The personal export scheme allows non-UK residents to buy a UK vehicle VAT free and drive it in Europe for up to 12 months before exporting it VAT free from the UK. We explain how it works.
What is the Personal Export Scheme?
When you buy a vat qualifying car from the UK to export, the car must be permanently exported within 12 weeks to enjoy the VAT free price. The Personal Export Scheme allows you to drive your car in the UK and Europe for up to 12 months and export it at the VAT free price.
Who can buy a vehicle under the personal export scheme?
The scheme is available to:
i) Non-UK residents who have not been in the UK for more than either 365 days in the 2 years prior to the date of application for the scheme: 1,095 days in the 6 years prior to the date of application for the scheme; and who intend to leave the UK and remaining outside the UK with the vehicle for a minimum of 6 months.
ii) UK resident who intend to leave the UK and remaining outside the UK with the vehicle for a minimum of 6 months.
Which vehicles qualify for the scheme?
The scheme can be used to buy a new or used vehicle, including:
~ Motor vehicles (inc trailers and trucks)
~ Motorbikes
~ Motorhomes
It cannot be used to buy :
~ Bicycles
~ Caravans
How to buy a vehicle using the personal export scheme
Our buying team help you select your ideal vehicle which is eligible for VAT free sale. We collect it and bring to it our offices. The application process begins when we meet and complete your application. The application approval takes about 2 weeks. When your application is approved you collect your car from us and your roadtrip can begin!
Who pays the VAT?
We pay the VAT on your behalf. You don’t need to pay upfront and then have it returned upon approval. You simply pay the VAT free price.
If VAT is on the supplier’s invoice
It is important that you do not pay the VAT for your vehicle. A vehicle bought at a price including the VAT cannot be refunded even if you later export it outside the UK and Europe.
How do I export my vehicle?
We will export your vehicle and take care of the paperwork for you. So you can feel confident your car is in safe hands back to NZ.
For more details email aj@mhhinternational.com or call us +44 (0)1483 275 756 and we’ll be delighted to help.
