Importing your car from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom
We take care of the entire process of importing your car.
Importing your car to the United Kingdom can be a stressful ordeal. We pride ourselves on offering a service that is unrivalled. As the leading importers of cars in the UK on behalf of individuals you can simply let us take care of everything for your.
Our quotes are fully inclusive and based entirely on your requirements. Whether you have driven from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom, or your car is still there.
Whatever your unique circumstances we are certain we can help to get your vehicle registered and on the road in the United Kingdom.
You can find out more about the process of importation of your car on this through this page, but don’t hesitate to get in touch and speak with a member of staff.
Where is your vehicle?
If your vehicle is already in the United Kingdom we can usually register it remotely unless it is a newer car that may require an IVA test. But if this is not the case and you have not driven your vehicle here then we can arrange transport of your car from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.
We can take care of your import no matter what stage you are at so don’t hesitate to fill in a quote form if you want a hassle free registration.
Getting your car compliant
Once you accept your quote we can work out whether or not your car needs to come to our premises in Castle Donnington. For most EU cars we actually remotely register them, helping you with the paperwork.
This makes it a little more flexible for you to get the work required for compliance a little closer to where you live saving you money on getting your car registered.
If your car needs modifications and you are a little closer to our premises, then we can undertake all of the relevant modifications and testing at our site.
Registering your car in the UK
After any required tests have been completed we can assist with filling in all of the paperwork required to register your vehicle.
Once we get your registration number we even post you a set of number plates to fit to your vehicle, unless of course the vehicle is with us.
We are sure that you might have a lot of questions so don’t hesitate to look around the website, or get a quotation that will answer all of your questions.
Moving back to the United Kingdom?
A large number of individuals decide to bring their cars back from the Netherlands 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 have chosen to ship your personal belongings along with your car in the same container we are also on hand to collect the car on your behalf.
What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?
We do this using an IVA test. We have the only 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.
Australian cars may require some modifications, including the speedo to display an MPH reading and the rear fog light positioning if it is not already universally compliant.
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.
What is the process for importing cars over ten years old?
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom?
The time it takes to ship a car from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom can vary depending on several factors, including the shipping method, the specific locations of departure and arrival, customs clearance, and any potential delays. Here are some general guidelines for the different shipping methods:
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping: Ro-Ro shipping is a popular method for transporting cars. It involves driving the car onto a specialized vessel and driving it off at the destination port. The shipping time for Ro-Ro is relatively short, typically ranging from 1 to 3 days.
Container Shipping: In container shipping, the car is loaded and secured within a shipping container. The transit time for container shipping from the Netherlands to the UK is usually around 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the shipping line and the destination port.
Customized Shipping Services: Some companies offer tailored shipping services that may impact the transit time. For example, express shipping or expedited services may reduce the shipping time.
Customs Clearance: Customs clearance procedures can add additional time to the shipping process. It’s essential to ensure all necessary documentation is in order to avoid delays at customs.
Scheduling and Availability: The shipping schedule and availability of vessels can also affect the time it takes for your car to reach the UK.
Overall, the total shipping time for a car from the Netherlands to the UK typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks.