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Is it worth buying a classic car from Japan and importing it to the UK?
Is it worth buying a classic car from Japan? What duty will I pay?
Asked on 17 May 2019 by Jude braganza
Answered by
Keith Moody
This can be complicated and you're almost certain to have to pay import duty and VAT. We'll work on the assumption that you're not planning to re-sell it. It's complicated and if you're in any doubt about the specifics of the actual model you want to import, contact HMRC directly. Roughly speaking, if a car is over 30 years old, you'll have to pay 5% VAT - but if it's under 30 then VAT is charged at 20%. How much duty you'll pay will be calculated on the car. Don't forget you'll have to add transport and shipping costs to this, as well as organise the car's MOT test an register with the DVLA.
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