How to Import a Car to the UK - Complete Guide & Services
Whether you're importing a car from the USA, Europe, Japan, or anywhere else, we handle every step of bringing your vehicle to UK roads. From shipping and customs to testing and registration - we make car importing simple.
How Does Car Importing to the UK Work?
Thinking about importing a car to the UK? You're in the right place. We've been helping people import vehicles since 2006, handling thousands of imports from countries like the USA, Japan, Germany, and beyond.
Whether you've bought a classic American muscle car, a JDM import from Japan, or a European luxury vehicle, we'll guide you through every step. Our service ranges from complete door-to-door import packages to individual services like customs clearance or DVLA registration only.
Popular import routes we handle:
- USA to UK car imports (including classic cars)
- Japan to UK vehicle imports (JDM specialists)
- EU to UK imports (post-Brexit specialists)
- Dubai/UAE to UK luxury car imports
Key UK Import Services
International Vehicle Shipping
Secure and reliable shipping for your car to the UK from anywhere in the world. We manage all logistics, including collection, loading, and sea/air freight.
UK Customs Clearance
Expert handling of all UK customs procedures, including import duty, VAT, and NOVA declarations, ensuring a smooth entry for your vehicle.
IVA Testing & Homologation
Comprehensive IVA testing and vehicle modification services to ensure your car meets all UK safety and environmental standards for full homologation.
DVLA Registration
Complete DVLA registration service, including V5C logbook application and obtaining UK number plates, making your imported vehicle fully road-legal.
Our Import Process Highlights
Customs Clearance: The First Step
Once your vehicle arrives in the UK, it must first be customs cleared. We handle all necessary paperwork and liaise with HMRC to ensure a smooth process. Depending on the vehicle's origin and your circumstances, different duties and taxes may apply. We provide clear guidance on this, and for an estimate, you can use our UK Import Duty & VAT Calculator.
Vehicle Unloading & Inspection
Depending on how your vehicle is shipped will determine the method used to unload your vehicle. If travelling by RoRo then it will simply be driven off the vessel.
For containers, we can unload your vehicle in-house here in Milton Keynes. We would collect your container from the quayside and transport it to our fully equipped depot to unload either 20ft, 40ft or 45ft containers. More information can be found here: Container Devanning.
IVA Testing & UK Homologation
The age of the vehicle and where it is being imported from will determine what modifications / testing are required. If the car is currently registered in the EU then we need to obtain Mutual Recognition through the VCA. This involves modifying the car to UK specification – usually new headlights, fog light moved to right hand side and MPH dash fascia.
DVLA Registration & Road Tax
Once your vehicle has passed the IVA test (if required) and all duties are paid, we will register it with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You will receive your UK registration documents (V5C) and number plates, making your car fully road-legal in the UK.
Level of road tax due depends on whether the car has a Certificate of Conformity (then it is based on emissions) or not (classed as private light goods vehicle so a fixed annual charge).
What Does It Cost to Import a Car to the UK?
One of the first questions everyone asks is "how much will it cost to import my car?" The total cost depends on several factors:
Import Taxes & Duties
- •Import Duty: 10% of vehicle value (only 5% for cars over 30 years old)
- •VAT: 20% on the total of vehicle value + duty + shipping
- •Exemptions: Transfer of Residence (ToR) may apply if relocating
Service Costs
- •Shipping: £800-£3,000 depending on origin and method
- •IVA Test: £450-£1850 including modifications
- •DVLA Registration: £55 first registration fee
Recent UK Car Import Examples
Want to see more, visit our gallery.
Ready to Import Your Car?
We have been importing cars into the UK since 2006. We are experienced and dedicated to ensuring we import your vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Try our instant quote system or contact us with any questions.