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Is an MOT history enough to avoid VAT etc from NI?
Hello, regarding importing from NI, I am looking to buy from a private individual. The car arrived in NI from 2019 so there is no customs declaration. It has a record of each MOT in NI though since then. Along with its V5, would that be enough for the Revenue to avoid VAT and customs charges?
Thanks
Jim Allen (Cork)
Oct 2025 Filed under: importing
Can I trust Revenue's VRT calculations for a Japanese import?
Hi,
I'm planning on importing a 2020 Honda CR-V 2.0 petrol from Japan. I'm stressing about the VRT, as there are so many horror stories online. The official calculator on Revenue's website indicates VRT around €6k. How reliable is this? I can see that this year is listed online for around €28-29K.
Thank you
Bart (Kildare )
Oct 2025 Filed under: importing
Is this NI car (still on GB plates) free from VAT and import duty?
Hi,
I have a query regarding importing a car. I have read lots of the information online but just want clarification before I proceed. I am purchasing a used car from a garage in Northern Ireland. The car was imported from GB to NI by the garage. The car is on a GB registration but was imported to Northern Ireland by the garage through TSS (trader support service) and has TSS documentation to support this.
Am I correct in saying that I am not liable to pay VAT and customs charges on the car when presenting for VRT and that the only applicable charges would be for VRT and NOx?
The garage has said this is the case due to the Windsor agreement. The car has been in garage for sale since arrival. It is still on the GB plates.
David R (Dublin)
Sep 2025 Filed under: importing
Can you clear up this grey area on importing from the North?
I'm looking to import an EV from Northern Ireland. Budget 2026 continues the €5k VRT reduction/exemption on EVs until end of 2026. Windsor Framework applicable to EVs registered prior to 1 January 2021 and used in Northern Ireland for at least six months? So, charges applicable on a 2020 EV upon import from Northern Ireland to Republic?
I know I asked this previously in 2024 when looking at a BMW i3s to replace our VW Passat with an EV for me to commute, but the wife was hesitant to have me in a small car on the back roads, though the i3 has a carbon structure so no safety cell issues. Anyway, being used to the spacious Passat we got a nice Arteon (2.0 TSI 4Motion that likes a drink) so all the more reason with budget hike on fuel to get back to economical commuting.
Thanks
Damien McGettrick (Lusk)
Oct 2025 Filed under: importing
What documents do I need to show a car was owned in NI?
If importing a car from NI, I see the previous owner from NI must own it a reasonable time. What is that, two months plus?
Also what docs from him will I need?
Thank you
Mahmood Hussain
Oct 2025 Filed under: importing
I want to import a Ford tipper truck from Northern Ireland...
Hi,
I want to buy a Ford tipper truck from a dealer in Northern Ireland, but I live in southern Ireland. I am a little confused as to the VRT cost. Are you able to assist?
Monica Merchant (Watford)
Sep 2025 Filed under: importing
Can a NI car dealer sell a car VAT-free to an Irish buyer?
Hi,
I was just reading your article Guide to Importing a Car from Northern Ireland, and I have a question about UK VAT.
Here's the hypothetical situation: a customer in the Republic identifies a car online in the North, priced at £30k. Now, this price includes UK VAT of £6k (20 per cent). Can that car be sold to the customer in the Republic for £24k?
I understand there is VRT to be paid upon import but no Irish VAT. But I'm just not sure on the UK VAT element of the equation.
Thanks a lot
Alan Furlong (Dublin)
Sep 2025 Filed under: importing
Is it easy to bring my car with me moving from NI to ROI?
I bought a car in N.I. just two years ago. I am now planning to live in the Republic of Ireland. Any advice please on bringing the car with me and registering it in R.O.I.?
Many thanks
John Hone (Tyrone)
Sep 2025 Filed under: importing
How to register my off-the-road Defender in Ireland?
I moved to Ireland in 2016 and came with a 1990 Defender County (12 seats). This developed problems at the end of the journey (gearbox) and I declared it off road in the UK and it has been parked up ever since. What would be required in order to register it in Ireland? It would require a chassis and bulkhead at minimum to be road legal.
Iain (Co Cork)
Sep 2025 Filed under: importing
I'm going to register my UK vehicles at a friend's in the North...
Hi,
I have a 1991 Lotus Elan 1600 SE, bought for £8,000 sterling in June 2024. It's on mainland UK plates but eventually I wish to get it ROI registered. I have a colleague who lives in NI who is happy for me to register the car in his name and address for as many months as needed to comply with the Windsor protocol.
How do I go about doing this and what UK customs forms do I need to have in addition to the V5, a new NI MOT etc? I also wish to do similar with a 2017 motorhome I'm considering buying.
Christopher Hayward (Kinsale, Co. Cork)
Sep 2025 Filed under: importing
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