Looking to import an ex-police converted Ford Kuga...

Hi,

I have purchased a Ford Kuga. It is an ex-police 'K9' dog unit converted from a car to a two-seat commercial. It came with a five-seat car v5, though, so can this unit be classified as a commercial in Ireland?

What issues will there be with registering the vehicle? And where can I get an engineer's report on the conversion done by UK police?

Nicholas Walsh (Wexford)

May 2025 Filed under: commercial vehicle

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Expert answer

Hi Nicholas,

When the vehicle is presented at an NCT centre for inspection, on importation, it doesn't matter what the UK registration document says. If the vehicle has been converted to a two-seat commercial with a bulkhead and no rear seats, then it is likely to be treated as such.

Assuming there is no paperwork relating to the conversion; however, it may be advisable to get an engineer's report beforehand. The NSAI has a list of Approved Test Centres here that should be able to help with that. https://www.nsai.ie/certification/automotive/national-type-approva/atc/

You are supposed to book the vehicle in for an inspection with the NCTS within seven days of its arrival and have it re-registered within 30 days, so keep all that in mind when you're booking appointments.

Do let us know how you get on.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor