VRT of Vintage cars

michel1234

Hello there,

I’m looking at buying a vintage Nissan in the new year. The car is currently owned by a friend and is registered in the UK, however the car itself is already in Ireland already and has been stored away for a number of years while it was being restored.

It will be over 30 years old as of this next month. How should i approach getting this car VRT'd and registered for Irish roads? Should I just bring the car into the VRT office with the V5 and an invoice of sale? 

Do you know if customs will still need to be paid on the car if it is in the country already and is vintage?

UpTheTreaty

I would also be interested if somebody has been through this before and knows for sure.

My understanding is if you can prove the car came into Ireland before 1st Jan 2021, (a ferry booking?) and its classic status when you register it, then you only have to pay classic VRT (€200) plus the late fee (0.1% per day) from the date it in entered Ireland. As the late fee is calculated on the €200 then the late fee should not be too much.

NOx is not applicable on classics as the €200 rate is a flat fee. VAT & Customs is not applicable if you can prove the car was in Ireland before 1st Jan 2021.

This is my understanding but would be great if somebody has been through the process to confirm.

Esel

^ You have described the situation correctly, imo.

michel1234

Thanks for the replies on this!

What if the car only became vintage (30 years old) as of this month. Do you think the above scenario still applies?

Thanks again!

Esel

I think it's the age at date of presentation for VRT that determines rate, so you should be OK.

daithi7

Hi Folks,

I'm bringing in a classic car from the UK.

I was wondering if I managed to find an intermediary in NI, who would register the car there for me, would I then be able to import into the ROI vat free??

Because reading revenue guidelines, this would appear to satisfy them? Yes/no???

E.g. does a car have to be registered for a certain period in NI to be eligible say??

kdevitt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118504188#Comment_118504188

That won't satisfy them, it would need to have been registered in NI prior to Brexit. Classic car from UK will incur VAT, but not duty.

michel1234

You would need to have solid proof the car came into the country prior to brexit to avoid paying VAT/Customs, if you do just book the car in for a VRT inspection and you should be good

w124man

Vehicles first registered in the UK and then registered in Northern after January 1st 2021 are not subject to customs duty or VAT, provided there is proof the vehicle was properly imported to Northern Ireland. The proof required is a copy of the customs declaration showing the importation of the vehicle into Northern Ireland or a T2L document issued by HMRC.

Vehicles first registered in the UK and then registered in Northern after January 1st 2021 are subject to customs duty or VAT, if proof cannot be provided that the vehicle was properly imported to Northern Ireland.

Vin70

Hi,I'm in a similar situation to you,I imported a vehicle from uk in 2019,i have it at a friends place in Northern Ireland im going about registration at moment,I've contacted nct/vrt and also revenue vrt and neither can give me clear direction or advice,let me know if you got any further.the nct didn't really seem to want to help,revenue said book it through nct/vrt and see what happens,

michel1234

I got the car changed over to Irish plates in the end.

All I did was contact a customs declaration agent, who did the customs declaration form for me. They asked for shipping dates, Invoice, pictures of the car and that was it. I had to pay VAT at 23% of the price of the car and customs duty was 0% of the value of the car. If you’ve solid proof of entry into Ireland before Brexit, I think you don’t even need to pay VAT on the car!

The Customs agent then submitted the form to revenue for me, after 2 days I got a Complete SAD form and just brought that into the NCT centre with all the other relevant documents and the car, that was it! €200 payment and I got my reg!

steinbock123

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118542724#Comment_118542724

Can I have the name of your customs agent ?

w124man

Friend of mine brought in a car from NI last week and he had a long chat with the guys in the VRT office. They are as busy now as they were before Brexit but the mix is shifting. More in from Japan and less from GB. Quality is way up as well.

11wingnut

Just got a yungtimer delivered a 1985.. from uk. came via ni.. do i need to get a customs agent or can i do it myself ? have used agent before but trying to keep cost down on this . thanks

kdevitt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118610534#Comment_118610534

You can do it yourself if you know what you're doing, should be cleared under code 9705 ( collectors’ motor vehicles of historical or ethnographic interest), not the standard code for used cars. There will be no duty payable that way.

I think Bell.ie only charge €85 though for customs clearance though.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Hi lads. Looking to import a 1991 mk1 Mazda mx-5 from England. I know it used be a flat €200 but what's the current situation with importing a 30+ year old car now? This new 23% VAT, what's it calculated on? Also is there any more new charges I should be aware of? I'm buying private, what kind of a sales receipt satisfies revenue?

It's a question that's most certainly been answered before but the boards search function is not amazing..

Neilw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118718060#Comment_118718060

There's no import duty on a car over 30 years old, you will be liable for vat at 23% of the invoice price including shipping (Ferry).

If you use a customs clearing agent there is a fee for that too.

Then flat fee of €200 once presented for VRT.

What's the mx5 like you're looking at? Interested in one myself but they all have rot in them which I don't want the hassle of trying to get fixed here.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Thanks. What's stopping me producing an invoice for much lower than what I paid over in the UK?

Mx-5s are probably one of the worst things you can import, they're all crusty, I'll take one that's been repaired to a good standard though. Even the newer ones are bad, I've seen some 2007/2008 models that are beyond saving. Ideally what I'm looking for is a pre 92 model that's not completely riddled. I have the time to repair minor rust.

w124man

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118729059#Comment_118729059

Well apart from the fraud implications, nothing! They do know what the prices are because they have a thing called the internet where they can look at stuff like car prices.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118733452#Comment_118733452

The only fraud implications here are by the government charging an illegal tax in the first place.

High horse.

w124man

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118735625#Comment_118735625

Another one who thinks VRT is illegal! Okay whats illegal about it? Produce the documented evidence and newspaper articles aren't evidence.

No the government don't pay thousands in fines every year ....

galwaytt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118735625#Comment_118735625

well considering the issue OP is referring to is VAT, not VRT, I dunno how you think that's illegal: every country in EU and the UK charge it.

Duke O Smiley

Sorted

b4bmm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118542724#Comment_118542724

What customs agent did you use? Why did you have to pay VAT in the end, did you not have any proof the car came into the country prior to Brexit?

lomb

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118610909#Comment_118610909

Hey, I brought in a vintage car on Saturday. Do I log into Ros to do this? Or how to do so, should I get a broker if not? I rang Bell and quoted 120e

He told me that Revenue would want the proof of funds as it left bank account! Talk about the politics of envy.

I was hassled at the port by customs for getting it sorted out asap but they would take no money there, again what a scam. I had to drive from Glasgow to Holyhead rather than take the boat across to Larne or Belfast from Scotland as no one seems to know if Vat is payable twice as it enters EU. Crazy stuff...

kdevitt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119636734#Comment_119636734

If the car is transported in, it needs to have pre-clearance in place - but it you drive it over they should be giving you no hassle. Classic case of those who are tasked to apply the rules not quite understanding the rules. I would have just gone straight to Larne - you can only enter the EU once either way - that was either at the border up north, or Dublin Port!

lomb

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119636781#Comment_119636781

I guess your right. My interpretation is that if you pay vat and customs in ni then your cleared for Dublin and if you dont do it properly then you pay in Dublin. Actually its probably cheaper to pay in Ni as they have lower vat but may charge the customs that classics dont get or they may not. I think the DVLA basically just transfers the address without question to a NI address as Boris tore up the protocol rightly they should insist that its done properly and vat paid.

Really you could appeal Revenues charge if its a NI address car and the dvla and British customs didnt do their job as thats their fault and not Revenues so the charge is there no here.

Ah well I enjoyed the drive anyway:)

kdevitt

I don't quite understand what you're saying - if you landed if Larne you would have just driven straight home, no one would be asking you about VAT or Duty, and you would have just done the customs clearance within the prescribed time (30 days I think). You certainly wouldn't be having the V5 address or anything updated to an NI address.

As for VAT being paid first in NI - even if it was done, you are also liable to pay any residual VAT which would have been due had you just cleared the car here. There is no getting around the regulations...

(although there actually is a massive way round the tax and duty obligations for 30 year old cars, but I'm not advertising it :D)

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

I don't understand it either. I drove leeds-liverpool and boat to Dublin a few weeks ago with ZERO issues at any port. Came home, paid a customs agent 300 and then brought the slip and 200 euros into the VRT office and I'd a reg 24 hours later.

lomb

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119647108#Comment_119647108

Did you not pay vat also?

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119647909#Comment_119647909

That's what the customs agent does. You give them the details, they yell you how much vat you owe plus their fee.

ctbfashion

Hi all. Looking for some advice. I am planning on importing an old VW T2 bus 1975 into Ireland from outside Europe. Two questions

will I get charged VAT on the purchase price?

should I get the interior refit done before it’s shipped or when it arrives in ireland because it is altering its original state ? Any advie would be appreciated.

thanks

kdevitt

The VAT charge will be based on the invoiced cost of the vehicle - hearing a few people saying they're also being asked for proof of payment too - i.e. evidence of a funds transfer etc. If its a private sale, you need to seller to provide you with some form of receipt - hand written is fine.

The vehicle is not inspected for VAT purposes, so it having a fresh retrim won't make a difference. You might need to explain why there was such a lag in between buying it and it arriving in Ireland though, presumably the retrim would take a while.

Gerrymc5

Hey lads I've 2 cars ready for vrt in the new year. Both cars bought in Ireland on UK regs in 2019. Both car where bought with cash. They have been in restoration since 2019.

I have photos off the cars on my phone dated 2019 and 2020 and correspondence with the person I bought the cars off dating on watts app 2019

Will this be sufficient as proof the cars where in Ireland before 2021 and avoid payment of vat

w124man

Doubt it very much but would be interested to hear. Which would be cheaper, VAT or fines?

RobAMerc

Can anyone confirm whether VRT for over 30 is on date of first reg or just year of first reg and also motor tax for a 93 car ? Am I wrong in thinking its dependant on local authority in some form ? I am in Dublin. thanks

Neilw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120048996#Comment_120048996

Vrt is date of first reg, tax is based on year of manufacture but not all local authorities will abide by this.

Plus the problem with Dublin is the tax office is closed so you can’t speak to anyone at a counter.

w124man

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120048996#Comment_120048996

Depends on local authority it seems. Wexford is a year of reg local authority

Richi1984

Hi mate, it’s funny enough that I found you in this thread. The reason is that I’m exactly at the same spot you were at, a while ago. I’m just after buying a 1992 model Mx5 from a friend in the UK. It’s sitting at Birmingham waiting for me to figure out how I’m going to bring it over. Did you do customs declaration and Vat before bringing it over or after? Did you get in touch with the customs agent before going over?Do you have their contact? Would a written invoice do the job?

Im planning to drive it over to Liverpool and take a ferry. Anything to be done at the port there or here or you just drive it across like usual travelling? Do you have to show the VIN number at the ferry booking for VRT purpose?

Sorry for a lot of questions, but my head is about to burst after reading a lot of contradictory informations in internet. Any of your infos and advices would be much useful for me and il be very thankful as I’m in the same track as yours. Thanks

Richi1984

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119647108#Comment_119647108

Please, see above, new to posting

w124man

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120159019#Comment_120159019

Hop in the car and drive it home! Pick a customs agent from the hundreds online and he will tell you what to do. VAT is 23% but could be 13% if you get the right guy. Duty is 10% of invoice value. VRT when you get an appointment at the VRT section at your nearest NCT centre and will be €200. Its an idea to know where the engine number and VIN number are as you might be asked. Keep all receipts of travel as you will be asked for this

Richi1984

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120162098#Comment_120162098

Thanks for your comment, really appreciate, that eased off the stress to mention first. I thought I have to pay duty and get clearance at the port and then only il be let out of the port to drive away. If that’s not needed I can drive in like any other car and then worry about, duty , VRT and vat. If the customs stops me would it be alright to say that I’m bringing this car to reregister or should I say something else? Do you know exactly why vat is 13% with some agents and 23% with others. Any recommended 13% guys? 😁

Oofol

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120167744#Comment_120167744

Have you got the car in the end? Im curious what you had to pay as Im obviously planning same..

ctbfashion

HI All,

so Finally my VW T2 bus shipped and is a couple of weeks away from landing in Dublin Port. I have the invoice, proof of payment and a copy of a document from the buyers local Motor registration Authority confirming the seller has cancelled his ownership and is exporting the van to Dublin Ireland this also quotes the Registration no. , Chassis no., engine no. and the brand and year of the vehicle.

Does anybody know if i need anymore paperwork to clear customs after VAT and Duty payments and when VRT ing will this be enough to get registered in my name?

im Panicking as i only have two weeks get all info together and finding it hard to find anything concrete online.

Thanks

RORY O CONNOR

Can anyone confirm one way or another are Revenue collecting 23% VAT AND 10% duty on a 30-year-old German car being brought in from the UK? I have the mechanism to have it exported VAT refunded from the UK under their refund system and then pay the VAT on entry to Ireland. But if I have to pay 10% duty as well then I'm adding 33% to the import cost(VAT & Duty) plus the €200 VRT plus the agent's fees!

GSBellew

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121032211#Comment_121032211

I'd be interested in the answer to this, out of curiosity more than anything.

To my knowledge there is no age point where VAT or Duty are not applicable on imports of anything from outside the EU, so if they are not being levied it would likely more to be to do with an operational mistake at the NCTS at the point of registration.

RORY O CONNOR

VAt and duty get paid to revenue at port of entry as far as I know and you can't get the VRT and reg unless you have proof of payment of these first.

w124man

The VAT rate is 23% but there are some saying that its 13%. The 13% rate is for cars that are collectors pieces and not driven on the roads here.

If you import a vehicle from UK to Ireland Customs Duty is 0% if the vehicle originated in the UK. If you import a vehicle from UK to Ireland Customs Duty is 10% if the vehicle originated outside the UK, e.g. a EU country or a third country like USA, Japan.

Have a chat with CarClear.ie - (I am not connected to them in any way)

draycottgirlz

Anyone know what forms need to be completed when importing a car driving from the UK onto the ferry?

RORY O CONNOR

Having just done this for the first time on a 33-year-old BMW bought in the UK on the 2nd of September 2023

No import duty to pay but VAT at 23% on the cost of the car including the cost of the ferry or the transport cost. If you buy through an auction the cost of the car includes any buyer's fee you pay. I used an import agent to arrange the customs declaration for me and he also collected the VAT on behalf of the revenue and I paid the VAT to the Import agent-not directly to revenue. I was then issued with the customs declaration so I could VRT it. I drove the car off the ferry in Dublin and was not stopped by customs. However, it is better to have the declaration on your phone or the ref no so you can prove you paid the VAT.

When you go to the VRT office you need to bring the car, the customs declaration, proof of ID, proof of address, proof of your RSI No and have the VRT form filled in correctly. You can opt for a ZV plate or a Year plate. If you go for a ZV you cannot change it to a year plate but you can go for a ZV after going for a year plate, if you change your mind later. For some daft reason, there is a disposal levy on the tyres on the car- €11 extra???? €2.75 per tyre I presume but they forgot the spare?

Taxing the car is done online with a ref no and pin you get from the just done that today. Tax as a classic rather than private!

As I was reg on the 30th of September I had to pay €11 arrears for September. They really go get every cent from you.

The next hurdle is the NCT test. Mine should pass as the car was MOTed in the UK in June.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121033734#Comment_121033734

First I've heard of this. Usually I drive off the boat and no checks whatsoever and on I go.