Importing a car from the UK to the EU
Since Brexit a car from the United Kingdom is an import from outside the EU: customs declaration, duty and import VAT apply. The journey is short, and cars made in the UK or the EU may qualify for 0% duty.
- Customs duty
- 10% of the CIF value (pickups 10–22%, motorcycles 6–8%, historic cars 0%)
- Import VAT
- 17–27% depending on the country of clearance
- Sailing time
- 2–10 days
- Local tax at registration
- none
Why buy here
A large used-car market, good service histories and short shipping by RoRo or ferry. Right-hand drive needs to be considered.
Where to buy
Copart UK, BCA, Manheim UK and dealers. Buying from a VAT-registered dealer means the UK VAT can be refunded on export.
Step by step
1 Buy the car
Win the auction or buy from a dealer. Auction fees depend on the price tier and title – the calculator applies the current schedule.
2 Transport to the export port
A truck takes the car from the yard to the port; non-runners need a forklift and winch, which costs extra.
3 Ocean freight
Shared container, exclusive container or RoRo. Sailing to the EU takes 2–10 days, plus loading and waiting for the vessel.
4 Customs clearance in the EU port
A customs agent files the declaration. You pay customs duty and import VAT in the country of the port – unless a company uses customs procedure 4200.
5 Delivery to your address
Car carrier, tow truck or driving on temporary plates – priced per kilometre from the port.
6 Inspection and registration
Technical inspection, translations and registration in the country where you live, plus any local registration tax.
Nearest ports of clearance
The calculator prices all EU ports door to door for your exact address and picks the cheapest.
Documents you need
V5C logbook, invoice, export declaration, preferential origin statement (for 0% duty), EU customs declaration, translations, inspection certificate.
Tip
Ask the seller for a statement of preferential origin – under the EU–UK trade agreement it can cut the duty to zero for cars made in the UK or the EU.
Questions & answers
How long does transport from the UK take?
Only 2–10 days by sea (RoRo or ferry), plus customs formalities on both sides.
Do I pay duty on a car from the UK?
Yes, 10% – unless the car has proven preferential origin (made in the UK or the EU) under the EU–UK agreement, in which case duty can be 0%. Import VAT is always due.
Which port is the cheapest for me?
It depends on your address, the import VAT of the port country and the sailing schedule. The calculator prices every EU port door to door and shows them from the cheapest.
Is the estimate binding?
No. It is based on current rates and price lists; customs and tax authorities decide the final amounts. The PDF report lists every rate and assumption so you can compare.
Calculate the exact cost for your car
Enter only your address – we propose the rest and price every port door to door.