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Importing your car from Bahrain to the United Kingdom

Why choose My Car Import?

We’ve completed a large number of car imports for customers from all over the world, especially from the United States and Middle Eastern countries. There aren’t many countries from which we haven’t imported cars.

Our team consists of expert mechanics, experienced logistic management agents on every continent, and many other experts in their fields to ensure that your import experience is seamless and hassle-free.

One of our greatest advantages is our private testing lane which expedites the process in its entirety. It means we can undertake modifications, and perform in-house IVA and MOT testing with regular visits from the DVSA. My Car Import is currently the country’s only car import company with a private testing lane.

Keeping everything under one roof expedites the process significantly because we don’t have to transport your car off-site and schedule a test at another facility.

Once your car arrives at our facility, it won’t leave until it has been registered. It will remain in our care until you are ready to pick it up or have it delivered. Our newly acquired premises are safe, secure, and extremely large, so there’s no fear of your car being crammed into a corner and placed at high risk of damage.

My Car Import simplifies the entire process for you.

Deregistering the car in Bahrain

It can be tricky knowing what to do and where to turn when you’re importing from an overseas country. Our aim is to make it straightforward from the outset so you can focus on simply enjoying your new car.

In the first stage of the process, the car needs to be deregistered in Bahrain before it can be shipped to the UK.

Once we receive your quote, we’ll put you in touch with our agents who will assist with providing the appropriate deregistration information. This is unique to several countries in the UAE and is required to export your vehicle.

We have partnered with some of the most reliable and helpful agents to ensure that there are no issues getting your car out of Bahrain.

Loading & Shipping of your car

Whilst in our capable hands, you can have complete confidence that our team will take great care of your car during the loading process. Our handpicked agents are vastly experienced in this field so will load carefully and fasten securely so the car won’t move an inch in transit.

For further peace of mind, we do offer transit insurance as an additional option that will insure the car to its full replacement value throughout the journey from Bahrain to the UK.

Once in the United Kingdom, we have a trusted partner that manages all of the inland transport.  We can offer both enclosed and unenclosed transport options to suit.

Rest assured, we work with only the best and most reliable transporters in the world.

 

Type approval?

  • We can modify your car at our premises
  • We can test your car at our premises
  • We can take care of the entire process
  • Or, we can register your car remotely and take care of the paperwork (depending on the car!).

When choosing My Car Import to import your car, you get to benefit from working with the only UK company with a private IVA testing lane. Turnaround times are rapidly expedited as we can do it all under one roof!

But first, in order for your car to be registered and UK road compliant, cars imported from Bahrain and under ten years of age are required to undergo an IVA test. If your imported car is over ten years old, modifications and road suitability testing will still be necessary. It must also pass an MOT test before the DVLA will register the car.

Your car will require a number of modifications to ensure it is UK road compliant. A few of the changes we’ll make include installing a rear fog light (if one isn’t fitted as standard), converting the speedometer to mph, and adjusting the headlight settings.

Each car is likely to require a different level of work, so we’ll always supply you with a bespoke quote upfront.

DVLA Registration

Once the car has undergone the necessary testing and modifications, the next stage is the registration with the DVLA.

Having our very own in-house DVLA Account Manager on hand to process all applications makes this a speedy and efficient process!

We then deliver or you can collect your car.

Once your car is registered, we’ll fit new UK number plates. And you know what that means…

Your car is cleared and ready to hit the road!

We can either arrange for collection from our East Midlands depot or deliver the car directly to your chosen destination.

We take care of the entire process

Hopefully, you’ve gathered by now that My Car Import manages the WHOLE car import process on your behalf.

Whether that means dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer, or the Department for Transport, it doesn’t matter because we do it all!

You can simply relax in the knowledge that your car is legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.

You’d be mad NOT to hand it all over. Right?

Moving back to the United Kingdom?

A large number of individuals decide to bring their cars back from Bahrain to take advantage of the tax-free incentives offered when relocating.

We can assist in taking care of the car whilst you are in the process of moving. If you’ve chosen to ship your personal belongings along with your car in the same container, we’re also on hand to collect the car on your behalf.

Just let us know and we’ll take over for you.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?

Cars from Bahrain that are under ten years old will need to comply to UK-type approval. We can do this via a process called ‘mutual recognition’ or through IVA testing.

Every car is different, and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process. Please enquire so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost options for your circumstances.

What is the process for importing cars over ten years old?

Cars over 10-year-old cars, including classics, are type approval exempt but still require an MOT test and certain modifications before registration.

Modifications are age-dependant age but generally comprise headlights and rear fog lights.

How long does it take to ship a car from Bahrain to the United Kingdom?

If you’re shipping a car from Bahrain to the United Kingdom in a container, it is important to note that the shipping time can vary. On average, the process takes approximately 3 to 6 weeks. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that this is an estimate, and the actual duration may differ.

After forwarding us your quote form, we’ll provide you a price based on current shipping rates and estimated time frames.

Our friendly team of experts is always here to answer any questions you may have beforehand or during the process.

Just trust that My Car Import will ensure your car arrives in the United Kingdom in the quickest time possible, with safety and efficiency as our top priority.

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Will I pay import tax?

Are you moving to the UK?

If you are moving to the UK, have lived outside the UK for more than 12 months and have owned the car for more than 6 months, you will be eligible for a tax and duty free import.

To qualify, you will complete a Transfer of Residency application with HMRC. Customers of My Car Import have access to handy guides to complete this application.

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Have you bought a car from the EU?

Vehicles registered in the EU attract 20% import VAT, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

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Have you bought a car from outside the EU?

Vehicles registered outside the EU attract 20% import VAT and 10% import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

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Have you bought a classic car?

Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for a special rate of taxation, due to their historical interest, similar to an antiquity.

You will pay 5% import VAT and no import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

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Have you got a car that was formerly UK registered?

If you exported a car from the UK and are now returning with it, you may be able to import the car back into the UK tax free, as long as you can provide a UK purchase invoice when you acquired the car, along with a copy of your former UK V5C logbook.

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For a no obligation quotation to import your car fill out our quote form.

We have imported thousands of cars from around the world into the United Kingdom and we have over 25 years experience doing so.

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