What the service involves
A vehicle brought into the UK goes through customs like any other goods: it must be declared, its value and origin established, and duty and VAT settled. Before it can be registered with the DVLA, HMRC must also receive a NOVA notification (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals).
The charges depend on the type of vehicle, its value and origin. Vehicles of preferential EU origin may qualify for a reduced duty rate, but import VAT usually still has to be paid.
For exports from the UK, we prepare the export declaration and the documents needed on the other side of the border. If the car is arriving as part of a move, we'll check whether it can be covered by Transfer of Residence relief.
- HMRC notification required before DVLA registration
- NOVA
- depending on the type, value and origin of the vehicle
- Duty + VAT
- no duty or VAT when moving – if you meet the conditions
- ToR
What the service includes
- We establish the procedure, commodity code and origin of the vehicle
- We calculate duty and VAT before the car arrives
- We submit the import or export declaration in CDS
- We notify the vehicle's arrival through NOVA
- We check whether the vehicle can be covered by ToR relief
- We give the carrier or driver the references they need
Not included
- We don't arrange transport – your haulier or freight forwarder does that
- We don't handle DVLA registration, tests (MOT, IVA) or insurance – we'll tell you the next steps
What we check before clearance
To clear a vehicle, we need:
- Proof of purchase – an invoice or contract showing the price
- The registration document or certificate of conformity (CoC)
- The VIN, make, model and year of manufacture
- Information on the vehicle's origin
- An EORI number – when a business is importing
Watch out for
- An understated value in the purchase contract
- No proof of origin – higher duty
- A vehicle brought in without a NOVA notification – it can't be registered
- A left-hand-drive vehicle – extra registration requirements
A private individual doesn't need an EORI number, but duty and VAT must then be paid before the vehicle is released.
Step by step
- 1
You send the vehicle details
Proof of purchase, registration document, VIN and the expected arrival date and location.
- 2
We estimate the charges
We establish the commodity code, origin and value and give you an estimate of duty and VAT.
- 3
Customs declaration
We submit an import declaration in CDS before arrival or an export declaration before departure.
- 4
Payment of charges
Duty and VAT are settled in GBP – before the vehicle is released.
- 5
NOVA notification
We notify HMRC of the vehicle's arrival so it can be registered with the DVLA.
- 6
Next steps
We send you the documents and explain what comes next with registration and testing.
Documents needed
- Invoice or purchase contract showing the price
- Registration document (V5C or foreign) or certificate of conformity (CoC)
- VIN, make, model, year of manufacture, mileage
- Copy of ID (private individual) or EORI number (business)
- Proof of the vehicle's origin – where applicable
- Transport details – car transporter, ferry or driven on its own wheels
