Importing your car from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom

The UK does not have specific age restrictions for importing cars. However, cars must meet UK roadworthiness and safety standards, which may be more challenging for older cars. Vehicles over forty years old don’t require MOT testing, though it’s advisable.

We do this using an IVA test. We have a privately operated IVA testing facility in the UK, meaning your car will not be waiting for a testing slot at a government testing centre, which can take weeks, if not months to obtain. We IVA test every week on-site and therefore have the fastest turnaround to get your car registered and on UK roads.

Every car is different and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process, so please get a quote so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost option for your circumstances.

We manage the whole process on your behalf, whether that is dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer or the Department for Transport, so you can relax in the knowledge that you will be legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.

We have built an extensive catalogue of the makes and models of cars we have imported so can give you an accurate estimate of what your car will require to be ready for its IVA test.

Cars over 10 years old are type approval exempt but still require a safety test, called an MOT, and similar modifications to an IVA test prior to registration. The modifications depend on the age but are generally to the rear fog light.

If your car is over 40 years old it does not need an MOT test and can be delivered directly to your UK address ahead of it being registered.

Typically, the transit time for shipping a car in a container from Hong Kong to the UK is around 4 to 6 weeks.

Factors affecting timing include the shipping route and any stops, the ports of departure and arrival, customs clearance (proper paperwork speeds the process, especially with the ToR scheme), weather conditions, the shipping company, and loading, unloading and terminal handling.

For the most part, it can actually be cheaper. But as with anything, there are a few things to consider.

Transferring residents avoid taxation, paying primarily for shipping and registration services. Some of the cars in the United Kingdom are often overpriced and not in as good condition. More often than not you will be better off importing a car that you know the history of.

There is also a massive difference in the level of car you can buy in the United Kingdom when compared to those in Hong Kong. Certain brands of car or particular models are often hard to find. So is it cheaper? In the long run, we think so.

Shipping a car in a container does often allow for personal belongings to be packed inside the car or the container itself. However, this is subject to various regulations, terms and conditions.

Both Hong Kong and UK Customs have specific rules regarding what can be imported and any applicable duties or taxes, and it is essential to declare all items. Items should be properly packed and secured to prevent damage during transit, and comprehensive documentation including a detailed packing list will be required by customs authorities in both Hong Kong and the UK.

Total time estimate: approximately 12 to 14 weeks. These timelines are only indicative and actual times can vary based on specific circumstances.