Why Brexit Will Not Change Your LHD Car Purchase
Buying a Left-Hand Drive vehicle post-Brexit is straightforward when you understand the Rules of Origin. We manage the complexity for you.
Q: Will I always pay 10% Import Duty?
A: No. Under the UK-EU Trade Agreement, the 10% Customs Duty depends on where the car was built (**Rules of Origin**), not just where you are buying it from:
1. Built in the EU (e.g., VW, Audi, BMW, Renault, Peugeot): These qualify for **0% Duty** (Preferential Origin) when imported into the UK.
2. Built Outside the EU (e.g., Japanese, American, or Korean builds): If the vehicle was manufactured outside the EU, a **10% Customs Duty** applies upon entry to the UK.
We verify the origin of every vehicle to provide you with an accurate final price.
2. Built Outside the EU (e.g., Japanese, American, or Korean builds): If the vehicle was manufactured outside the EU, a **10% Customs Duty** applies upon entry to the UK.
Q: How does this compare to EU taxes?
A: Even if a 10% duty applies, LHD cars are often still cheaper to import to the UK than to register in the EU. For example, France and Spain apply massive CO2 taxes (Malus) that can reach thousands of Euros. In the UK, we only pay VAT and the applicable duty.
Q: What documentation is required for UK registration?
A: To ensure a smooth DVLA process, we require:
From the Vehicle Source:
- Certificate of Conformity (COC)
- Original Foreign Registration Document (Logbook)
- Commercial Invoice stating the country of origin
- Proof of Identity (Passport or Driving License)
- Recent Utility Bill (Proof of UK Address)
Q: How long does the process take?
A: The timeline remains **4 to 12 weeks**. This includes vehicle transit, NOVA declaration (HMRC), VCA Mutual Recognition, and final DVLA registration.
The VCA certificate isn't needed if the car is over 10 years old.
Questions about a specific model? Visit our FAQ Section or Contact our Import Specialists.