Importing your car from Qatar to the United Kingdom
We are industry experts when importing cars into the UK, so rather than attempting this process alone, we strongly recommend utilising our services to make life considerably easier for you. If you are shipping a car from Qatar to the UK, detailed below is the process we follow to get you on the road in the shortest possible time frame.
DEREGISTRATION OF THE VEHICLE
Prior to shipping the car out of Qatar, the car will need to be deregistered and you must acquire export plates from the RTA. This is an easy to follow process and will enable you to then take your car to our team in Qatar who will prepare it for shipping.
VEHICLE LOADING & SHIPMENT
After your car’s arrival at our depot, we’ll then load it into its shipping container with the utmost care and attention. Our agents on the ground in Qatar have been handpicked because of their experience and attention to detail, so will go on to securely fasten your car in place for its journey.
Should you wish for further assurance, we do offer optional transit insurance which covers your car up to its full replacement value during transit.
TAX GUIDELINES FOR IMPORTS
When importing a car from Qatar to the UK, you can do so completely tax free should you have owned the car for at least six months and have lived outside the EU for over 12 months.
If these criteria don’t apply then cars built in the EU are subject to £50 duty and 20% VAT, based off the amount you paid for the car, with those built outside of the EU coming in at 10% duty and 20% VAT.
Should the car you are shipping out of Qatar and to the UK be over 30 years old, you could qualify for a reduced rate of import tax and just 5% VAT subject to conditions being met.
TESTING & MODIFICATIONS
On arrival in the UK, your car will be subject to a number of tests and modifications in order to ensure it reaches UK highway standards.
Modifications will include adjusting the headlights so they have the correct beam patterns for use in UK as well as changing the speedometer to show miles per hour and changing the fog light to the right hand side or installing one if not a standard feature.
Vehicles imported from Qatar that are under ten years old will then need to undergo an IVA test before the DVLA will approve registration. As the only company in the UK with an IVA testing lane for passenger cars which is approved by the DVSA, the time it takes to complete this feature of the import is considerably quicker as your car never needs to leave our site.
An IVA test isn’t required for cars over ten years old, however it will need to pass an MOT so must be roadworthy in terms of tyre wear, suspension and brakes etc, which we will of course check, in order to be fit to be driven on UK roads.
UK NUMBER PLATES & DVLA REGISTRATION
As we successfully lobbied for our clients to have access to our own My Car Import dedicated DVLA Account Manager, on passing the testing phrase the registration can be approved far quicker than alternative methods.
We can then fit your new UK number plates and have the car ready for either collection or delivery to a location of your choice.
A streamlined, convenient process that has been tailored over many years, shipping a car from Qatar to the UK couldn’t be easier. To run through your requirements and find out more, contact us today on +44 (0) 1332 81 0442.
How long does it take to ship a car from Qatar to the United Kingdom?
The duration it takes to ship a car from Qatar to the United Kingdom can vary depending on several factors, including the shipping route, shipping method, port congestion, weather conditions, and the specific logistics of the shipping company. Generally, the shipping time can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. Here’s a rough breakdown of the timeframes involved:
Shipping Route and Method: The shipping route can influence the duration of the journey. Direct routes are generally quicker, while routes with multiple stops may take longer. The shipping method you choose (container shipping or roll-on/roll-off) can also impact the shipping time.
Port Congestion: Port congestion can sometimes lead to delays in loading and unloading cargo. It’s essential to consider the current conditions at both the departure and arrival ports.
Customs Clearance and Documentation: Customs clearance and documentation processes can add to the overall shipping time. Properly completing paperwork and adhering to import regulations is crucial for a smooth transit.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as storms, can impact sailing schedules and potentially cause delays.
Choice of Shipping Company: Different shipping companies have varying schedules and operational practices. Some might offer faster transit times than others.
Distance and Transit Time: The distance between Qatar and the United Kingdom is considerable, so even with efficient shipping methods, transit times will still be measured in weeks.
For a more accurate estimate, it’s recommended to get a quote from My Car Import that specialize in international car transportation. They can provide you with detailed information about their shipping schedules, transit times, and any potential delays you should be aware of. Keep in mind that while shipping times can be estimated, unforeseen circumstances can affect the actual duration of the journey.
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