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

Has anyone ever used a valuation from VRT.ie as a basis for an appeal?

If appealing, do you need to pay the assessed VRT and then appeal or should you appeal before you pay?

And last question, would estimated mileage of 90,000 miles v actual 40,000 have a material impact (23%) on OMSP?

Thanks - unfortunately I won't have much to go on via the sites you mentioned - it's not exotic but is rare (a Volvo mild hybrid as opposed to plug-in or diesel).

Is there any other sources I could use for valuation?

What car is it? A mild hybrid isnt a true hybrid in the sense that it cant run on electrical power alone. Its essentially a 48V helper system that delivers very little fuel saving. Toyota even go out of their way to avoid using "mild hybrid" and use terms likes V-Active Technology.

I dont say this to be critical, but rather try to demonstrate that there is not a lot of difference to an ICE car at the end of the day if you are stuck in doing like for like comparisons.

If your not confident, then appeal for a smaller amount. You should still be able to get something back. Nothing to lose.

Hi there , are there docs which prove NI VAT has been I have heard the terms SAD doc or TSS doc,, do they fulfill the vrt requirements , Thank you

Hi I have a question on appealing VRT

I am considering a large battery EV from NI ; 2025-Renault-Scenic-E-TECH-Long-Range-87Kwh-Techno, the car ticks two important boxes odo miles are over 5000 and the car is clearly over six months old

Techo is the basic trim number 1

"The 2024/2025 Renault Scenic E-Tech electric SUV is available in three primary, well-equipped trim levels: 

1Techno, 2.. Esprit Alpine, and 3 Iconic"

On the VRT website there is only one trim level on the drop down list

 VRT is payable at 1070 euro, which I think is becasue there is only mid trim an an option on the VRT website

and as such the OMSP is too high ?

• Current OMSP determined by Revenue

• €45739

So in theory, I could appeal the VRT ?

All models of the same car , same year are on done deal, with a lower selling price

I happen to be looking at the same model but your posting confused me.. when I use the VRT Calculator (entering First year of Registration 2024, Month January.. Not sure about this and then 5001 as mileage)… I get ZERO VRT liability. See below.. Where did you get 1070 Euro from? I just want to make sure I get this right too!

Your VRT Estimate

1. Date
2. 18/03/2026
3. Time
4. 19:44
5. Rate of VRT
6. 7%
7. Vehicle Registration Tax
8. €0

Vehicle Details

1. Statistical Code
2. 50042989
3. Model
4. SCENIC
5. Make
6. RENAULT
7. Version
8. ESPIRIT ALPINE ETECH EV

Breakdown of VRT Estimate

1. Open Market Selling Price (OMSP) determined by Revenue
2. €48659

Because you put in January 2024 the depreciation would be more and hence the car would be worth less. Therefore the car would be less than €5k vrt and the exemption brings it to zero. The other person put in 2025 so the car is worth more according to revenue. The 7% vrt minus the exemption still has €1070 of vrt due.

So what if it is a private sale from NI? Do they still have to have this paperwork?

Also is the 3-month rule for NI ownership written down by revenue somewhere?

Hi folks. Looking to import a pre-brexit electric car from the UK to Ireland and am interested to hear what would be the likely VRT & duties I could expect to pay and if there are any other pitfalls? The vehicle value is circa £12000 and would be purchased from a dealer.

I've gone through the motions on the revenue website but would really appreciate anyone's feedback based on their actual experience. Thanks.

Pre-brexit being Jan 2020 or older, say a 2019 vehicle.

Hi I have submitted this to revenue/vrt, but if anyone here knows the answer, that would be better

Hi Vrt section

I have noticed on the VRT website when I try to calculate VRT , there is one trim level for

this electric car

RENAULT SCENIC ETECH

Trim level 2 : ESPIRIT ALPINE

However in reality there are three different trim levels available for this car

1 Techno
2 Esprit Alpine
3 Iconic Esprit Alpine

If I import a car from Norther Ireland for example
will the OMSP and in turn the VRT be calculated on the trim level 2 Esprit Alpine that is on the VRT website