Expert answer

Hi Christine,

It sounds like you're new to this, so it may be worth reading our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland feature.

In summary, whether you have to pay VAT and import duty depends entirely on the circumstances of the car in question. If the car was registered new in NI and used there (and is now over six months old) then no VAT etc payable.

Same thing for a car imported from the rest of the UK to the North, registered and used there for "a reasonable amount of time" according to Revenue. 

The ones to watch out for are cars brought in by a dealer in the North purely to be sold on, without properly importing it first.

The dealers in the North should know what paperwork you need to show Revenue, but always check for yourself.

And finally, no matter what, you will be liable for VRT and the NOx levy.

Expert answer

Hi Erika,

You will need to go through the standard importation procedure for all cars being brought into Ireland. Keep all documentation relating to the purchase and the car's original importation into Northern Ireland. Hopefully it's exempt from VAT and import duty, though you will have to pay VRT and the NOx levy regardless.

Be aware that you must make a reservation with the NCTS within seven days of the car arriving south of the border, with a view to completing the process in 30 days.

I highly recommend you read our guides on the subject:

Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland

How much VRT is paid in Ireland?

Expert answer

Hi Bill,

No, you are only responsible for the tax from the moment you take ownership of a car. 

Expert answer

Hi Sean,

Going by the information you've provided, we'd expect no VAT or import duty to be payable, but you will need some form of proof that the car has indeed been in use in the North during that time - and not just imported to be sold on by the dealer. The logbook may well show that, but also try to find evidence the car went through an MOT in the North.

After that it's just the normal process for importation via the NCTS VRT inspection, so you'll need the V5C (logbook), purchase invoice, ID, proof of address, etc. 

Expert answer

Hi Ed,

There were several rule changes in the past few years, but it now seems to boil down to the relatively simple matter of whether you can prove the car was used for "as reasonable amount of time" in the North before it was imported. It sounds to me like that would be the case on the Leaf you've found and yes, I believe the official test history from gov.co.uk would suffice.

If in doubt, do contact Revenue directly for yourself.

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

I spoke with a representative of Opel Ireland today and they asked me to apologise to you for the confusion.

The electric version of the Sports Tourer is indeed available, but it's what's called a "special order" model, so it has been removed from the public-facing price list etc. If you contact your local Opel dealer, they should be able to talk you through the process of ordering one. 

Don't forget to read our review of the Opel Astra Electric (though we've not tested the estate model).

Update on 2 Sep 2025: Opel Ireland got in touch to say the online documentation has been updated. You can get the new Opel Astra price list here.

Expert answer

Hi Farrukh,

I'm afraid the only way we know to do this is contact Volvo UK or Ireland with the VIN and request a Certificate of Conformity. There is likely to be a fee involved.

Expert answer

Hi John,

The MOT history should be enough to show that the car was used in the North for a reasonable amount of time, but obtain as much other documentation as possible to support your case, such as service history, V5C logbook details, etc. 

If in any doubt, discuss your situation with Revenue directly.

Expert answer

Hi James,

If the vehicle has been in use in the North for "a reasonable amount of time" (according to Revenue) then there should be no VAT or import duty payable. You will need to obtain proof of that.

Assuming that is the case (and not that the Transit was just imported from England by a dealer in Northern Ireland to just sell on), really it's just VRT, which we believe should only be €200 for the van you've described.

Expert answer

Hi Roy,

There are documented issues with some Honda hybrid brake servos, yes, though not specifically the Shuttle that we can see. 

Many of these problems can be caused by a failing 12-volt battery, so first thing to do is have that checked or replaced. Then have the fault codes reset, drive it for a while, and if there are still issues get the car plugged into a diagnostic computer for analysis by a good mechanic.

Unfortunately, it's an expensive repair to replace the system itself, so hopefully the battery sorts it out.