Is it possible to export a new car from the UK?

The majority of overseas customers will find they don’t have a great deal of success when talking directly to dealers about exporting a new car. Buying and exporting a new car from the UK is possible when you understand how the UK dealers operate. The new car dealers in the UK are governed by the franchise regulations dictated by their manufacturer.

Why UK dealers do not support export sales

Some manufacturers enforce strict rules on their dealers not to sell to anyone who is remotely associated to export. They car incur fines and even risk their dealership license if an export sale is discovered. Other manufacturers are not so concerned about export, they just are not set up to provide an export service or the tax free sale. Therefore, these dealers might be willing to find a solution where you register a vehicle in the UK first and export it via a professional exporter.

New UK cars must initially be registered in the UK.

All cars from the UK have to be sold as UK registered cars. If you, as an export customer, enquire with a UK dealership and provide an overseas address, it is very likely that they will not be able to assist you. They will most likely tell you that they have to register the car in the UK.

Will any UK address work?

Just providing the address of a friend or relative is not enough if you want to buy your car VAT free. Since Brexit UK law has changed making it very hard for a private individual to reclaim the UK VAT when a car is exported. If a car is sold to a UK registered business that is VAT registered, the transaction can proceed as a VAT free sale if done correctly and the business will then be required to reclaim the UK VAT and return it to you. However, the business will also need to provide the relevant proof of permanent export.

Exporting cars via a professional car export broker

Car export brokers are often able to buy new cars because they are registered UK business and often have buying platforms in place to buy cars from all manufacturers, including the cars that are not so easy to buy. Where the dealership is not able to sell directly for export, the buying platform will allow the broker to purchase the vehicle as a UK purchase and then sell it to you as an export sale VAT free.

Why is the UK so popular for car exports?

Given the lengthy order time for new cars in many markets owing to the component issues, we are finding customers are increasingly turning to the UK to source cars quicker than they can in their country of residence. The UK has a higher allocation of cars than many markets and even cars which might have a one to two year lead time or an open lead time are more readily available in the UK today. Of course, with that scarcity comes a premium as demand pushes up the market value. And where a car has a very high value and high specification you can expect to pay a proportionately higher deposit.

Can I export a new car I have found online in the UK?

If you have found a new car online that you would like to export, then the best approach is to contact a professional export broker who can facilitate VAT free sales and share the URL. The broker will explain the process and contact the dealer and manage the sale and export for your. For particularly sensitive dealers, even contacting them from overseas and earmark the car as being on the watch list. A subsequent call from a UK exporter can sometimes halt the sale if they suspect a planned export. So it’s best not to take the risk and call a broker like MHH International from the outset.

Can I place a UK factory order for export?

Similarly, contacting a UK dealer directly to place a factory order is very unlikely to be successful. But professional brokers with buying platforms in place will be able to place your precise order for you from the UK.

If you are interested in buying a stock new car or a factory order for a new car, please get in touch and we will be delighted to help you export the car you want.