Import a car to the UK — by country
Every imported vehicle follows the same six steps to UK registration. Pick your origin country below for a pre-set duty & VAT calculator, the key facts up front, and a link to the full deep-dive guide.
Japan
JDM costs, shipping, customs, age-based approval and DVLA registration
- Added cost
- Quote-based
- Timeline
- 6-12 Weeks
- Approval
- Age-based
France
EU origin evidence, TCA preference, LHD conversion and DVLA registration
- Added cost
- Route-based
- Timeline
- 2-6 Weeks
- Approval
- CoC + check
Germany
German export paperwork, origin evidence, LHD approval and DVLA registration
- Added cost
- Quote-based
- Timeline
- Up to 6 weeks
- Approval
- 0% with evidence
Ireland
The fastest import route to GB: RHD, drive-home ferry, NI vs ROI rules
- Added cost
- 0 - 25%
- Timeline
- 1-3 Weeks
- Approval
- RHD
Italy
Italian-built cars, origin evidence, and HMRC collector classification
- Added cost
- 0%
- Timeline
- 2-5 Weeks
- Approval
- 5% VAT
Spain
ToR relief for expats, TCA 0% duty, ferry routes and DVLA registration
- Added cost
- 0-25%
- Timeline
- 2-6 Weeks
- Approval
- 0% Duty
Netherlands
RDW export paperwork, 0% duty on EU-origin, campervans and DVLA registration
- Added cost
- 22-30%
- Timeline
- 2-6 Weeks
- Approval
- 0% Duty
USA
American muscle, LHD rules, IVA testing and full cost breakdown
- Added cost
- 45-60%
- Timeline
- 8-16 Weeks
- Approval
- IVA Test
Australia
RHD Aussie imports, UK-Australia FTA, ToR relief and V55/5 registration
- Added cost
- ~30-40%
- Timeline
- 8-14 Weeks
- Approval
- Right-Hand Drive
UAE
Dubai imports: Jebel Ali shipping, ToR relief for expats, IVA and DVLA registration
- Added cost
- 35-50%
- Timeline
- 5-9 Weeks
- Approval
- IVA Test
South Africa
ToR relief for expats, UK-SACUM EPA, RHD and DVLA registration
- Added cost
- £0 Duty & VAT
- Timeline
- 6-10 Weeks
- Approval
- Right-Hand Drive