Looking to import a nearly-new MGS6 EV from the North...

Hi,

I'm looking at importing an MGS6 EV from NI that was first registered in November 2025 and used as a dealership demonstrator model. It has 5,000 miles on the clock. Would this still be exempt from VAT and VRT in the Republic?

Thanks

Fergal McCourt (Dublin)

Apr 2026 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Fergal,

VRT is unavoidable regardless of where the car is coming from, though on an electric car such as the MGS6 EV, it's likely to be zero thanks to the rebate.

The VAT situation is trickier. The key issue is that it's effectively treated as a new vehicle. In EU/Irish tax terms, a car is considered new if it is either less than six months old or has covered less than 6,000km. While this one has done enough mileage, its November 2025 registration means it's still within that six-month window. On top of that, it's a dealer demonstrator, not a privately owned car in normal use in Northern Ireland, so it doesn't qualify for the NI exemption route either.

The result is that 23 per cent Irish VAT will be payable when you register it here.

Saying that, you may be able to get the dealer to sell it at zero per cent UK VAT, so the hit won't be as tough to swallow as it might have been.

Talk to them about the situation and see what they say.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor