How to Get Export Clearance for Cars: A Compliance-First Approach | GVE London – Blog

Exporting cars from the UK, or any country for that matter, isn’t particularly the easiest process in the world. You need to get your compliance, paperwork, logistics, taxes, etc, all sorted right from the start. There are no shortcuts, no room for guesswork. A single mistake can cost big money and even result in your car getting stuck in customs limbo. 

So, whether you’re an independent seller, a collector, or someone working with a supercar showroom dealing with clients abroad. Understanding the process matters greatly. So, here is how it goes.

So, What Does Export Clearance Actually Mean?

To put it as simply as possible, export clearance refers to the process that allows HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) and border authorities to approve a vehicle for shipment out of the UK. This involves declaring the goods (the car, in this case), ownership, paying any outstanding taxes, and ensuring the documentation is all watertight. If, for example, you’re planning to export luxury cars to Indonesia, the paperwork must meet both UK and Indonesian customers’ requirements. This stands true for all countries, and is kind of where things start to get a little complicated. 

Start With Proof of Ownership and VAT Status

Before anything, you’ll need to prove that you actually, legally own the car and that VAT has been handled correctly. If the vehicle was bought VAT-free for export, present evidence to HMRC that it’s leaving the UK within a specific time frame. This time period is usually 3 months. 

Register for the UK’s Export System (CHIEF or CDS)

Alright, in order to get this ball of clearance rolling, you’ll need to use the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and need an  EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) to submit declarations. If you do not have one, you can get one for free by simply applying online. There is no exporting cars from the UK without one.

Declare the Vehicle Properly

When submitting your customs declaration, you’ll need all the accurate commodity codes vehicle descriptions, and supporting documents. This includes:

• V5C logbook
• Commercial invoice
• Export license (if required)
• Packing list and bill of lading (if shipping via container)

Don’t Forget Insurance and Transport Protocols

Luxury car export is a sensitive business. One small scratch and it can cost thousands. We’re talking about special cars here, after all. So, say you’re looking to export luxury cars to Indonesia, you’ll need to comply with local automotive import laws, which include age restrictions and right-hand-drive regulations, whilst ensuring your car is insured for the transit. 

Furthermore, it is good to have a handler in the destination country as well. 

Work With a Trusted Supercar Showroom or Export Partner

Handling everything solo is possible, but stressful. Many dealers and private clients choose to partner with a supercar showroom like GVE London that handles luxury car exports on their behalf. These businesses often have built-in compliance teams, logistics partners, and shipping arrangements already in place. That means less time dealing with paperwork and more time focused on sourcing your next vehicle.

Conclusion

Exporting cars from the UK—especially luxury models—requires planning, attention to detail, and complete transparency. Whether you’re a first-timer or managing a regular shipment schedule, staying compliant at every step protects you from costly delays, penalties, and lost sales opportunities. If you’re aiming to export luxury cars to Indonesia or anywhere else, make compliance the priority, not an afterthought.

And if the idea of doing it all alone feels overwhelming? A specialist export partner or supercar showroom like GVE London can take the edge off, ensuring everything’s handled cleanly from paperwork to delivery. Make the export process easier for you. We specialise in high-end vehicles, with equipment and staff ready to perform everything from repair, service, detailing to custom mods on your vehicle. Contact us today!