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Can I import my cousin's car VAT and duty free?

Hi there,

My cousin bought a 2020 car from the UK and lives in Northern Ireland. He has owned the car for six months and is looking to now sell it. Can I buy this car from him and import it into the Republic without paying duty or VAT?

Ian Ockenden (Dublin)

Oct 2025 Filed under: importing

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Are there savings on importing a UK-made car?

Can I buy a UK-manufactured car in the UK for importing into Ireland? And what are the savings versus a non-UK-manufactured car?

Frank

Oct 2025 Filed under: importing

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Can I import a Northern Irish car from England without VAT?

I've seen a car in the UK for sale and it's on Northern Ireland plates; can I import it into the Republic of Ireland without paying VAT?

Justin Corrigan (Kildalkey)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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What taxes on importing a nearly-new van from the North?

Hi,

If I buy a nearly new van in NI (more than 3,500kg), I assume if it is more than six months old and/or it has more than 6,000 miles on the clock I will be paying VAT to the NI dealer but saving on any customs duty? I am buying for private not commercial use.

Keith Cunningham (Dublin)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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How can I know if my car has EU type approval?

How can I know if my car has EU type approval?

Anas (22-24 DOMINICK STREET UPPER)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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I won a Defender commercial in the North!

So I've just won a 2007 Land Rover Defender in an online competition. It is on Northern Irish plates and I am wondering how much it would be to bring into the South regarding VRT etc. It's a two-seat commercial with no rear windows.

I have a farm so need a commercial if that helps. I'm confused on whether it's €200 or the 13.3 per cent of the OMSP.

Thanks

David (Donegal)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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Can you confirm my thoughts on importing an EV from the North?

Hi, hope all is well.

I've been reading your Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland and found it very informative, so thank you for putting it together.

I have an electric car lined up with a dealer in Northern Ireland and we've agreed the purchase price. I'm now doing some due diligence to make sure there won't be any additional charges, and the dealer assures me there won't be.

The car itself originally came from England, but the dealer is putting it through a customs declaration in Northern Ireland to show it was legitimately brought in. They say that, as a result, there will be no need for a customs declaration in the Republic or any VAT charges.

From your guide, and from what I've read on the Revenue website, I get the sense that it may not be quite that straightforward.

Based on your experience, is the dealer correct, or is there a risk that I could end up facing extra charges?

Thanks in advance for any insights

Mick (Dublin)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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Looking for Japanese emissions for a BMW 320d...

Hi,

I'm looking for CO2 and NOx emissions for a BMW 320d diesel (LDA-8C20) Japanese import. I tried websites but cannot find that model.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Fred (Offaly)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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Do I pay any VRT or VAT on a NI-sourced EV?

I'm buying a used (2022) 100-per-cent-electric, NI-registered car from a dealer in the North. My understanding is I can register the car in the south, with no VAT or VRT, or do I have to get proof of MOT from the dealer?

Niall Doherty (Dublin)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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Worth imporing a Toyota Yaris Verso from Japan?

Would it be worthwhile importing an older Toyota Yaris Verso from Japan? Anyone in Ireland who does it?

Joseph Flegg (Newtowncunningham)

Nov 2025 Filed under: importing

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