Importing my car from EU
Discussion
Some owners have imported Euro Vettes to UK so I thought you might be able to give this guy some advice.
Am I right in thinking there's no VAT issues provided VAT has been paid somewhere in the EU?
And is there any kind of SVA (I guess not) or do you just swap the headlamps and get an MoT? I didn't think MoT applied to any new car until 3 years old?
Am I right in thinking there's no VAT issues provided VAT has been paid somewhere in the EU?
And is there any kind of SVA (I guess not) or do you just swap the headlamps and get an MoT? I didn't think MoT applied to any new car until 3 years old?
I'd be pretty sure there's no VAT at all, if it's being imported from an EU country.
For headlights, a couple of bits of black tape / reflectors [like you buy on the contintental ferries etc.] to make them reflect the correct way should be enough [that's all that's on my Corvette, which was originally a German import].
For headlights, a couple of bits of black tape / reflectors [like you buy on the contintental ferries etc.] to make them reflect the correct way should be enough [that's all that's on my Corvette, which was originally a German import].
OK, here’s my view. Firstly, when I imported mine from Germany it was new with slightly different rules and tax situations, but just to dispel one myth – you pay VAT on any new car imported from the EU even though you may have paid tax on it in the country of origin – the trick is to avoid the tax in the country of origin which is what I did. There may be exceptions (e.g armed forces) but there is no way round paying the VAT.
The car in question here does not need a SVA as it has a Certificate of Conformity which basically proves it is legal and safe to use in the UK. It does need an MOT asap though.
As regards your speedo in KPH, my gut feel is that conversion to MPH is only needed for SVA, as you have said it is ok for the MOT. Anyway, as it’s a C5, isn’t it switchable from the dash between MPH and KPH? As regards the lights, you only need to convert them to get the MOT and you can do it yourself – you may get away with the Euro lenses as they are EU marked and I’ve fooled MOT testers with the markings. Worst case scenario is that you need the T85s. I’ve never heard of you having to submit an invoice – that sounds more like a “fix it ticket”.
As regards the VAT form, I’m struggling and I’m not even sure if there is any VAT to pay. I think you need to produce a form 386 or similar or a 414 (but this seems to be for a VAT registered person). A 415 is for new cars and a form 389 is for imports from outside the EU.
If I was you, I’d take a look at the DVLA website as they have a section on importing and if you ring them they will help you with any questions – you could also ask your local DVLA office. They issue a very helpful pack with all the forms in it.
Far better to get the advice direct from them than rely on something a confused idiot like me has said.
The car in question here does not need a SVA as it has a Certificate of Conformity which basically proves it is legal and safe to use in the UK. It does need an MOT asap though.
As regards your speedo in KPH, my gut feel is that conversion to MPH is only needed for SVA, as you have said it is ok for the MOT. Anyway, as it’s a C5, isn’t it switchable from the dash between MPH and KPH? As regards the lights, you only need to convert them to get the MOT and you can do it yourself – you may get away with the Euro lenses as they are EU marked and I’ve fooled MOT testers with the markings. Worst case scenario is that you need the T85s. I’ve never heard of you having to submit an invoice – that sounds more like a “fix it ticket”.
As regards the VAT form, I’m struggling and I’m not even sure if there is any VAT to pay. I think you need to produce a form 386 or similar or a 414 (but this seems to be for a VAT registered person). A 415 is for new cars and a form 389 is for imports from outside the EU.
If I was you, I’d take a look at the DVLA website as they have a section on importing and if you ring them they will help you with any questions – you could also ask your local DVLA office. They issue a very helpful pack with all the forms in it.
Far better to get the advice direct from them than rely on something a confused idiot like me has said.
Am I missing something here? 9 Year old car means 1998 C5, which has MPH or KPH at the touch of a button on the DIC!
If Luxembourg is in the EU then VAT was paid in the home territory when the car was new and therefore you don't have to pay it again on moving to another member state.
If Luxembourg is in the EU then VAT was paid in the home territory when the car was new and therefore you don't have to pay it again on moving to another member state.
Going Back a few years here but back in 2000 I imported my 95 ZR1 from the Netherlands. The car had been imported brand new into Germany in 95 but never registered and never used on the road. I had the official german documentation confirming import details and VAT and duty paid at point of import.
Can't remember the form number but registration was fairly simple. No VAT or duty was due as it had already been paid when originally imported. Got the lights converted, had an MOT done and went to the local office with the correct form, mot and insurance documentation plus a retention certificate for a reg number I had and came away with the Tax disc and all confirmed.
Really was very simple. The import pack I recieved from the DVLA listed the form I needed to fill in and that was it. Hopefully you won't have any issues.
Can't remember the form number but registration was fairly simple. No VAT or duty was due as it had already been paid when originally imported. Got the lights converted, had an MOT done and went to the local office with the correct form, mot and insurance documentation plus a retention certificate for a reg number I had and came away with the Tax disc and all confirmed.
Really was very simple. The import pack I recieved from the DVLA listed the form I needed to fill in and that was it. Hopefully you won't have any issues.
euroboy said:
.........could have got a C6 for the same money but no way I could afford the running costs of a big V8 at the moment.
Oh dear - if that's your reason for not buying a C6, I fear you have made a terrible mistake. The C6 boys on here will tell you how little these cars cost to run.
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