Expert answer

Hi Zoltán,

Those comments from the writer appear to stem from how poorly the car drives. It's summed up in this paragraph:

"The suspension in that car is soft and sloppy, which makes the car lean and lurch around corners, particularly if it has to deal with a change in elevation, direction and road surface all at once. Yet despite that, the ride is still as firm as that of a hot hatchback, with an unsettled feel over even the smoothest surfaces and a sharp thump over any potholes. Combine that with the wheelspin and slow steering that feels as detached and lifeless as a cheap games console's wheel, and the driving experience goes from being unremarkable to unacceptable."

Anyway, Jaecoo is not sold in Ireland yet, so hopefully all the teething issues will be sorted out before it is...

For others interested in the story, read our Jaecoo 7 SHS review here

Expert answer

Hi John,

I think that's a very real possibility, unfortunately. I'd suggest you speak to Revenue directly, laying out a timeline and evidence that the motor how was actually in use in the North. It has already indicated that it will take each case on its own merit so hopefully it will see sense.

Expert answer

Hi Fiona,

The Single Administrative Document (SAD) is the standard EU customs declaration form. It records the details of goods being imported or exported and proves that customs obligations (VAT, duty, etc.) have been met.

For cars coming from Great Britain into Northern Ireland, a SAD is generated automatically when the HMRC Supplementary Declaration is completed through the Trader Support Service (TSS). Most buyers never see it, but Revenue can request a copy if they want extra proof that a vehicle has cleared customs correctly.

In most cases you won't need to show an SAD when presenting the car for a VRT inspection. Revenue usually accepts the HMRC Supplementary Declaration together with the V5C as proof that the car was lawfully imported into Northern Ireland and is in free circulation under the Windsor Framework.

If the car's paperwork was processed by a customs agent, they can electronically submit the SAD on your behalf, as it should already exist given the HMRC Supplementary Declaration has already been processed.

Expert answer

Hi John,

We can't give a definitive answer to that with the information you've provided, I'm afraid as it depends on how the garage imported the car into the North, and when. If it was imported according to the Windsor Framework (ask them and they should know), or it was registered in Northern Ireland and used for a "reasonable amount of time" (Revenue's words) then it's possible that no VAT or import/customs duty would be payable.

However, if the car was only used by the garage for a short period, and not properly registered in the North, then VAT and import/customs duty may indeed be required by Revenue.

Ask for full details and proof of the car's status before committing, and if in any doubt, run the situation by Revenue. We can offer advice, and our opinions, but Revenue has the final call after all.

Expert answer

Hi Fiona,

From the information provided (and we're assuming the car is over six months old), we do not believe you will have to pay VAT or import duty on this car, though of course you will be liable for VRT and the NOx levy. 

Just make sure you can prove all of the above and that the car was actually physically in Northern Ireland.

Expert answer

Hi Damian,

Yes, that is entirely possible. Make sure the paperwork shows that the car was imported into the North according to the Windsor Framework with clear reference to the car's identity, the dates and all costs paid. 

Expert answer

Hi Patsy,

The VAT and import duty side of things is not affected by the car's modification for the Mobility scheme (though VRT and the NOx levy are).

So, same as any other car, if it has been in use in the North for a "reasonable amount of time" (according to Revenue), and you can prove that, then it will be exempt from VAT or import duty.

Expert answer

Hi Phil,

If the car is registered in Northern Ireland already then you can just bring it over to any other part of the UK without a problem. There will be no taxes or charges other than transporting it. 

Expert answer

Hi Danny,

While it sounds like the car shouldn't attract VAT or import duty (you'll need to prove it was used in Northern Ireland), all passenger cars being imported are subject to VRT and the NOx levy. If it's a commercial, there is no NOx levy, but there would still be VRT, calculated differently. Revenue has quite a strict definition of what a commercial SUV is though, so make sure you know what you're doing before you make that move.

Read our How Much VRT Is Paid In Ireland? guide for more information

Expert answer

Hi Conor,

Our understanding is that it will be good enough to show that the car has been in use, even if it was a company car. Essentially, once the car has not been brought in by a car dealer to sell on right away it is likely to be exempt from VAT and import duty.

As ever, we encourage would-be importers to check their individual case with Revenue direct before committing to a purchase.