Importing from UK post Brexit

SafeSurfer

I am hoping to import a campervan from the UK before Spring next year. Is there any advantage in importing it before Brexit at the end of this year or will the process remain unchanged in the new year?

CelticRambler

Nitpick: Brexit has already happened - we're now in the grace period while they get their act together, and as they're showing no sign of doing so, no-one can tell you whether or not there'll be any advantage in waiting. Chances are, there won't, and if it's a UK-built/converted camper you could be looking at a whole lot more paperwork than is currently the case, and probably customs duties for a non-EU import.

See here for the official Irish government position.

spaceHopper

I imported a 91 camper from Japan 10 years ago and was charged VAT as it came from outside the EU chances are you could be charged VAT

Del2005

When the UK leaves at the end of the year you'll have to pay VAT* on import, which will include your ferry costs, along with their made up VRT price. Once the UK leaves unless Sterling tanks against the Euro there's little point in bringing anything in.


*Some people are saying that the EU VAT has already been paid as the vehicle was purchased when the UK was in the EU. That's not how it works, when the UK leaves the EU they become a 3rd country and all the charges that come with that.

CJhaughey

Unless you absolutely have to have a RHD van, you can get whatever you want in Germany.

SafeSurfer

CJhaughey wrote: »

Unless you absolutely have to have a RHD van, you can get whatever you want in Germany.

I plan to use the van almost exclusively in Ireland so a RHD would be most practical.

Also, the van I am looking at is a mid 90s Toyota hiace hitop 4WD for sale in Scotland. I would travel to and from Scotland via Northern Ireland so would not have to quarantine for 14 days on my return which would be the case if I traveled to Germany.

Del2005

SafeSurfer wrote: »

I plan to use the van almost exclusively in Ireland so a RHD would be most practical.

Also, the van I am looking at is a mid 90s Toyota hiace hitop 4WD for sale in Scotland. I would travel to and from Scotland via Northern Ireland so would not have to quarantine for 14 days on my return which would be the case if I traveled to Germany.

You have to quarantine for going to the Britain, or any country not on the green list, how you get to or from it is irrelevant.

SafeSurfer

Del2005 wrote: »

You have to quarantine for going to the Britain, or any country not on the green list, how you get to or from it is irrelevant.

No it’s not. Traveling from Britain via the north is excluded from quarantine.


https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning_to_ireland/returning_to_Ireland_and_covid.html

Del2005

SafeSurfer wrote: »

No it’s not. Traveling from Britain via the north is excluded from quarantine.


https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/returning_to_ireland/returning_to_Ireland_and_covid.html

You aren't arriving from NI you are transiting through NI from Scotland which isn't on the green list.

SafeSurfer

Del2005 wrote: »

You aren't arriving from NI you are transiting through NI from Scotland which isn't on the green list.

I sought clarification from the dept of foreign affairs on this exact point at the start of August for work and the reply I received was that there is no quarantine requirement for travellers from Scotland entering the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland.

zambo

So you think the virus will just magically disappear as you travel through Norn Iron. You are free to take whatever stupid risks with your own life but can you ignore your conscience if you infect and kill your contacts when you come home. If that loophole in the law exists it is incredibly stupid, but what is even more stupid and indeed criminally reckless is that you should even consider exploiting it. Surf safely but kill your friends.

spaceHopper

SafeSurfer wrote: »

I plan to use the van almost exclusively in Ireland so a RHD would be most practical.

Also, the van I am looking at is a mid 90s Toyota hiace hitop 4WD for sale in Scotland. I would travel to and from Scotland via Northern Ireland so would not have to quarantine for 14 days on my return which would be the case if I traveled to Germany.

That's exactly what I have 1991 LH119 YMC conversion, high top part time 4WD with auto low box. Send us a link to it even by PM.

They are great van, but the MPG is terrible. Still work it though.

SafeSurfer

zambo wrote: »

So you think the virus will just magically disappear as you travel through Norn Iron. You are free to take whatever stupid risks with your own life but can you ignore your conscience if you infect and kill your contacts when you come home. If that loophole in the law exists it is incredibly stupid, but what is even more stupid and indeed criminally reckless is that you should even consider exploiting it. Surf safely but kill your friends.

Those are the regulations as they stand at the moment.
II never said I intended to travel I simply replied to a poster who suggested buying from Germany and stated that one advantage of buying via N.Ireland rather than Germany.

Yes it is a loophole and no traveling through N. Ireland will not make the virus disappear just as a toasted cheese sandwich with your pint offers no protection from the virus but both things are legal, not criminal as you suggest.

I presume you are equally critical of those eating in pubs.

niloc1951

SafeSurfer wrote: »

I plan to use the van almost exclusively in Ireland so a RHD would be most practical. .

While a RHD might be the most practical I've just completed a three-week staycation in my LHD A-Class and it was no hassle even on narrow R roads. In the extreme we travelled to Keem Bay on Achill Island SEE HERE.
It's surprising how quickly you become used to a LHD. The two main issues are overtaking, but then traveling by camper is supposed to be a leasure activity. Secondly, roundabouts and T junctions are easilly managed by selecting the correct position road for a view to the right.

spaceHopper

I've driven my RHD in France, it makes on difference you are higher up and can see over cars so if you need to over take you can but with an old slow camper especially hi-ace with an auto box you do very little over taking. They have terrible mpg and a heavy foot will cost you an extra 20 quid on a trip. The only place i t makes a difference is tolls but you can get a tag for that.

CelticRambler

spaceHopper wrote: »

The only place i t makes a difference is tolls but you can get a tag for that.

Well, also carparks with automatic barriers, ferry terminals, customs/police checkpoints, etc. And the "caravan" door (if there is one) is typically on the passenger side, which can be of relevance if local rules say you must park in the direction of traffic. Maybe not too much of a problem in Ireland where these things are less frequent, but who knows when the rules will change - worth being aware of.

Del2005

CJhaughey wrote: »

Unless you absolutely have to have a RHD van, you can get whatever you want in Germany.

Any German sites to check? I tried Google but not much use.

niloc1951

CelticRambler wrote: »

Well, also carparks with automatic barriers, ferry terminals, customs/police checkpoints, etc. And the "caravan" door (if there is one) is typically on the passenger side, which can be of relevance if local rules say you must park in the direction of traffic. Maybe not too much of a problem in Ireland where these things are less frequent, but who knows when the rules will change - worth being aware of.

If I come across a car park barrier I just walk around the front of the 'van. Ferry terminal check-in booths in Europe are all set up for LHD's while here (like Rosslare) there are booths for both RHD and LHD, just get in the correct queue.
At customs/police checkpoints in RHD countries, my experience is that they will approach my side once I indicate I'm the driver on the LHS.
My 'caravan' door is on the offside (in RHD countries) but there is always the cab door to avoid alighting onto the roadway.

CJhaughey

Del2005 wrote: »

Any German sites to check? I tried Google but not much use.

I used Mobile.de, its not just DE its also IT and NL etc. Big site plenty of choice.
I found my van there.

Nekarsulm

spaceHopper wrote: »

IThe only place i t makes a difference is tolls but you can get a tag for that.

The way many of our junctions are set up, you will have to come out "squarer" in a LHD van, but they are still really practical here.