Does an MGS5 EV need an SAD cert from the North?

Looking at buying an MGS5 EV from a dealership in Northern Ireland. Registered Dec 2025 – 2,640 miles on the clock. The salesman mentioned an 'SAD' certificate, paraphrasing: “usually £500 but willing to knock this off”. Is this correct? Does the vehicle even need an SAD cert?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Dee Monaghan (Co. Louth)

Jun 2026 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Dee,

Be very careful before committing to this car. The SAD cert is not the first thing I would focus on. If the MG was genuinely first registered in Northern Ireland and the V5C and invoice both show Northern Ireland addresses, then a separate customs declaration/SAD should not normally be needed just because it is coming from Northern Ireland to the Republic.

However, if the car was first registered in Great Britain, or was brought into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, then you need proper documentary proof that it was legally imported into Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework. Without that, import duty may be payable.

More importantly, because the car has only 2,640 miles on it, it is below Revenue's 6,000km threshold, so it is likely to be treated as a “new means of transport” for Irish VAT purposes. That means Irish VAT at 23 per cent would be payable when registering it here, even though it is already registered and even though it is being bought from Northern Ireland. This could be a much larger cost than £500.

Before buying, ask the dealer for a copy of the V5C, a proper invoice showing the dealer's NI address, the date of first registration, the exact odometer reading and written confirmation of whether the car was ever registered in Great Britain.

I would not rely on a verbal assurance from the salesman.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor