How to import a new camper from the North?

Greetings,

Can you let me know the position of buying a new motorhome from the sole Irish dealership who is based in NI, if I am resident in the Republic of Ireland, and bringing it into the RoI? Does the fact that the motorhome is from a French manufacturer add further complication? I'm not clear on additional issues or costs of doing this.

Very best

Tilly Hoskins (RoI)

May 2025 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Tilly,

The fact the vehicle is French makes no difference to the situation.

I can confirm that no customs duty will be payable, though you should still make a customs declaration before bringing the vehicle south of the border.

Irish VAT, at 23 per cent of the total sale price, will be payable. However, the Northern Irish dealer should be able to zero-rate the sale – i.e. not charge you UK VAT.

The other large fee will be VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax), which is calculated as 13.3 per cent of the OMSP. That's the Open Market Selling Price according to Revenue in Ireland. It is not directly related to the purchase price, but the value Revenue believes the vehicle to be worth after importation.

I'd suggest you give the Northern Irish dealer a call and talk it through, as they're likely to have gone through this process many times already.

Do let us know how you get on.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor