should check carefully for underbody corrosion before buying.
The Import Process Step by Step
1. Purchase & Checks
We confirm ownership, finance status and the build date of the vehicle in Canada, and check whether it qualifies for Transfer of Residence or historic-vehicle relief.
2. Export from Canada
The seller or our agent completes local export deregistration and delivers the car to Halifax, Montreal or Vancouver.
3. Ocean Freight
The car sails by RoRo or container to Southampton, Tilbury or Felixstowe. Typical transit is about 2 weeks from the East Coast or 5–6 weeks from Vancouver.
4. UK Customs Clearance
We submit the import declaration on CDS and settle duty and VAT (or claim relief) so the car can leave the port.
5. NOVA Notification
HMRC is notified through NOVA within 14 days of arrival, which DVLA needs before registration.
6. Approval & DVLA Registration
IVA, Mutual Recognition or historic-vehicle evidence as needed, then first registration on UK plates using form V55/5.
UK Rules & Compliance
Cars imported to the UK from outside the UK pay 10% customs duty and 20% import VAT on the customs value (price plus freight and insurance). Vehicles over 30 years old, unmodified and no longer in production can qualify as historic: 0% duty and 5% VAT. If you are moving to the UK and have owned and used the car abroad for at least 6 months, Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can remove both duty and VAT. North American-spec cars usually need IVA because of lighting and speedometer differences.
Documents You Will Need
- Canadian vehicle registration/ownership and CBSA export declaration
- Purchase invoice or bill of sale
- Bill of lading
- Passport and proof of UK address
- HMRC NOVA confirmation
- C88 import entry and duty/VAT payment, or ToR1 relief approval
- IVA / Mutual Recognition certificate, or Certificate of Conformity
- MOT certificate once registered, if over 3 years old
Transit Times & Costs
About 2 weeks from Halifax or Montreal and 5–6 weeks from Vancouver, plus 2–4 weeks for UK clearance and IVA.
East Coast RoRo or container shipping to the UK typically costs £1,000–£1,600; from Vancouver £1,800–£2,600. Add duty and VAT unless ToR applies, IVA, NOVA and registration fees.
Canada to UK Import FAQs
Does a Canadian car need IVA?
Most cars under 10 years old need IVA because they are North American spec. Older cars can often register with an MOT and proof of age.
Can I import a car from Canada duty free?
Yes under Transfer of Residence if you are moving to the UK and have owned and used the car for at least 6 months.
Which Canadian port is best?
Halifax is fastest for eastern Canada; Vancouver for the West Coast, but transit is longer via the Panama Canal.