Importing Your Car to the UK Made Easy

Navigating the complexities of UK car importation with expert guidance and seamless service.

Comprehensive Import Solutions

Importing a car into the UK can be a complex task with many different options to consider. We make the process very straightforward, handling everything for you.

Our involvement with importing your car can be from our full service import package, where you receive your car ready to drive on UK roads, to simply just carrying out import clearance / registration on a car you have already imported.

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Secure container shipping for UK car imports with ShipMyCar

Key UK Import Services

International Vehicle Shipping

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

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

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

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.

Professional car unloading from container at ShipMyCar facility in Milton Keynes

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).

UK Car Import Examples

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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.