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How much is import tax on a car from USA to UK?

Published by Joe Webster.

How much is import tax on a car from USA to UK?

When importing a car from the USA to the UK, you'll typically face an import duty of 10% and a VAT of 20%, calculated based on the combined costs of the purchase, shipping, and insurance. The entire delivery process usually spans around 8-10 weeks, contingent on the shipping method and company selected.

Considering importing a car from the USA to the UK? it's necessary to be aware of the associated costs. Typically, the UK levies an import duty of 10% and a VAT of 20% on the cumulative costs of the vehicle's purchase, shipping, and insurance. While the process might seem daunting, understanding the breakdown of these charges and the expected delivery timeline, which is usually around 8-10 weeks, can help you plan better. This article delves deeper into the intricacies of the import tax and other related aspects of bringing a car from the USA to the UK.

General Overview of Importing Cars from USA to UK

Importing a car from the USA to the UK involves several steps and considerations. First of all, one must check if the vehicle meets the specific requirements set by both countries. It's crucial to ensure that your chosen vehicle complies with UK standards for emissions, safety, and other regulatory measures before initiating any purchase or import process.

The next step is shipping which can be done either by sea freight or air freight. Sea freight is often less expensive but takes longer time while air freight offers speed at a higher cost. The choice between these two options largely depends on individual preferences and budgetary constraints. Once landed in the UK, customs duties need to be paid based on various factors including the age of the car, and its value among others.

After paying all necessary fees and taxes at customs clearance, it's important to register your imported car with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This registration process includes providing documentation about your identity, and proof of ownership of the vehicle along with completed application forms as per DVLA guidelines. After successful completion of this step, you will receive a new registration document making you the legal owner of your imported car in the UK.

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Vehicle Specifications and Their Effect on Import Tax

Vehicle specifications play a pivotal role in determining the import tax on vehicles. The UK customs authorities use these details to calculate the amount of duty and VAT that needs to be paid. Factors such as engine size, fuel type, age, and value of the vehicle are taken into account. For instance, cars with larger engines or those running on diesel tend to attract higher taxes due to environmental considerations.

Additionally, modifications made to a vehicle can also influence the import tax levied. If significant alterations have been carried out that increase its market value or change its original category classification, this could result in an increased tax rate. This includes changes like engine swaps or extensive bodywork modifications.

It should be noted that classic cars over 30 years old may qualify for reduced rates if they meet certain criteria such as being preserved in their original state without substantial changes. However, it is always advisable for individuals importing vehicles from the USA to seek professional advice before proceeding with transactions; understanding how different vehicle specifications impact taxation can help avoid unexpected costs upon arrival in the UK.

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.
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A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!
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There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.
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We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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