Can you explain the VAT import rules?

I am from Cyprus and I intend to buy a three-year-old used car that is "VAT qualifying" and worth €18,000. The car I'll import from Cyprus.

Please explain the VAT procedure

Andreas Constantinides (Nicosia)

Feb 2017 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Andreas,

If the car is three years old, and thanks to Cyprus being in the EU, you won't have to pay VAT when you import the car, as that's only payable on cars up to six months old. You will need to pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) though, and you'll have just a week from the car's arrival here to inform the Revenue Commissioners of it being here and a month to organise an inspection and pay the charge. If you're trying to reclaim VAT originally paid on the car, then you'll need to get yourself a good accountant as it's a complex process and will depend on whether or not the car is registered as a commercial vehicle. 

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe