CompleteCar

importing

Read CompleteCar.ie expert answers filed under importing.

← All Ask Us Anything questions

From our motoring experts

Latest answered questions

Browse previous answers from the CompleteCar.ie editorial team.

Are there EU tariffs on used Chinese imports?

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase an MG ZS electric car in the north and import to the south (Cork). The vehicle I'm looking at is a 2023 52kW version. Vehicle seems to meet all criteria (registered in NI, over six months old, over 6,000km, privately owned), but the dealer said he can’t export MGs because of EU tariffs.

Is this the case with all Chinese brands?

Thanks for your help.

Can you help calculate the VAT on a UK import?

Thank you for your reply.

You say that the 23 per cent VAT to be paid on the car being imported from the UK is based on the customs value which according to Revenue includes the purchase price. Does this mean the purchase price I paid in the UK and the customs value reflects the UK purchase price or is the 23 per cent VAT based on the customs value or purchase price of the car in Ireland?

Apologies but when I read up on it, it does not state if it's UK or Irish customs value or purchase price so it's a little confusing and I don't want to end up buying a car and be hit with a huge VAT invoice.

If you could break it down that would be great. So, I take a flight to UK, buy the car for £11,500 (or €13,610.77) and drive it back myself using the ferry. What VAT is due? I know import customs duty is 10 per cent, I'm just stuck on VAT.

Kind regards

What does Revenue base the VAT calculation on?

Thank you for your previous reply.

In relation to your previous answer to my question regarding importing a car from the UK, can you please advise on the following question related to VAT:

Is the 23 per cent VAT to be paid on the car calculated from the purchase price paid for the car in the UK or is it on the Irish OMSP value of the car?

Please advise

Can I sell a pickup to an Irish buyer with no VAT?

Hi,

I’m selling my Toyota pickup and I live in England. The vehicle was bought brand new by me including VAT . It for sale now and someone in southern Ireland wants to buy it. He’s saying I don’t have to charge him VAT if he gives me his VAT number and zero rate the VAT. Is this the case? The pickup is £42,499 plus VAT. He want to come over to England to pick it up and take it back to Ireland.

Do I pay VAT and import duty on a used bike from the North?

Hi,

I live in Dublin and am looking to purchase a motorbike from a dealer in Northern Ireland. It’s a used 2022 model with 2,500km on the clock. The official dealer in NI sold it brand new to a person who registered it and used it only in NI. I want to know if VAT and Customs Duty will be payable if I buy the bike and bring it over to Dublin for registration?

Planning to import a Polestar 2...

Hi,

I plan to import a 2023 Polestar 2 from the UK: as it’s electric there is no VRT on the car. What is the situation in regard to VAT and import tax and what Is the best way around this? Is it best to first import into Northern Ireland? Are there many checks If driving the car back myself and using ferry?

Thanks

Buying a van in Northern Ireland.

I am buying a crewcab van in Northern Ireland and I have two options. I can buy one on English plates or one that has been registered in Northern Ireland for the past four months but was originally on English plates.

Can you work out how much VRT and Import Duty would need to be paid if buying either? I know both are worked out on the value of the van but how does Revenue put a value on the van? Is there a saving by buying the one on NI plates or the English registered one? What paperwork is required to register either van?

Worth importing a Passat estate from the UK?

Hi,

I'm looking to change from my 2011 VW Passat Saloon 1.4 petrol. This has been a great car for me and I’m looking to change to a 2022/2023 VW Passat Estate - 1.5 petrol. These are thin on the ground here and as they aren't sold here anymore this will become even more so. There are plenty around in the UK but I’m wondering if there are still the same savings to be made when importing from the UK as there once was?