How much is UK import duty on a car?

Import duty on cars from outside the EU is 10% of the customs value (purchase price plus shipping and insurance). Cars from the EU may qualify for 0% duty under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement if they meet rules of origin requirements.

When do I pay import duty and VAT on an imported car?

Import duty and VAT are typically paid at the port of entry before your vehicle is released. You can pay immediately at customs, defer payment using a customs declaration, or use a freight forwarder who pays on your behalf.

Is there import duty on electric vehicles from the EU?

EU-manufactured electric vehicles qualify for 0% duty until at least 2027 under the TCA rules of origin extension, which requires 40% UK/EU content for EVs. After 2027, stricter origin rules apply.

UK Import Duty & VAT Calculator

Get instant, accurate cost estimates for importing your car to the UK. Calculate duty, VAT, and total landing costs in seconds.

Instant Results: Real-time calculations

2026 Rates: Current HMRC rates

Hidden Costs: Full breakdown included

UK Car Import Duty & VAT Calculator: Instant Cost Estimate 2026

Importing a car to the UK involves complex duty and VAT calculations that can add thousands to your total cost. Our free calculator gives you instant, accurate estimates based on current HMRC rates for 2026.

Use this calculator if you're importing:

Used cars from any country
Classic vehicles (40+ years old)
New cars for personal use
Commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes

Use the dedicated import cost tool

For the full estimate including NOVA deadline, DVLA registration fee, first-year VED and V55/5 checklist, use the dedicated calculator page.

Open UK car import duty calculator

UK car import duty and VAT calculator

Estimate customs duty, import VAT, first registration fee, first-year VED, and the NOVA deadline for a UK vehicle import.

2026 V149 rates

Vehicle purchase priceCountry of originShipping costInsurance cost

Import scenario

Standard 10% duty, 20% VAT0% duty with valid origin proofTransfer of Residence reliefHistoric collector vehicle estimate

Arrival date in the UKPort, agent, and handling feesCO2 emissions for first-year VEDFuel type

Include DVLA first registration feeShow expensive car supplement note

Cost breakdown

Enter a purchase price and country of origin to see the import estimate.

NOVA deadline

Enter arrival date

HMRC normally expects NOVA notification within 14 days of the vehicle arriving in the UK.

V55/5 checklist

NOVA acknowledgement or HMRC notification reference
Foreign registration certificate and proof of ownership
Evidence of vehicle approval, MOT, or exemption
Insurance certificate using the VIN or chassis number
Completed V55/5 form and DVLA payment

Complete the V55/5 form

This is an estimate for planning. HMRC classification, valuation, preferential origin evidence, relief claims, and DVLA tax class decisions can change the final amount.

How UK Import Duty & VAT Works

Understanding UK import taxes helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Here's what you'll pay:

Import Duty

Standard Rate:10%

Classic Cars (40+ years):0%

Transfer of Residence:0%

Applied to: Vehicle price + shipping + insurance

VAT (Value Added Tax)

Standard Rate:20%

Business (VAT Registered):Reclaimable

Transfer of Residence:0%

Applied to: Vehicle price + shipping + insurance + duty

2026 Rate Changes & Brexit Impact

⚠️ Important Brexit Changes

Since January 2021, EU vehicles are subject to the same import duties as non-EU countries. This significantly increases costs for EU imports.

Before Brexit:

EU cars: 0% duty + 20% VAT

After Brexit:

EU cars: 10% duty + 20% VAT

Money-Saving Tips & Exemptions

💰 Ways to Reduce Your Import Costs

Classic Car Exemption

Vehicles 40+ years old qualify for 0% import duty

Transfer of Residence

Moving to UK? You may qualify for 0% duty and VAT

Accurate Valuation

Use realistic market value, not inflated insurance values

Temporary Admission

Short-term visitors can defer duty/VAT payments

Business VAT Relief

VAT-registered businesses can reclaim import VAT

Shipping Optimization

Lower shipping costs reduce the duty/VAT calculation base

Get practical UK import guides by email

Occasional emails on registering imported vehicles — NOVA, IVA, and the V55/5, field by field. No spam.

Common Mistakes That Cost Money

❌ Avoid These Costly Errors

Undervaluing Your Vehicle

HMRC uses market data to verify values. Declaring too low a value results in penalties and delays. Use realistic market prices based on condition and mileage.

Missing NOVA Deadlines

You must notify HMRC within 14 days of import. Late notification incurs penalties and complicates DVLA registration. File NOVA immediately upon arrival.

Wrong Commodity Codes

Different vehicle types have different duty rates. Ensure you use the correct HS commodity code for your specific vehicle category and age.

Next Steps After Calculating

🚀 Ready to Import? Here's Your Action Plan

File NOVA with HMRC

Notify within 14 days of import. Get your NOVA reference number.

Pay Import Duties & VAT

Pay at port or defer with C88 customs declaration.

Complete V55/5 Form

→ Use V55/5 Form Tool

Get MOT/IVA Testing

Ensure your vehicle meets UK safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I pay import duty and VAT?

Import duty and VAT are typically paid at the port of entry before your vehicle is released. You can either:

Pay immediately at the customs office
Defer payment using a C88 customs declaration (requires customs agent)
Use a freight forwarder who pays on your behalf

Can I reclaim import VAT as a business?

Yes, if you're VAT-registered in the UK, you can reclaim import VAT on your next VAT return, provided the vehicle is used for business purposes. This makes business imports significantly cheaper.

Are electric vehicles treated differently?

Electric and hybrid vehicles follow the same duty and VAT rules as conventional cars. However, they may qualify for reduced road tax rates after registration.

What if my vehicle is a gift?

Gifts are still subject to import duty and VAT based on market value, not the price paid. HMRC will assess the true market value regardless of what you paid.

Ready to Complete Your Import?

Now that you know your costs, use our validated V55/5 form tool to register your imported vehicle with DVLA quickly and accurately.