Registering Your EU Import in the UK

Bringing a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicle into the UK requires navigating specific HMRC and DVLA protocols. Following Brexit, the rules regarding Rules of Origin have become critical for determining your total import costs.

Step 1: Check Vehicle Eligibility

Most EU-spec cars comply with UK standards, but you must verify safety and emissions. A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer is the gold standard for proving your car meets these requirements.

Step 2: Pay VAT and Customs Duty

Financial liabilities depend on the age of the car and, crucially, where it was manufactured:

Important: Rules of Origin
Even if you are importing a car from the EU, if the vehicle was built outside of the EU (e.g., Japan, USA, or South Korea), a 10% Customs Duty will typically apply. Cars built within the EU usually qualify for 0% duty under the trade agreement.

VAT (20%): Applicable if the car is "New" (less than 6 months old or has covered less than 6,000km).
Customs Duty (10%): Applicable if the car was manufactured outside the EU.
Exemptions: You may qualify for relief if you are moving your primary residence to the UK (Transfer of Residence - ToR).

Step 3: Notify HMRC (NOVA)

You must inform HMRC via the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) system within 14 days of the car hitting UK soil. Failure to do so can result in significant daily fines.

Step 4: Vehicle Approval (IVA)

If your car lacks a CoC, it must pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test. For LHD cars, this often involves physical modifications like headlight adjustment and speedometer conversion (MPH/KPH).

Step 5: DVLA Registration

Once HMRC is satisfied, you apply to the DVLA using a V55/5 form. You will need to provide your NOVA reference, original registration documents, and a valid UK insurance certificate (based on the VIN/Chassis number).

Estimated Costs Breakdown:

DVLA Registration Fee	£55.00
Customs Duty (Non-EU Built)	10% of vehicle value
VAT (If applicable)	20% of vehicle value
MOT Test (Cars 3+ years old)	Approx. £40 – £55
Vehicle Tax (VED)	Varies by CO2 Emissions

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