Hong Kong → United Kingdom
Importing a Car to the UK from Hong Kong
Import a right-hand-drive car from Hong Kong to the UK: export clearance, container shipping to Southampton, 10% duty and 20% VAT or ToR relief, NOVA and DVLA registration.
Importing from Hong Kong: Overview
Quick answer: cancel the Hong Kong registration with the Transport Department, ship the car in a container from Kwai Tsing to Southampton or Felixstowe (5–7 weeks), pay 10% duty and 20% VAT or claim Transfer of Residence relief, file NOVA and register with the DVLA.
Hong Kong drives on the left, so cars are right-hand drive and many are European or Japanese models close to UK specification. Hong Kong residents relocating to the UK (including BN(O) visa holders) frequently bring their own car under ToR relief.
The Import Process Step by Step
1. Purchase & Checks
We confirm ownership, finance status and the build date of the vehicle in Hong Kong, and check whether it qualifies for Transfer of Residence or historic-vehicle relief.
2. Export from Hong Kong
The seller or our agent completes local export deregistration and delivers the car to Kwai Tsing Container Terminals.
3. Ocean Freight
The car sails by RoRo or container to Southampton, Tilbury or Felixstowe. Typical transit is 5–7 weeks.
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. Many Hong Kong cars are European or Japanese models that can use Mutual Recognition or a Certificate of Conformity instead of full IVA.
Documents You Will Need
- Hong Kong vehicle registration document and Transport Department deregistration
- 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 5–7 weeks at sea, plus 1–3 weeks for UK clearance and registration.
Container shipping from Hong Kong to the UK typically costs £1,600–£2,600 for a sole 20ft container, less in a shared container. Add duty and VAT unless ToR applies, plus NOVA and registration fees.
Hong Kong to UK Import FAQs
Are Hong Kong cars right-hand drive?
Yes, Hong Kong drives on the left so cars are RHD like the UK.
Can BN(O) visa holders import their car tax-free?
Yes if you qualify for Transfer of Residence: owned and used the car for at least 6 months and moving your normal residence to the UK.
Does a Hong Kong car need IVA?
Often not for European models with a Certificate of Conformity; Japanese or non-UK models may need IVA or Mutual Recognition.