Should I buy this already-imported van?

I am contemplating buying a 2019 van from a guy in Dundalk. He purchased the vehicle in GB and has had the vehicle for two months but has not changed the ownership details and still has the V5 form.

He has told me that I will only be liable to pay €250 VRT for a commercial vehicle but is a bit vague on other charges such as VAT and other taxes.

Can you tell me approximately what my liability would be if I purchase the vehicle and register it in Ireland?

Many thanks

Ian Moss (Tralee)

Apr 2025 Filed under: importing

---

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

I'd be very wary of this. By rights, the vehicle should have been re-registered with all taxes paid within 30 days of it entering the country. It is not supposed to be sold on UK plates in Ireland by the person that should have registered its initial import.

Regardless of that technicality, the information you've provided suggests that the importer of this vehicle would be liable for VAT at 23 per cent and import duty at 10 per cent, which would be considerably more expensive than the VRT due.

Without knowing the full details, we couldn't estimate the figures involved, but without proof that the vehicle has been imported correctly we would strongly advise against purchasing this van.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor