Do you fancy a new car, but is it in the United States? You may have purchased a new set of car parts in the United States and want to import it into the United Kingdom.
Whether you’re eyeing a new car in the United States or have already purchased a set of car parts and want to import them into the United Kingdom, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of importing a car from the United States to the United Kingdom. From understanding the advantages and disadvantages to the step-by-step procedures and necessary paperwork, we’ve compiled all the information you need to make this process as smooth as possible.
We will explain the step-by-step processes below and provide information on how to register your car with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) once it lands in the United Kingdom. The DVLA is the government agency responsible for maintaining a database of drivers and vehicles in Great Britain.
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The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Importing A Car From The United States
So, why do you desire to purchase from abroad instead of in the United Kingdom? Are there any traps to be careful of? Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages to give you a clearer picture:
Advantages
- It could be less expensive than purchasing in the United Kingdom, even with taxes and customs payments.
- Have access to particular models you can not get here in the United Kingdom.
- The opportunity to have an exceptional or unfamiliar vehicle.
Disadvantages
- The steering wheel may be placed on the unfavorable side for driving on the roads in the United Kingdom.
- It can include lots of charges when it comes to taxes and customs fees.
- The struggle is that a particular sum of discomfort and paperwork is involved in importing a car from outside Europe into the United Kingdom.
Importing And Registering A Car From The United States To The United Kingdom
You can import a vehicle from the United States; hence, you must know some laws before you begin the procedure.
First, you must ensure the car you are importing satisfies the United Kingdom’s environmental and protection laws. You must apply to the DVLA for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for any car not enrolled in the European Union.
This law has some exclusions regarding cars produced more than a decade ago. Again, if the vehicle you are purchasing is categorized as severely damaged, which means that it can not be fixed and will be required to be written off, you cannot enroll in the United Kingdom.
Ways To Import A Vehicle From The United States To The United Kingdom
Below is how to import a vehicle from the United States to the United Kingdom:
- Track down a car and make the payment.
- Search for vehicle shipping experts.
- Have the paperwork concluded for the vehicle?
- Enroll your imported car with DVLA.
- Get your car prepared for United Kingdom roads.
We will explain these steps extensively since they can be complicated procedures. Rest assured, this guide is thorough and comprehensive, designed to give you the confidence and trust you need to successfully import your car.
Track Down A Car And Make The Payment
The first thing to do is discover a vehicle you desire. This should be relatively easy if you are physically in the United States. You can check new and used vehicle vendors or purchase a second-hand vehicle from a confidential seller. It is crucial to physically examine the car before devoting it to the buying. You must also ensure you have your funds and place a budget to stay within your expense limit.
However, if you live in the United Kingdom and you shop online for a vehicle to purchase in the United States, you will need to be much more cautious.
To avoid fraud, it is essential to conduct due diligence on the seller to ensure they are legal. If feasible, arrange for a person to examine the vehicle physically or test drive it on your behalf. You must also read through the small print and discover hidden charges before making payments.
Search For A Vehicle Shipping Expert
With your desired vehicle bought, it is time to consider the shipping aspect. It is enticing to select the affordable one, but this could be a blunder. Your vehicle must land safely in the United Kingdom quickly and with all the paperwork adequately completed.
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Therefore, you can search for a shipping agency which:
- Who are experts in foreign car shipping
- Is completely insured
- Makes details of every charge and payment obtainable upfront
- It is well-checked and ranked by past clients.
Search for shipping companies that provide tracking services or instruments to simplify the United Kingdom customs clearance procedure.
Take enough time selecting a shipping company. Opt for the affordable choices without research, and you could experience any issues. For instance, your vehicle could be destroyed en route, and the company’s insurance will not cover the fixations. It may land late or rack up additional paperwork due to the customs clearance procedure being inadequately taken care of.
Alternatives For Shipping
There are various techniques to ship your newly bought vehicle from the United States to the United Kingdom.
Roll Off or Roll On
This is where vehicles are driven into a ship’s cargo region together with other cars. It is among the most affordable choices but only benefits working and driveable vehicles.
Shared Container Service
This is where your vehicle is shipped with other cars inside a shipping container. The expenses are distributed among everybody using the container. It can be more secure and is a perfect choice for non-operating vehicles, but it can take longer. You must wait until the container is filled before it can be shipped to your location.
Full Container Load
Using this technique, you will acquire the shipping container alone. It is the most costly alternative since you will be accountable for every cost. Hence, it can be faster as the container can be shipped anytime.
What To Do Before Your Car Is Picked Abroad
Snapping some pictures before your vehicle journeys across the Atlantic Ocean is a perfect notion. Pay attention to critical parts, including side skirts, wheels, axles, or any other contact point where the vehicle will be acquired. You are also required to take pictures when the vehicle lands. This method allows you to recognize and claim for any destruction triggered during the journey. You must also review insurance choices for the journey and when the vehicle lands in the United Kingdom.
Have The Paperwork Concluded For The Vehicle?
One of the most challenging aspects of importing a car into the United Kingdom is clearing customs and enrolling the vehicle. Below is the paperwork you are required to have prepared.
- Import declaration
- Invoice or bill of sale for your car (required for the import statement)
- Shipping note and bill of arrival (for customs clearance)
- Car enrollment certificate or the VIN and chassis code
- Evidence of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)
- Photo identity, such as passport
Enroll Your Imported Car With DVLA.
When your car has cleared United Kingdom customs, you are required to do two significant things. The first is to inform HMRC within 14 days of the vehicle landing. Having done this and reimbursed VAT and charges if needed, you can now do the second task: enroll the vehicle with the DVLA.
Enrolling involves completing some forms and offering accompanying documents. The DVLA may also demand that the car be examined. Once you have presented your application, it can take six weeks to get your V5C enrollment certificate.
Documents Required For Registering An Imported Vehicle
You must get the following documents before enrolling your imported vehicle with the DVLA.
- Evidence of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)
- Form V267 for new cars
- Original international enrollment certificate or letter from the producer if unobtainable
- Invoice from the trader or supplier
Get Your Car Prepared For United Kingdom Roads
Finally, you must prepare your United States vehicle according to road law before using it. This involves obtaining a United Kingdom plate number, reimbursing Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), and insuring it.
You might be required to make other changes for some United States vehicles. For instance, you are obtaining your car paired with amber indicator lenses, which are not included in most car models.
