Importing from outside the EU

quattro777 · 03-12-2009 11:39AM #1

I'm thinking of importing a car from Malaysia.

The shipping costs are about 2k. Besides VRT are there any other taxes/charges that I will have to pay? One car is a 1981, the other is 1979.

Thanks.

2 Espressi · 03-12-2009 12:10PM

Vat @ 21%.
Duty @ 10%
Port charges

quattro777 · 03-12-2009 02:14PM

Would landing and/or registering it in the UK help?

ikillcopiers · 03-12-2009 02:23PM

quattro777 wrote: »

Would landing and/or registering it in the UK help?

The VAT rate is only 15% in the UK at the moment as far as I know, so that could be a saving there.

As regards to how they value it, hard to know.

The 79 would qualify for Vintage tax in Ireland and no VRT, maybe you'd be as well off to mothball the 81 till 2011?

PaulK_CCI · 03-12-2009 02:31PM

These costs are often overlooked, and cars in the US and Australia seem so much cheaper but by the time you add on the VAT and Import duties, the saving you seem to be making usually dwindles fast ...

ikillcopiers wrote: »

As regards to how they value it, hard to know.

VAT is based on the INVOICE value of the vehicle, so a small saving can be made by arranging a lower invoice value from the seller. HOWEVER, since the vehicle is transported and insured (!!) based on the invoice value, this could turn against you in the end!

macplaxton · 03-12-2009 04:00PM

ikillcopiers wrote: »

The VAT rate is only 15% in the UK at the moment as far as I know, so that could be a saving there.

The discounted rate of 15% VAT is only temporary and is due to end 31st December 2009. It is under speculation that it may be increase above the original level, but HM Treasury say it will revert to 17.5%

unkel · 03-12-2009 04:00PM

quattro777 wrote: »

The shipping costs are about 2k.

You also pay VAT over the shipping costs, so that bit alone is another €430 on top of the rest.

Importing from outside the EU

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