How to Export a Car from the UK to Europe? | GVE London – Blog

Exporting cars from the UK to Europe isn’t quite as breezy as it used to be, unfortunately. Thanks to Brexit, there are new hoops to jump through, more paperwork to get right, and customs processes to deal with… but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If done properly, it can still be a fairly smooth experience, especially when dealing with high-value vehicles like supercars or luxury models.

Start with the Right Documentation

First and foremost, you must get paperwork in order. Yes, perhaps not the most fun part of the procedure, but it is quite important. Keeping it as simple as possible, you’ll need:

I) The V5C registration certificate (also known as the logbook). Make sure it shows you as the current owner.

II) A bill of sale or invoice, particularly if the car is being sold to someone in the EU.

III) Proof of identity and sometimes proof of residence.

IV) Notification to the DVLA that the car is being exported.

For permanent exports, you’ll need to fill in the “Notification of Permanent Export” (Section 5) on the V5C and send it to the DVLA. The rest of the logbook stays with the buyer.

If you’re exporting temporarily, like taking the car to France for a few months, you don’t need to notify the DVLA, but you may need a Carnet de Passage or other temporary import documentation depending on the country.

Customs Declarations and Taxes

Post-Brexit, exporting a car from the UK to the EU now comes under the class of “moving goods”. Interesting change, but this means more work for us. You’re going to have to:

I) Submit an export declaration to HMRC.

II) Provide the car’s value, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and details.

Transporting the Vehicle

There are many ways you can go about it. Make it a road trip, use a professional vehicle transporter service, or opt for shipping it.

Driving might seem the simplest, but doing so for something rare or high-value for a customer? They might just prefer an enclosed transporter over their cars, clocking in hundreds of kilometers. 

Some luxury car marketplace dealers also offer end-to-end export services, including transport, customs clearance, and VAT handling.

Read Also: Why Sourcing Directly from UK Dealerships Can Save You Thousands

Don’t Forget About Insurance

It’s easy to overlook, but your UK insurance may not cover the vehicle while it’s outside the country or while it’s in transit. Check your policy before you go.

Many exporters take out marine insurance or goods-in-transit cover, particularly when shipping valuable or exotic vehicles.

Registering the Car in the Destination Country

Once the car arrives in Europe, the buyer (or you, if you’re relocating) will need to register it locally. This usually involves:

I) Getting a Certificate of Conformity (proof it meets EU standards)

II) Passing a roadworthiness inspection

III) Paying local import duties, VAT, and registration fees

If you’re exporting more than just one car, let’s say you’re an exporter working with a supercar showroom or a luxury car brokerage, you’ll want a good working relationship with local agents to streamline this.

Luxury Market? Even More Reason to Get It Right

Exporting luxury cars brings added pressure. These vehicles aren’t cheap, and neither are the expectations of the buyers. Timing, cleanliness, documentation, and service all need to be on point.

If you’re in the business of luxury car exports, your reputation hinges on smooth execution. That’s why many businesses in this space partner with export specialists who understand the expectations that come with selling a £250,000 car overseas.

Final Thoughts

Alas, exporting cars from the UK to Europe isn’t as easy as it used to be, but it’s still entirely doable with some grit and can be very profitable too. Keep your paperwork tight, take care of the taxes, and work with people who know the drill, like us, here at GVE London. 

From the logistics side of things to the paperwork, we’ll take care of everything. We’re a car service centre that excels at exporting high-end vehicles across the globe. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, window tints and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!