Can I bring an EV into Ireland from England via the North?

I'm interested in buying an EV in England. Is it just a case of buying it in England and transporting it to NI and getting my mate to register it in NI, then after three months I can import to Ireland with zero VRT and VAT?

ASHLEY BERRY (Monaghan)

Apr 2026 Filed under: importing

---

Expert answer

Hi Ashley,

In principle, that should work, though Revenue is specifically looking out for people trying to circumvent VAT and import duty on such cars and there is no fixed three-month period. The wording says, “a reasonable amount of time” and that Revenue will take it on a case-by-case basis.

I suspect that, if it saw the name of the person registering the car in Ireland anywhere near the original paperwork in England, it would suggest that VAT and import duty are payable.

VRT should be minimal or zero depending on the value of the EV after importation regardless of where the car is coming from.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor