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The vehicle was manufactured in the UK

Any goods manufactured in the UK, returning back to the UK, are generally exempt from Import Duty. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s departure from the UK, you may not qualify for this when importing your car.

Although its generally regarded as common knowledge that a car such as a Ferrari, for example, is Italian, and that Rolls Royce cars, are designed and built in Great Britain. Most people, including UK Customs, know this, and know that other makes are built in certain other European Countries. In fact, there’s just too many to mention here.

Well, true as it may be, any motor vehicles which was manufactured in the UK can only qualify for Return Goods Relief (RGR), if the importer has obtained documentary evidence that the vehicle being imported was manufactured for the UK market.

Vehicles manufactured for the export market (outside of the UK) are classified as ‘New goods to the UK’ and therefore must have Customs duty and / or VAT paid in full (unless other circumstances apply).

– Export evidence:

As far as UK Customs are concerned, if you are claiming relief from any import duty or VAT, then its down to you, the importer, to provide documentary evidence to show that the goods were exported from the UK.

The type of document that they are after is usually one of the following:

• Copy export entry (C88/NES)
• Export invoice
• Export Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
  If none of these are available from the vehicles manufacturer, you might want to try and obtain a letter or fax (on company headed paper), from them, declaring that all the parts for your particular vehicle, were both manufactured and assembled in the UK.

Unfortunately failure to provide this documentary evidence means that your vehicle will be liable to the full rate of import duty and / or VAT. ukimports

FAQ. The manufacturer of my vehicle is not around anymore… what do I do now?

A. Companies like Austin, Triumph, Morris, Wolseley etc. are no longer trading, so as contacting their Customer Services department is not an option, information on the manufacturing and history of these and other brands are usually held by the Heritage or Owners Clubs, therefore, a letter from these, mentioning your vehicles year of manufacture is usually acceptable.

B. Relief from Import Duty or nominal amount

As far as the Customs Tariff is concerned, by providing the amount documentary evidence, you should be eligible for relief from Import Duty. However… It has long been argued that as some vehicles are not new, these used vehicles may have on them parts or accessories which did not originate from within the UK. It is for this reason, that UK Customs Officers especially those in the Car Team argue that the importers of used vehicles should pay a nominal £ 50.00 for Import Duty.

We assist with the customs clearance of a lot of vehicles, by way of payment of any duty and VAT to UK Customs. As you can appreciate, this only applies to vehicles coming from outside the UK or any Special Territories (such as the Channel Islands).

Remember : Shipping and Customs clearance doesn’t have to be expensive, but choosing the wrong agent could be! ™ ukimports

For more information on importing cars, motorcycles, boats, pick-ups or any other motor vehicle, please feel free to contact a member of our Imports Team, on 0845 309 6360, or email us at: enquiries@ukimportservices.com.

For more information on importing cars, motorcycles, boats, pick-ups or any other motor vehicle, please feel free to contact a member of our Imports Team, on 0345 309 6360, or email us at: enquiries@ukimportservices.com.