A Guide to Customs and Duties for UK Car Exports | GVE London – Blog

Exporting a car from the UK may seem like a herculean task and no doubts about it; it is no cakewalk. Having to deal with all that paperwork, regulations, customs duties and a million other things, it certainly gets overwhelming.

However, if you’re selling your car to a foreign buyer or perhaps taking it along with you, understanding the process really isn’t optional. So, this guide is for you. We’ll break down everything you need to know about the customs and duties when exporting cars from the UK.

The Basics of Exporting Cars from the UK

Alright, let us understand the basics first, shall we?

The very first thing you need to do is inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). They’ll take your vehicle off of the tax system and we’re sure you don’t want to be paying road tax in the UK when you won’t be driving on UK roads. Simply fill out the ‘Notification of Permanent Export’ (V5C) form and you should be good.

Once the paperwork with the DVLA is taken care of, you’ll need to focus on the vehicle’s export declaration, which will be submitted to customs. They’ll check everything and see if it complies with the UK’s export laws. From there, depending on the country you’re exporting to, you may also need to prepare additional documentation, such as customs clearance forms for the destination nation.

Customs Duties and Taxes on UK Car Exports

One of the most important things to consider when exporting a car is the customs duties and taxes that the importing country may impose, which vary widely based on the country and the value of the vehicle. For example, the European Union (EU) imposes a VAT of 20% on cars imported into its member countries, while other nations may have different rates or additional taxes so doing research on the specific import duties and taxes for the country you’re exporting to. 

You can do this by consulting the official customs website or working with a customs broker who can lend you a hand with managing all these fees. Keep in mind that some countries also charge an import duty based on the car’s engine size, weight, or age, so be prepared to pay a larger amount if your car is special.

Read Also: UK Car Exporter’s Tips for Buyers and Sellers Abroad

Key Considerations When Exporting Cars from the UK

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when exporting cars from the UK:

1. Documentation: You don’t want to mess up the paperwork, as this is by far the easiest yet most frustrating part of it all. Make sure that the paperwork is accurate and complete, and that all required forms are included, including the V5C form for DVLA and customs declaration forms for the destination country. Making a mistake or missing documents will only cause a delay and potentially a fine.

2. Shipping: You’ve got plenty of options to choose from in terms of shipping, such as container shipping and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping. Choose the right shipping method based on your vehicle type and needs. For supercars or high-end cars, we recommend sticking with container shipping, despite it being costlier than RoRo shipping.

3. Insurance: Murphy’s law states that if things can go wrong, they will. That is a very pessimistic way of living life, but there is some truth to it. The point is, don’t forget your insurance, particularly if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle. Insurance will cover you in case of any damage or loss during transit.

4. Destination Regulations: Different countries have different rules and regulations for importing cars. Some may have stricter emissions standards, while others may require you to perform some modifications or get rid of some parts. So, do your research and make sure you’re aware of the specific requirements.

5. Export Fees: Aside from customs duties, there are also export fees that you have to pay depending on your chosen shipping method and your vehicle’s value. These fees add up, too, so do keep that in mind when creating a budget.

How Trade Showrooms Can Help with Exporting Cars

If all of this seems like too much of a hassle, and you’re exporting a luxury car or supercar, you might want to consider working with a luxury car exporter, like GVE London. Since it’s a part of their business, they’ve got plenty of experience dealing with international transactions and can handle a lot of the paperwork and logistics for you. Furthermore, since this is their job, they’re aware of the specific rules and regulations that apply to high-value vehicles and in which countries.

Many of these showrooms have established relationships with shipping companies, so they ensure your car reaches its new home safely. Additionally, as a money-saver, they can advise you on the various taxes and duties involved and how best to minimise your overall cost.

Conclusion

Once you understand the entire process, exporting a car from the UK becomes fairly straightforward. If you’d like some assistance, feel free to contact GVE London, an experienced trade showroom that can take the effort out of the entire shipping process and handle it for you. We’ll minimise your costs and make sure your car reaches its destination, safe and sound, whilst saving you time and money. Furthermore, we can ensure the car meets the destination country’s regulations, as we have an in-house team that can perform servicing, repairs, as well as any modifications required.