Importing from the UK - definitive guide (Q and A)

Geuze

I viewed a 2022 car in NI today, at a chain used car dealer.

It was registered to a NI address, I saw the registration Cert.

The reg plate has three letters, indicating a NI car.

However, what worries me from a VRT perspective, is that the owner was "Volkswagen Financial Services", i.e. a fleet car provider.

So it is not in the name of a private person.

Will that be enough for the Revenue?

Thanks for any advice.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124081132#Comment_124081132

The 3 months in private ownership rule only applies to cars that were first registered in mainland UK and subsequently imported to NI. Your car is registered in NI from new so that rule does not apply

Geuze

The dealer showed me a document, which has the name and address of the previous owner.

VW Financial Services, NI address.

I presume this is the V5?

The text below suggests that I need MoT as well?

Sorry, I am panicking a bit.

Vehicles that were previously in use in NI

A vehicle that has previously been in use in NI can be registered for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) in the State without liability to additional Customs Duties and import Value-Added Tax (VAT). Proof will be required that the vehicle has been in private ownership for a reasonable period of time.

Proof that the vehicle was previously in use in NI prior to purchase includes:

• the V5C showing the last registered keeper in NI and a date of registration to that keeper
• a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test history in NI.

...Ghost...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124081242#Comment_124081242

MOT is just one proof item. V5 is enough. That's all I had alongside a purchase receipt in October when I bought a NI car.

Mcnage01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124026534#Comment_124026534

I was at the VRT centre this morning, they said the model wasn't on revenues systems so they need to send some paperwork to them to confirm what charge is applicable.

I asked about the VAT treatment given I have the NI customs declaration, and the lady in the VRT centre seemed to think it would still be subject to Vat even with this as its a UK car originally.

I won't know for sure until probably the new year given the Xmas period.

Have you any advice if this turns out to be the case (e.g. Where could I point to to dispute it) ? I'm quite worried as the vat would be a sizeable hit to take.

Any help or advice you have would be really appreciated!

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124082234#Comment_124082234

It's outlined clearly on Revenues website. I'm sure you'll be fine.

...Ghost...

Now that they've dialled it back to the unofficial, unwritten 90 days for NI imports, has anyone recently brought one in at 3 months (90 days)? I wonder if 100 days is OK

Geuze

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124073352#Comment_124073352

Thanks.

I transferred from my bank current account into Revolut.

Today, I upgraded from the Basic plan two steps up, to the Premium plan, for €8.99.

Then, I transferred the EUR into GBP, there were no limits or fees due to the Premium plan.

I then set the car dealer up as a payee.

There was an International Payment fee of £20.10 on the transfer to their bank account.

I plan/hope to cancel the upgrade as soon as possible.

Mcnage01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124082252#Comment_124082252

I'm really struggling to find where it's articulated on their website about the vat element in this scenario, it seems very confusing to me,but I could be looking in the wrong place. I'd be very grateful if you could tell me where you think its clearly outlined, it'd be good to have this if they hit me with a bill!

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124082813#Comment_124082813

Tiger72

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124082558#Comment_124082558

If its 90 days and you take it in on 90 days its fine . Its black and white with them so you will be fine , just make sure the issue date in section 2 on the V5 - the bottom left hand corner over the 90 days (three months)

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124082926#Comment_124082926

You need to provide a dated invoice tho so if you arrive on the 90th day and your invoice is from 2 weeks ago the car would not have been in private NI ownership for 90 days

...Ghost...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124082986#Comment_124082986

Cheers. I'll get a hand written, or printed receipt on Sunday. Recent V5 was issued over 90 days ago to NI private individual.

draycottgirlz

Can I ask, what Custom's agents do people use for importing from england?
i want to import a scooter. thanks