After sharing a quick coffee with Kevin Lewis at RJJ Freight I picked up all the low-down on importing a classic car. So, if you are thinking of making a purchase in the US, here is our essentials guide to bringing a car across the pond!
Essentials Guide to Importing a Classic vehicle to the UK
If I have bought a Classic car in the USA do I need to notify anyone before booking the shipping back to the UK? Kevin “RJJ Freight have trusted, reliable agents located throughout the USA. The booking can be made direct with RJJ and in conjunction with their agents they look after all the Customs formalities and Shipping.”
“RJJ operatives book the departure vessel with the Shipping Line, accept all the documents from the Client, arrange for them to sign a Power Of Attorney which then permits our agents to act for them. The Documents are then submitted to the USA Customs authorities along with an export declaration. Once the Customs are satisfied they then permit the vehicle to be shipped.”
What paperwork is required to go with the car when it leaves the US or an EU member country? – Kevin: “When you make the purchase make sure you get all the supporting documents – most States in the USA still issue original Titles which will be required to gain Export Clearance. A copy of the Sales Invoice and any supporting documents and ownership papers are required for EU countries.”
So, once the car arrives in the UK, what happens then? – Can I pick the car up from the port? – Kevin “Prior to arrival in the UK RJJ will notify you with an NOA (Notice Of Arrival ). The NOA details where and when the vehicle will arrive and will also outline what documents will be required for Import Customs clearance purposes. This is always done ahead of time to ensure a smooth, fast clearance and unpacking operation. Yes, it is usually possible to pick the car up from the port but we do also offer a door-to-door delivery service.”
IS there any duty to pay on classic vehicles? – Or Modern vehicles? – Kevin “Duties and taxes vary depending on the age of the vehicle, certain vehicles of a historic nature attract less VAT. The options are varied, at RJJ our aim to ensure there are no “ No Nasty Surprises “ so we make sure you are fully aware of everything before we start.”
“Currently the worst case scenario for a vehicle imported into the UK is 10 % Duty and 20 % VAT , those of Historical Interest / Vintage / Classic can be Imported for just 5 % VAT and no Duty. Pre 1950 vehicles are classified under the 5 % VAT ruling. It’s also important to note that vehicles submitted to the 5 % VAT ruling must have the Original Chassis / Engine and Gearbox – Replica”s are generally not permitted.”
To Guarantee the status of your vehicle for the 5 % VAT ruling RJJ can apply for a BTI ( Binding Tariff Information ) on behalf of the owner
What paperwork do I need to do once the vehicle is at home? – Kevin “At the time of Import RJJ will notify HM Revenue and Customs with the NOVA (Notice Of vehicle arrival). You will need the NOVA reference number for the DVLA to register the vehicle. You may also require a IVA – SVA ( Individual Vehicle Approval – Single Vehicle Approval ) – These are designed to ensure that the vehicle meets the necessary standards for on road use in the EU.”
Do we know what impact will Brexit have on vehicle movement? – Kevin ” We are all still waiting, to date Brexit is not affecting the movement of vehicle within the EU, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do!”
Can you tell us roughly an average costs of how much it is to move a vehicle from the US back to the UK. Door to door. – Kevin ” This is difficult to say, the cost of moving a vehicle from the USA to the UK varies, depending on the Make / Model / Value. They can be shipped in consolidated ( Shared ) Containers, Sole Use or by Airfreight. We offer a complete service Door to Door, it is best to just call us for a quote.
For more information on importing a car simply call: +44 (0)1394 69 55 66 or email: cars@rjjfreight.co.uk
