Looking to import a 2022 Kia EV6 from the North...

Hi,

I am trying to gather information on purchasing an EV (Kia EV6 to be exact) from the North and bringing it into Ireland. I am looking at a second hand 2022 or 2023 model.

Would this car be liable for VRT and import duty or is it exempt? For instance, there is a specific car at £24,000, a 2022 Kia EV6 2022 - what exact VRT and customs duty would apply in this case?

Sorry if it's an obvious question; I'm just finding it hard to gather any info on this type of purchase. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jason Kirrane (Kildare)

May 2025 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Jason,

For a 2022 Kia EV6, regardless of its origin, there is likely to be full VRT relief on importation. That's because the relief applies to EVs worth up to €40,000 in Revenue's eyes (that value is called the Open Market Selling Price - or OMSP) and taking a look at Irish classifieds now, no 2022 EV6 exceeds that value.

Whether import/customs duty is payable – and indeed VAT at 23 per cent – is not so clear cut, and that will depend on the specific vehicle.

I suggest you read our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland feature to familiarise yourself with some of the rules, but distilled down, if the car you're importing from Northern Ireland has been used by someone living there for “a reasonable amount of time” (Revenue's words) then no VAT or customs duty should be payable when importing it south of the border.

You will need to be able to prove that about the car.

If you're buying from a dealer in the North, you need to talk to them and ask if the car has been imported according to the Windsor Framework, and if so, if they'll supply proof to you of that.

Without proof, you could be slapped with a VAT and customs duty bill when importing the car.

Hopefully that has been of help, but don't hesitate to come back to us if you need more assistance.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor