Import a Car from Italy to the UK

Italy is the home of the enthusiast car. Italian-built cars (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Abarth) qualify for 0% customs duty under TCA, and qualifying classics over 30 years old pay a reduced 5% VAT instead of 20%.

• 0% duty is restricted to Italian/EU-origin cars — a Japanese car registered in Italy still pays 10%.
• 5% VAT (instead of 20%) only applies to qualifying historic vehicles 30+ years old in original condition.
• Italian paperwork (libretto + CDPR) can take weeks to obtain after purchase.
• LHD headlights and a CoC are needed for type-approved cars to skip IVA.

Do I pay customs duty importing a car from Italy to the UK?

Cars manufactured in the EU qualify for 0% customs duty under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Italian-built cars (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Abarth) qualify for zero duty. You still pay import VAT — 20% for most cars, or a reduced 5% for qualifying classics over 30 years old.

How does a classic car from Italy qualify for 5% import VAT?

Vehicles over 30 years old that are in original condition (no substantial modifications to chassis, engine, steering, or bodywork) can qualify as collector's items under HMRC rules, attracting an effective 5% import VAT rate and nil customs duty. On a €15,000 Alfa Romeo or a Ferrari 308, this saves thousands compared to the standard 20% rate.

Can I drive a left-hand drive Italian car in the UK?

Yes. Left-hand drive vehicles are fully legal on UK roads and there is no requirement to convert to right-hand drive. You must adjust or convert the headlights so the beam doesn't dazzle oncoming traffic, and cars under 10 years old must have a speedometer that displays mph.

What Italian documents do I need to import a car?

You need the Certificato di Proprietà (ownership certificate, now a digital record), the Carta di Circolazione (registration document), a bill of sale showing the price and VIN, and ideally a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). The seller should cancel the Italian registration for export (radiazione per esportazione) before handover.

Do I need an IVA test for a car imported from Italy?

Usually not. Cars over 10 years old are exempt from vehicle approval entirely. EU type-approved cars under 10 years old need a Certificate of Conformity, plus a GB Conversion IVA (around £100, paperwork only) if left-hand drive. Classics over 30 years old are typically exempt but may need dating evidence for an age-related registration.

Is my Italian classic exempt from MOT and road tax?

Only if it's over 40 years old. Vehicles built more than 40 years ago and not substantially modified are MOT-exempt and can be registered in the historic vehicle tax class, paying no VED. Classics aged 30-40 years still need an annual MOT (£54.85) and pay road tax, but can qualify for the 5% import VAT rate.

Primary sources

This guide maps to official GOV.UK guidance. Always check the current source for the latest rules before you submit your V55/5.

• Register a used vehicle for the first time (V55/5 form & V355/5 guidance) — GOV.UK
• Importing vehicles into the UK (NOVA, duty, VAT) — GOV.UK
• Vehicle approval: Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) — GOV.UK
• Register an imported vehicle (registration and tax) — GOV.UK

v55-5.com is an independent service and is not affiliated with the DVLA, HMRC, or any government body.