How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car to the UK? Complete Breakdown 2025

Importing a car to the UK involves multiple costs that can quickly add up to thousands of pounds. Whether you're bringing a Japanese performance car, an American classic, or relocating to the UK with your vehicle, understanding the true cost breakdown is essential for making an informed decision.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense involved in importing a car to the UK in 2025, from shipping and taxes to testing and registration.

1. Vehicle Purchase Price

This is your starting point and varies enormously based on:

• Make and model: A Honda Civic vs. a Ferrari will have vastly different price points
• Age and condition: Classic cars may be cheaper to buy but expensive to ship and modify
• Market differences: Some vehicles are significantly cheaper in certain countries

Tip: Factor in currency exchange rates and use tools like XE.com to monitor fluctuations that could affect your final cost.

2. Shipping Costs

Shipping costs depend on the origin country, shipping method, and vehicle size.

Shipping Methods

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)

• Cost: £800 - £2,000
• Time: 2-6 weeks depending on route
• Best for: Standard vehicles, budget-conscious imports
• Considerations: Vehicle is exposed to elements, less secure

Container Shipping

• Cost: £1,500 - £4,000+
• Time: 3-8 weeks
• Best for: High-value vehicles, multiple cars, personal belongings
• Benefits: Better protection, can include personal items

3. UK Import Taxes and Duties

Understanding UK import taxes is crucial as they often represent the largest unexpected cost.

Import Duty

Standard Rate: 10% of the vehicle's value (purchase price + shipping + insurance) Reduced Rate: 5% for vehicles over 30 years old

Calculation: (Purchase Price + Shipping Cost + Insurance) × 10%

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Rate: 20% applied to the total of vehicle value + shipping + import duty

Calculation: (Purchase Price + Shipping + Import Duty) × 20%

Potential Exemptions

Transfer of Residence (ToR) If you're relocating to the UK permanently, you may qualify for ToR relief, which can eliminate import duty and VAT. Requirements include:

• Living outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months
• Owning and using the vehicle for at least 6 months before moving
• Intending to make the UK your permanent residence

Returning Goods Relief For vehicles originally manufactured in the UK or EU that are returning within 3 years.

4. Vehicle Compliance and Testing

Cars imported to the UK must meet British safety and environmental standards.

IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) Test

Required for: Vehicles under 10 years old from outside the EU Cost: £450 - £1,850 (including modifications) Purpose: Ensures vehicle meets UK safety and environmental standards

Common Modifications Needed:

• Headlights: Convert to UK specification (£200-£800)
• Speedometer: Change to MPH or add conversion plate (£100-£300)
• Rear fog light: Add UK-spec rear fog light (£150-£400)
• Side repeater indicators: Install amber side indicators (£100-£250)
• Window tint removal: Remove illegal tints from front windows (£100-£200)

EU Mutual Recognition

Required for: EU vehicles under 10 years old Cost: £200 - £600 Process: Simpler than IVA, requires Certificate of Conformity

MOT Test

Required for: Vehicles over 3 years old Cost: £54.85 (standard MOT fee) Plus: Any remedial work needed to pass

5. DVLA Registration

Once your vehicle passes testing, it must be registered with the DVLA.

First Registration Fee: £55 Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax): Varies based on emissions and vehicle type

• Modern cars: £20 - £600+ annually depending on CO2 emissions
• Classic cars (40+ years): £0 annually

Timeline: 2-4 weeks to receive V5C registration document

6. Additional Costs to Consider

Customs Clearance and Port Fees

• Customs agent fees: £200 - £500
• Port storage: £30 - £50 per day (if delayed)
• Terminal handling: £100 - £300

Transportation and Storage

• UK delivery from port: £200 - £600 depending on distance
• Storage during compliance work: £15 - £30 per day

Professional Services

• Import specialist fees: £500 - £2,000 for full-service import
• Inspection services: £150 - £300

Currency Exchange

• Exchange rate fluctuations: Can add 2-5% to costs
• Transfer fees: £20 - £100 depending on method

Insurance

• Marine insurance: 0.5% - 1.5% of vehicle value
• UK insurance: Often higher for imported vehicles

Money-Saving Tips

1. Time Your Purchase

• Monitor exchange rates for favorable conversion
• Consider seasonal shipping rates (winter can be cheaper)
• Plan around your tax situation (ToR eligibility)

2. Choose Your Shipping Method Wisely

• RoRo for standard vehicles to save £1,000+
• Container shipping for valuable cars or when bringing possessions
• Group shipments with other importers to share container costs

3. Understand Exemptions

• Research ToR eligibility thoroughly
• Consider age-related duty reductions for older vehicles
• Investigate manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity availability

4. Factor in Total Cost of Ownership

• Consider insurance costs for imported vehicles
• Factor in parts availability and service costs
• Understand resale value implications

5. Use Specialists Wisely

• Get quotes from multiple import specialists
• Consider DIY for simpler aspects like port collection
• Ensure specialists are BIFA members for credibility

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating Total Costs

Many buyers focus only on the purchase price and shipping, forgetting about the 30% in taxes and compliance costs that typically follow.

2. Ignoring Currency Fluctuations

A 10% swing in exchange rates can add thousands to your final cost. Consider using forward contracts for large purchases.

3. Not Researching Compliance Requirements

Some vehicles require extensive modifications that can cost more than the car is worth. Research before buying.

4. Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method

Using container shipping for a £5,000 car doesn't make economic sense, while RoRo for a £50,000 classic car is risky.

5. Missing Tax Relief Opportunities

Not claiming available exemptions like ToR can unnecessarily add 30% to your costs.

The Brexit Impact

Brexit has significantly changed import costs for EU vehicles:

• Before 2021: EU cars faced minimal import costs
• After 2021: EU cars now subject to full 10% duty + 20% VAT
• Additional complexity: More paperwork and compliance requirements

This change has made EU imports substantially more expensive, often adding £3,000-£6,000 to the total cost.

When Does Importing Make Sense?

Importing a car to the UK makes financial sense when:

1. Unique vehicles: Cars not available in the UK market
2. Significant savings: Even after all costs, you save £5,000+
3. Personal attachment: Classic cars or vehicles with sentimental value
4. Relocation: You qualify for ToR relief
5. Investment potential: Rare vehicles likely to appreciate

It typically doesn't make sense for:

• Common cars readily available in the UK
• Vehicles under £10,000 (costs often exceed savings)
• Cars requiring extensive modifications
• Right-hand drive cars from non-EU countries (unless personal import)

Getting Professional Help

While it's possible to import a car yourself, professional import specialists can:

• Navigate complex regulations
• Handle customs clearance
• Arrange compliant modifications
• Manage DVLA registration
• Provide single point of contact

When to use specialists:

• High-value vehicles (£25,000+)
• Complex compliance requirements
• First-time importers
• Limited time availability

When to DIY:

• Straightforward imports from familiar countries
• Lower-value vehicles
• Previous import experience
• Time to manage the process

Final Thoughts

Importing a car to the UK in 2025 involves significant costs beyond the purchase price. On average, expect to pay 40-60% on top of the vehicle's purchase price in taxes, shipping, and compliance costs.

Success depends on thorough research, understanding all costs upfront, and choosing the right professionals to help. While the process can be complex and expensive, it can also provide access to unique vehicles or significant savings on high-end cars.

Before committing to an import, always:

1. Calculate the total landed cost including all taxes and fees
2. Research compliance requirements specific to your vehicle
3. Get quotes from multiple shipping companies and specialists
4. Understand your tax position and available exemptions
5. Factor in ongoing costs like insurance and maintenance

Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best – protecting a valuable vehicle during shipping and ensuring proper compliance can save thousands in the long run.

Need help with your V55/5 form for your imported vehicle? Our specialized V55/5 form tool. makes completing the DVLA registration process simple and accurate.