Last reviewed: 26 February 2026 · Read the full Germany deep-dive guide
Import a Car from Germany to the UK
German-built cars, 0% duty under TCA, Autobahn-grade engineering to UK roads
Germany is the go-to source for premium marques and well-documented service histories. EU-origin cars (BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, VW, Audi built in Germany) qualify for 0% customs duty under TCA. Plan for LHD headlight conversion and a CoC to avoid IVA.
Estimate your import costs from Germany
Pre-set to Germany with the standard duty and VAT scenario for this route. Adjust the figures to match your purchase and shipping — then carry these values straight into your V55/5 form.
UK car import duty and VAT calculator
Estimate customs duty, import VAT, first registration fee, first-year VED, and the NOVA deadline for a UK vehicle import.
Cost breakdown
NOVA deadline
Enter arrival date
HMRC normally expects notification within 14 days of the vehicle arriving in the UK.
V55/5 checklist
- NOVA acknowledgement or HMRC notification reference
- Foreign registration certificate and proof of ownership
- Evidence of vehicle approval, MOT, or exemption
- Insurance certificate using the VIN or chassis number
- Completed V55/5 form and DVLA payment
This is an estimate for planning. HMRC classification, valuation, preferential origin evidence, relief claims, and DVLA tax class decisions can change the final amount.
What catches people out importing from Germany
- Only EU-origin cars get 0% duty — a US-built BMW sold in Germany may still attract 10% duty.
- LHD headlights need conversion; some models need a full headlight unit, not just lenses.
- You need a CoC or type-approval evidence to skip the IVA physical inspection.
- German deregistration papers (Fahrzeugbrief / Abmeldung) must accompany the V55/5.
Popular imports from Germany
Read the complete Germany import guide
A 15 min read deep dive covering shipping, customs, NOVA, approval, and the V55/5 form step by step — with real cost examples.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I pay customs duty importing a car from Germany to the UK?
- Cars manufactured in the EU qualify for 0% customs duty under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Since most German cars (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW, Porsche) are manufactured in EU countries, they qualify for zero duty. You still pay 20% VAT regardless.
- Can I drive on German plates in the UK after importing?
- No. You can only use an unregistered imported vehicle on UK roads to drive to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test. For all other use, the car must be registered, taxed, insured, and displaying UK number plates.
- Do I need to convert a left-hand drive German car to right-hand drive?
- No. Left-hand drive vehicles are fully legal on UK roads. However, you must convert or replace the headlights so the beam pattern doesn't dazzle oncoming traffic, and ensure the speedometer can display mph if the car is under 10 years old.
- How much does it cost to import a car from Germany to the UK?
- For a typical €20,000 EU-origin car, expect to pay approximately £4,500-5,700 on top of the purchase price. This includes 20% VAT (~£3,480), transport (£300-600), GB Conversion IVA (£100 for LHD, paperwork only), MOT (£54.85), DVLA registration (£55), and headlight conversion (£100-500).
- What is the NOVA 14-day deadline for imported vehicles?
- You must notify HMRC about your imported vehicle within 14 days of it arriving in the UK using the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) service. Late notification incurs a penalty of £5 per day. You cannot register the vehicle with DVLA until NOVA is completed.
- Is a German TUV valid in the UK?
- No. A German TUV (Hauptuntersuchung/HU) inspection is not accepted as a substitute for a UK MOT. You must get a separate UK MOT for any imported car over 3 years old, regardless of its TUV status.
Ready to start your V55/5?
Enter your VIN, answer guided questions validated against DVLA rules, and download a print-ready PDF. £14 one-time, full refund if the DVLA rejects it.
Start your form →Primary sources
This guide maps to official GOV.UK guidance. Always check the current source for the latest rules before you submit your V55/5.
- Register a used vehicle for the first time (V55/5 form & V355/5 guidance) — GOV.UK
- Importing vehicles into the UK (NOVA, duty, VAT) — GOV.UK
- Vehicle approval: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) — GOV.UK
- Register an imported vehicle (registration and tax) — GOV.UK
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