Vehicle Import from the UK to Ireland

If you’ve bought a car in the UK and plan to bring it into Ireland, the process needs to be done properly. Since the UK left the EU, every vehicle coming in must go through customs clearance and Revenue checks. That includes cars, vans, motorbikes, and even classic vehicles.

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At Green Routed Freight, we deal with this every day. Our customs team handles the paperwork, VAT declarations, and import clearance, so your car arrives legally and without delay. We make sure everything is submitted correctly to Irish Revenue before you go for your VRT inspection.

When importing a vehicle from the UK, both customs duty and VAT may apply. The exact amount depends on where the car was built and the purchase details.

• If the car was manufactured in the UK or EU, it may qualify for reduced or zero customs duty under trade agreements.

• If it was built outside the UK or EU, for example, in Japan or the US — customs duty is charged, usually around 10%.

• VAT at 23% is generally applied on the vehicle’s customs value, which includes the price, transport, and insurance.

Our team checks the vehicle’s country of origin and documentation before declaring it, ensuring you only pay what’s due, nothing more.

Before we can start your customs entry, we’ll need a few simple documents:​

1. Purchase invoice or proof of payment.

2. Vehicle registration certificate (V5C).

3. Proof of the seller’s address and identity.

4. Buyer’s passport or company registration (if business import).

5. Shipping or transport details if the vehicle was collected by courier.

Once we receive those, we lodge your customs declaration, pay any duty and VAT if required, and issue your customs clearance certificate. You’ll need this for your VRT appointment with NCTS.

We see the same problems time and again, missing documents, wrong declarations, or buyers assuming customs doesn’t apply. A few common examples:

• Buying a car from England and thinking it’s treated the same as Northern Ireland.

• Forgetting to complete customs before booking VRT.

• Using the wrong invoice value, which can delay clearance.

• Not checking the country of origin before buying.

A small mistake can end up costing hundreds in delays or extra taxes. Our job is to make sure that never happens.

Send us your documents, invoice, V5C, and ID.

1. We review and confirm what fees apply.

2. Customs entry is completed and submitted to Revenue.

3. You receive your clearance certificate within one to two working days.

4. Book your VRT and register the vehicle in Ireland.

Most of our UK imports are cleared within 24 hours once we have all the paperwork.

 

If you have queries or seek assistance throughout the process, feel free to reach out to us.

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FAQs about Vehicle Importation from the UK 

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Do I have to pay customs duty on a UK car?

If the car was built in the UK or EU, it may be exempt under the trade deal. Otherwise, customs duty is usually charged.

What about VAT?

VAT is typically 23% and applied to the customs value, which includes the vehicle cost and transport. We’ll confirm the exact figure before clearance.

Can I drive the car before it’s cleared?

No. It must go through customs and Revenue before registration. Temporary movement permits may be available in certain cases.

How long does the process take?

Once your documents are in order, customs clearance usually takes one to two working days.

Can businesses reclaim VAT?

Yes, if you’re VAT-registered, we’ll handle the reclaim process through your EORI number.

What happens if I skip customs clearance?

Your vehicle can’t be registered in Ireland, and Revenue may apply penalties or delays until it’s cleared.

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Why Choose Green Routed Freight

• Trusted customs agents with daily experience clearing vehicles from the UK.

• Fast turnaround, usually within 24–48 hours.

• Transparent pricing, no hidden extras.

• Personal service, real people on the phone to guide you.

• Revenue-approved procedures that keep your import fully compliant.

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Ready to Import Your Vehicle?

Send us your documents, and we’ll handle the rest. Green Routed Freight provides complete customs clearance for cars, vans, and commercial vehicles imported from anywhere in the UK to the Republic of Ireland.

Call or email us today to get your import started the right way.