Importing a car from UK to Ireland
Our step by step guide to importing a car from the UK to Ireland explains what is involved, how to get the best savings, how to estimate your costs, how long importing takes and what is required to when your car reaches Ireland.
Is it worth importing a car from UK to Ireland?
Importing a car from the UK to Ireland can be very appealing as you are accessing a much bigger choice of used cars. These can be bought free of UK VAT with the help of an experienced exporter and further savings can be made if your car can be imported duty free or qualifies for RGR. These savings give you a very good chance of finding your perfect car at a competitive price. Our car import calculator will help to calculate potential savings.
Import a UK car to Ireland today
Pre-Import Considerations
Before you dive into the process of importing a vehicle from the UK to Ireland, there are several crucial factors to consider to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. First and foremost, researching the market value of the vehicle is essential. This will help you determine the Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and Value-Added Tax (VAT) that you’ll need to pay.
Next, it’s vital to check the vehicle’s history and condition. This step can save you from potential issues down the line, such as hidden damages or outstanding finance. Additionally, ensure that the vehicle meets the necessary safety and environmental standards required for importation into Ireland. This includes having a European Certificate of Conformity and, for left-hand drive vehicles, a certificate of GB Conversion Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA).
Consider the various costs involved in the import process, including shipping, customs duties, and VRT. Understanding these expenses upfront will help you budget more effectively. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the regulations and requirements for importing a vehicle from the UK to Ireland. Being well-prepared with the right documentation and knowledge can make the entire process much smoother.
The Import Process
Importing a vehicle from the UK to Ireland involves several key steps. First, you must inform the British authorities of your intention to export the vehicle. This is a crucial step to ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order. Next, complete the required customs declaration and obtain all necessary documentation. This includes paying the relevant taxes and charges, such as VRT, VAT, and customs duties.
Once the vehicle arrives in Ireland, it must be registered with the National Car Testing Service (NCTS). This step involves obtaining an Irish registration number, which is essential for legally driving the vehicle in Ireland. Additionally, you will need to secure car insurance that meets Irish requirements and pay the motor tax. By following these steps, you can ensure that your vehicle is legally imported and ready for the road in Ireland.
Finding the right car
Choosing where you buy from is going to have pros and cons. Here’s some tips on what to bear in mind as your shop.
Car Supermarkets: Are hugely focussed on price but can be lacking in personal service and driven by very strict rules. These rules help them keep their costs to a minimum, but can bite you when you need extra help or something goes wrong. Be fastidious in your checking of details inc spec, accessories, keys, tyre quality, brakes etc.
Car Auctions: Great for a bargain but you need to be a confident buyer who knows what to look out for: tyres, rust, accident damage and spotting prep work are all key to avoiding buying trouble.
Used Car Dealers: Much more about personal service, used car dealers can be great. Thanks to technology you can receive videos in minutes so you can see cars inside and out without getting of the sofa. But also buyer beware! Not all dealers are going to show the scuff on the bumper or the chip in the windscreen and never accept a video of a car in the rain. Water masks a multitude of problems.
Major Manufacturers: Standards are high if you are buying from a main dealer so you can expect everything to be in great condition. Prices reflect this service, but you are buying peace of mind and that is worth it for many people. Many of these companies now price match to competitors within a certain radius, so you can notice prices fluctuate within a few days on one car.
These companies are not exporters. They are not familiar with reclaiming VAT and not set up to export your car for you. As soon as the car is invoiced to you, you will not be able to reclaim the VAT. If you have already been talking to a dealer about a VAT qualifying car you are keen to buy, then get in touch & we will happily manage the purchase, VAT reclaim and export for you.
Calculating the cost of importing a car from UK to Ireland
What is VRT?
VRT is a one off tax you pay when you first register a car in Ireland. The amount is based on the a % of the recommended retail price inc all taxes, known as the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP).
How much is VRT ?
VRT will vary depending on the CO2 emissions and the value of the vehicle.
The Revenue provide a VRT calculator to help you to get a robust estimate of the VRT that would be due on a car.
If you want to cross check the estimate, then VRT Ireland provides this paid VRT calculator.
Car import calculator
Get fast accurate pricing to import a UK car to Ireland using our car import calculator. Just answer three simple questions for an accurate estimate of your entire import cost for your car. Includes car purchase, transport shipping, insurance, document checks, exchange rates, customs clearance, duty and VAT. Exc VRT.
How to import a UK car VAT free
To get the best price, you should always buy a UK car VAT free. You used to be able to apply for your VAT reclaim yourself on proof of export. But this is now not possible. To buy you UK car VAT free, you need a VAT registered company in the UK to buy it on your behalf and they must then reclaim the VAT for you.
UK VAT differs between cars depending on their ownership history. New cars are always VAT qualified. Cars retain their VAT qualifying status if they are owned by a business from the beginning. Once they are privately owned the car is no longer VAT qualifying and this cannot be reversed. So it's vital you have a clear understanding if a car is VAT qualified if you want import a UK car VAT free to Ireland.
We always supply our clients with VAT qualifying cars which are eligible for the VAT reclaim. Our clients do not need to cover the VAT, we do that and reclaim it as a standard part of our car import service.
History check your car
We strongly recommend you run a background check on any car you are considering. This should tell you the following:
* Mileage checker: Cross check the mileage against the national mileage register.
* Chassis Number check: It will cross check the chassis number with the registration number.
* History of Theft
* Security watch
* Insurance: This should also tell you if the car has ever had any insurance claims on it. This will tell you if it has been in an accident, and the severity of the damage.
* Condition inspection
* Plate Transfer: A check whether a number plate has been transferred at some point in its life.
* Outstanding finance on the vehicle.
We use HPI car check and have also been recommended the AA car history check service.
Buying a car in the UK
If you are buying through an importer, they should be committing to a standard and doing these inspections for you. They will also to the legwork and collect and inspect your car before approving it as the quality you are expecting.
Sending Payment
Much easier than it used to be, the exchange rate can make a surprising difference. For large sums of money we’d recommend using a forex company and rather than your bank. For VAT free cars, your payment needs to go to the importer and not the seller of the car.
Collecting your car
If you are collecting your car yourself, don’t rush your inspection before you send the balance payment. And remember to check things like air conditioning, music system, electric mirrors, seat heaters and electric seat switches. It's easy to overlook a missing parcel shelf and don’t get caught out by the tyres. Not just the tread depth, but check you have a spare if the car is meant to and either a puncture repair kit including car jack or foam spray if your car doesn’t have run flat tyres.
Make sure you have got 2 keys, a locking wheel nut and the manufacturers book pack aswell as the service history, MOT and original V5 logbook.
Shipping UK cars to Ireland
If you are driving it home, catching the ferry from Liverpool is easy.
As an importer, we provide a collection and delivery service so you don’t need to leave Ireland. Talk to the team for details.
Advise the UK Authorities that you are importing a car into Ireland
V5C registration has a tear off section (section 4) which you send to the DVLA to notify them of the permanent export of your car.
Customs Declaration
You will need to complete a customs declaration for your car import to Ireland. The details of which are provided by the Revenue in the ECustoms Notification 33 / 2020
Additionally, you should be aware of the customs duty applicable when importing vehicles from the UK to Ireland, especially after Brexit. The customs duty varies (either 10% or zero) depending on the vehicle's origin, and a customs declaration is necessary upon importation.
Register your car at the National Car Testing Service (NCTS)
Before you can take your car for registration, you must register the certificate of conformity with Revenue.
You must also have your car booked in at the NCTS within 7 days of arriving in Ireland for a VRT inspection.
This is a pre-registration inspection which verifies that your car matches the description in your V5C. You will need to declare the level of CO2 emissions as part of this process.
You can book the NCTS appointment online or call 01-4135975.
You need to register your car within 30 days of it entering Ireland. The BCT centres will contact revenue to make sure your chassis number (VIN number) is on the customs declaration before registration.
Documents you will need for registering your car:
* A completed Vehicle Purchase Details VRTVPD2 form if it is a vehicle for private (non- commercial) use
* The vehicle logbook (also called a V5C)
* The invoice with the date of purchase clearly shown
* A certificate of conformity (for new vehicles)
* Proof of your name and address
* Proof of your identity
* Proof of your PPS number
* An exemption certificate issued by Revenue if you are claiming an exemption from VRT
Paying the VRT on your UK car import
VRT is based on the CO2 emissions and the OMSP if your car. There are 20 VRT bands ranging from 7% to 37% so it’s worth checking the VRT you will be charged before you buy your car.
Additionally, you will need to pay customs duty and VAT when importing a car to Ireland, which should be factored into your total budget.
Tax on NOx emissions
A tax on Nitrogen Oxide was introduced in 2020 to tax higher emitting vehicles.
We advise you check the Revenue to get the current rates for VRT and NOx tax prior to you know you are receiving the most up to date information.
Registering a UK car in Ireland
After the NCTS appointment you will be given a receipt for the VRT payment. This receipt has the registration number given to your car and form RF100. These you will need for your motor tax. Now your car is no longer a UK car, you need to change the number plates.
Motor Tax and insurance
Once you pay the motor tax, insurance and have the plates transferred you it’s officially a road legal Irish car.
Motor Tax calculator
This helpful Motor Tax Calculator from the VRT website will help you estimate how much your car will incur.
Ready to import a car from the UK?
Common car import Questions
Will the manufactures warranty still be valid?
The major manufacturers mostly operate worldwide warranty and European warranties which vary between 2-3 years. Always check their websites prior to purchase.
Does the battery for an electric car come with warranty?
All high voltage batteries have a standard 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty in the UK. Always check the T&Cs prior to purchase.
Can I reclaim the VAT myself?
This used to be possible. We took advice from our chartered accountants and found that this is no longer possible. The VAT reclaim must be done by a VAT registered company in the UK. Which means that your car must be purchased by the VAT registered company on your behalf so they can reclaim it for you. We take care of the VAT reclaim and pass on the saving to you as a standard part of our car import service to Ireland.
