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Last reviewed: 3 July 2026 · Read the full Netherlands deep-dive guide

Import a Car from Netherlands to the UK

RDW export paperwork, 0% duty on EU-origin, campervans and DVLA registration

On top of purchase price
22-30%
Purchase to UK road legal
2-6 Weeks
EU-origin cars under TCA
0% Duty

The Netherlands is a strong source for campervans, classic VWs, and well-kept EU-origin cars. EU-origin vehicles qualify for 0% customs duty under TCA. The RDW export paperwork (kentekenbewijs + exportverklaring) is well structured and DVLA accepts it cleanly.

Estimate your import costs from Netherlands

Pre-set to the movement from Netherlands. Confirm customs origin, evidence, relief and the legal tariff rate before relying on a reduced result, then adjust the value and transport figures to match your import.

UK passenger-car import duty and VAT calculator

Built around separate customs and VAT values, route-specific UK rules, and the official 2026-27 V149 rates. Reliefs and preferential rates are applied only after you confirm the required eligibility and evidence.

1. Import route

“Arriving from” controls Great Britain/Northern Ireland customs rules. “Origin” controls tariff preference: an EU-purchased Japanese-built car is not automatically EU-origin. Some territories have a different customs status from their state, so select the route separately rather than relying on the country name.

2. HMRC value in pounds
Use the invoice/bill of sale and add accessories purchased with the car. If any amount is in foreign currency, convert it using the HMRC customs exchange rate. Do not enter the same freight or handling charge twice.
3. Customs treatment

The country of purchase or export does not prove origin. The car must satisfy the agreement’s product-specific origin rule. Proof-of-origin rules.

4. DVLA registration and vehicle tax

Import tax breakdown

More information required

  • • Enter the HMRC customs value or current vehicle valuation.

DVLA payment

More information required

  • • Enter the date of original registration (box 24) — it decides which tax scheme applies.

HMRC / NOVA

Enter the arrival date

Tell HMRC within 14 days of a permanent arrival. Your agent may make the notification for a shipped car. Check the correct route.

Next step

  • Keep the invoice/valuation, freight invoices, origin evidence and customs declaration.
  • Wait for HMRC confirmation that NOVA is processed and tax is settled.
  • Keep the foreign registration document and obtain approval, MOT or exemption evidence.
  • Use the exact DVLA tax class, list price and approved CO2 figure on the V55 form.
Apply this to my vehicle

This is a planning estimate, not a customs declaration or HMRC decision. Exact liability depends on the accepted customs value, commodity code, non-preferential and preferential origin, evidence and relief approval. A result is intentionally withheld when those facts are unresolved.Rules and linked guidance last reviewed 19 July 2026.

Need the rules behind the estimate? Read the UK car import duty and VAT guide or build a complete logistics budget with the car import cost checklist.

What catches people out importing from Netherlands

  • Only EU-origin cars get 0% duty — Japanese/Korean cars bought in the Netherlands still pay 10%.
  • Campervans have specific body-type and weight rules on the V55/5 — get this right or it registers as a goods vehicle.
  • RDW export must be finalised before the car leaves the Netherlands.
  • A CoC is needed to skip IVA for EU type-approved cars.

Popular imports from Netherlands

VW TransporterVW CaliforniaPorscheVolvoTesla

Read the complete Netherlands 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.

Read the guide

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay customs duty importing a car from the Netherlands to the UK?
Cars manufactured in the EU qualify for 0% customs duty under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Many Dutch-registered cars were built in Germany, France or Spain — they still count as EU origin, so 0% duty applies. Cars built outside the EU (Japan, South Korea, USA) may attract 10% duty. You pay 20% UK VAT regardless of origin.
Can I import a campervan from the Netherlands to the UK?
Yes. The Netherlands is one of Europe's biggest campervan and motorhome markets, and the import process is the same as for a car: RDW export, NOVA within 14 days, VAT, approval if needed, and DVLA V55/5 registration. Factory-built, EU type-approved motorhomes generally follow the same approval routes as cars, but converted vans may need a full IVA inspection — check the approval requirements before you buy.
Can I drive a Dutch car in the UK before it's registered?
No, with one exception: you can drive an unregistered imported vehicle directly to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test. For any other use, the vehicle must be registered with DVLA, taxed, insured, and displaying UK number plates.
What is the kentekenbewijs and what happens to it when I export?
The kentekenbewijs is the Dutch vehicle registration certificate — a credit-card-style document (with digital ownership codes) issued by the RDW. When the car is exported, the seller or an RDW-approved dealer deregisters it for export and you receive export documents (uitvoerverklaring). Keep everything — DVLA needs evidence of the previous foreign registration.
How much does it cost to import a car from the Netherlands to the UK?
For a typical €18,000 EU-origin car, budget roughly £4,000-4,700 on top of the purchase price (estimates): 20% VAT (~£3,130), ferry or transport (£150-800), GB Conversion IVA £100 if the car is left-hand drive and under 10 years old, MOT £54.85, DVLA registration £55, plus headlight conversion.
Is a Dutch APK valid in the UK?
No. The Dutch APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) roadworthiness test is not accepted as a substitute for a UK MOT. Any imported vehicle over 3 years old needs a UK MOT (maximum fee £54.85) before DVLA will register it.

Apply this to your vehicle

We'll start with a car imported from Netherlands, then ask only for the facts needed to confirm your NOVA, approval, MOT, document and V55/5 route.

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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.

v55-5.com is an independent service and is not affiliated with the DVLA, HMRC, or any government body.