Euro conformity certs and NCT tests for UK->IE imports
Discussion
I'm looking at importing a new Vauxhaull VXR8 from UK to Ireland later this year. This model has been through "VCA Low Volume Vehicle Approval" but not full Euro type approval.
The Revenue web site talks about European Certificate of Conformity and type approval, which this won't have. However, it also implies that you don't need this if the car has been fully registered in the EU (i.e. NOT temporary export plates).
So, my plan is to get the car registered in the UK as new, then import to Ireland, bypassing the cert/type approval requirement.
I've recently seen several newish TVRs (a T350 and a Tuscan) driving around Dublin with Irish plates, and they must also have been only low-volume approved, so I'm guessing this is possible.
Question: has anyone been through this process recently and can confirm the reality (rather than the apparent policy)?
Then there is the NCT emissions test in 4 (?) years time - the VXR8 is only Euro III compliant, not Euro IV (required for new cars since Jan 2006). I downloaded the NCT manual as advised, but it's a bit confusing:
"Where it can be established that the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on exhaust emissions are higher than those listed in the reasons for failure then the manufacturers figure should be the criteria used when deciding whether or not the vehicle passes."
What does "higher recommendations" mean, and where do they get the manufacturer's recommendations from if there is no Euro conformity cert?
Cheers,
John
The Revenue web site talks about European Certificate of Conformity and type approval, which this won't have. However, it also implies that you don't need this if the car has been fully registered in the EU (i.e. NOT temporary export plates).
So, my plan is to get the car registered in the UK as new, then import to Ireland, bypassing the cert/type approval requirement.
I've recently seen several newish TVRs (a T350 and a Tuscan) driving around Dublin with Irish plates, and they must also have been only low-volume approved, so I'm guessing this is possible.
Question: has anyone been through this process recently and can confirm the reality (rather than the apparent policy)?
Then there is the NCT emissions test in 4 (?) years time - the VXR8 is only Euro III compliant, not Euro IV (required for new cars since Jan 2006). I downloaded the NCT manual as advised, but it's a bit confusing:
"Where it can be established that the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on exhaust emissions are higher than those listed in the reasons for failure then the manufacturers figure should be the criteria used when deciding whether or not the vehicle passes."
What does "higher recommendations" mean, and where do they get the manufacturer's recommendations from if there is no Euro conformity cert?
Cheers,
John
For posterity, here's the official response from the Vehicle Standards Division:
Dear John
The entry into service (registration) requirements in relation to passenger cars have been transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Passenger Car Entry into Service) Regulations 2003 - S.I. No.552 of 2003 as amended. Under these regulations a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) must be produced to the Revenue Commissioners in order to register a new passenger car. A vehicle which has been previously registered in another Member State of the European Union is not considered a new vehicle for the purposes of these regulations and therefore the requirements of the 2003 regulations as amended are not applicable.
Since the Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the registration of motor vehicles you should contact them with any further queries in relation to the importation of the vehicle.
I hope this explains the position.
(name deleted)
Vehicle Standards Division (RSA)
Dear John
The entry into service (registration) requirements in relation to passenger cars have been transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Passenger Car Entry into Service) Regulations 2003 - S.I. No.552 of 2003 as amended. Under these regulations a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) must be produced to the Revenue Commissioners in order to register a new passenger car. A vehicle which has been previously registered in another Member State of the European Union is not considered a new vehicle for the purposes of these regulations and therefore the requirements of the 2003 regulations as amended are not applicable.
Since the Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the registration of motor vehicles you should contact them with any further queries in relation to the importation of the vehicle.
I hope this explains the position.
(name deleted)
Vehicle Standards Division (RSA)
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