How to Import a Car to the UK
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.
How Does Car Importing 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.
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
From shipping to registration, we offer everything you need to get your vehicle UK road-legal.
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
1. Customs Clearance
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.
Import Taxes & Duties
- Import Duty: 10% of vehicle value (5% for cars over 30 years)
- VAT: 20% on the total of vehicle value + duty + shipping
- Exemptions: Transfer of Residence (ToR) may apply if relocating
2. Vehicle Unloading & Inspection
Depending on how your vehicle is shipped, the unloading method varies. RoRo vehicles are simply driven off the vessel.
For containers, we can unload your vehicle in-house at our Milton Keynes facility. We collect your container from the quayside and transport it to our fully equipped depot.
3. IVA Testing & Homologation
The age of the vehicle and where it's being imported from determines what modifications and testing are required. EU vehicles need GB IVA Conversion, while non-EU vehicles under 10 years need full IVA testing.
4. DVLA Registration
Once testing is complete and duties paid, we register your vehicle with the DVLA. You'll receive your UK registration documents (V5C) and number plates, making your car fully road-legal.
Already Applied for UK Registration?
Waiting for your V5C to arrive? Use our free VIN lookup tool to check if your vehicle is now registered with DVLA.
Recent UK Car Imports
A selection of vehicles we've recently imported to the UK
Ready to Import Your Car?
Get an instant quote for shipping, customs, testing, and registration. We'll handle everything.
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