How much to import an English van through the North?

How much does it cost to import a 2023 van into Ireland from the North with English plates?

Johnny Burke (Gort)

Jun 2026 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Johnny,

No matter what, you will have to pay VRT, its rate dependent on what type of van it is. The big question is whether you will also have to pay VAT and import duty.

It depends on the van's history, not just where you are buying it from. If the NI seller can prove that it was properly imported into Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, then customs duty and import VAT should not be due when bringing it into the Republic. The same should apply if the seller can prove that the van was actually used in the North for, as Revenue puts it “a reasonable amount of time”.

If that proof is not available, Revenue may treat it as a GB import. In that case, you could be looking at customs duty of 10 per cent, 23 per cent import VAT and VRT on top, which can make the van much less attractive.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor