HMRC Customs Clearance Over Christmas
HMRC continues to process customs declarations through the CDS (Customs Declaration Service) system during the holiday period, but with reduced staffing. This means:
- Electronic submissions: NOVA declarations and customs entries can still be submitted online 24/7.
- Processing times: Expect delays of 2-3 additional working days during the Christmas week.
- Document queries: If HMRC raises a query on your declaration, response times will be slower.
- Payment processing: Duty and VAT payments made after 20 December may not clear until the new year.
14-Day NOVA Deadline
Remember: vehicles must be declared to HMRC via NOVA within 14 days of arrival in the UK. If your vehicle arrives mid-December, don't wait until after Christmas to submit your declaration.
DVLA Registration Timelines
DVLA registration for imported vehicles typically takes 4-6 weeks under normal circumstances. During the Christmas period:
- V55/5 applications: Forms submitted after 15 December are unlikely to be processed before January.
- Online services: The DVLA's online services remain available, but processing happens during office hours.
- Document backlogs: Expect a processing backlog in early January as the department catches up.
- First Registration Fee: The fee remains £55 regardless of when you apply.
If you need your vehicle registered before Christmas, submit your V55/5 application by early December at the latest.
IVA and MOT Testing
Vehicle testing facilities have their own holiday schedules:
- DVSA IVA centres: Most close from 24 December to 1 January. Book early - December slots fill up quickly.
- MOT stations: Private MOT centres set their own hours; many close 25-26 December only.
- Our workshop: ShipMyCar's Milton Keynes facility closes 24 December - 1 January inclusive.
Port Operations
UK ports continue operating throughout the Christmas period, though with some modifications:
- Container terminals: Major ports like Southampton and Tilbury operate reduced hours on bank holidays.
- RoRo ferries: Dover, Portsmouth, and other ferry ports maintain services but with modified schedules.
- Vehicle collection: Customs-cleared vehicles can usually be collected, but confirm with the specific port.
Our Recommendation
If you're importing a vehicle and want it road-legal before Christmas:
- Ensure the vehicle arrives in the UK by early December
- Submit NOVA and pay customs charges immediately upon arrival
- Book IVA testing (if required) for the first available December slot
- Submit DVLA paperwork as soon as testing is complete
For vehicles arriving in late December, realistic registration will be mid-to-late January. Use trade plates or transport the vehicle if you need to move it before registration is complete.