Do EU imports still need a CoC after Brexit?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
Yes, where GOV.UK’s EU-registered vehicle route applies. GOV.UK says to get a European Certificate of Conformity to show approval for an EU-registered vehicle.
Official position
GOV.UK still says that if the vehicle is registered in the EU, you should get a European Certificate of Conformity from the manufacturer to show you have approval. V355/5 also says current GB registrations need type approval starting with e, p, g or n, with separate rules for Northern Ireland.
What to do
Ask the manufacturer or authorised representative for a CoC if the vehicle was EU registered.
Check whether the vehicle is left-hand drive, because it may also need GB conversion IVA.
Use the CoC to complete type approval, emissions and technical V55/5 fields.
If you cannot get a CoC, check whether IVA, exemption or a DVLA explanation route applies.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Brexit removed every CoC requirement.
- Assuming an EU registration certificate is the same as a CoC.
- Ignoring the separate GB conversion IVA requirement for left-hand-drive vehicles.
Related help
Official sources
Next step
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