Import a Car from Netherlands to the UK

The Netherlands is a strong source for campervans, classic VWs, and well-kept EU-origin cars. EU-origin vehicles qualify for 0% customs duty under TCA. The RDW export paperwork (kentekenbewijs + exportverklaring) is well structured and DVLA accepts it cleanly.

• Only EU-origin cars get 0% duty — Japanese/Korean cars bought in the Netherlands still pay 10%.
• Campervans have specific body-type and weight rules on the V55/5 — get this right or it registers as a goods vehicle.
• RDW export must be finalised before the car leaves the Netherlands.
• A CoC is needed to skip IVA for EU type-approved cars.

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

Cars manufactured in the EU qualify for 0% customs duty under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Many Dutch-registered cars were built in Germany, France or Spain — they still count as EU origin, so 0% duty applies. Cars built outside the EU (Japan, South Korea, USA) may attract 10% duty. You pay 20% UK VAT regardless of origin.

Can I import a campervan from the Netherlands to the UK?

Yes. The Netherlands is one of Europe's biggest campervan and motorhome markets, and the import process is the same as for a car: RDW export, NOVA within 14 days, VAT, approval if needed, and DVLA V55/5 registration. Factory-built, EU type-approved motorhomes generally follow the same approval routes as cars, but converted vans may need a full IVA inspection — check the approval requirements before you buy.

Can I drive a Dutch car in the UK before it's registered?

No, with one exception: you can drive an unregistered imported vehicle directly to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test. For any other use, the vehicle must be registered with DVLA, taxed, insured, and displaying UK number plates.

What is the kentekenbewijs and what happens to it when I export?

The kentekenbewijs is the Dutch vehicle registration certificate — a credit-card-style document (with digital ownership codes) issued by the RDW. When the car is exported, the seller or an RDW-approved dealer deregisters it for export and you receive export documents (uitvoerverklaring). Keep everything — DVLA needs evidence of the previous foreign registration.

How much does it cost to import a car from the Netherlands to the UK?

For a typical €18,000 EU-origin car, budget roughly £4,000-4,700 on top of the purchase price (estimates): 20% VAT (~£3,130), ferry or transport (£150-800), GB Conversion IVA £100 if the car is left-hand drive and under 10 years old, MOT £54.85, DVLA registration £55, plus headlight conversion.

Is a Dutch APK valid in the UK?

No. The Dutch APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) roadworthiness test is not accepted as a substitute for a UK MOT. Any imported vehicle over 3 years old needs a UK MOT (maximum fee £54.85) before DVLA will register it.

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

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