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Importing a Radical kit car, or any other car, to the United Kingdom involves several steps and considerations. Here’s a general overview of what you need to know:

  1. Check Import Regulations: Understand the UK’s import regulations for cars. Regulations can cover emissions standards, safety requirements, and taxes.
  2. Vehicle Compliance: Depending on the kit car’s specifications, modifications might be necessary to meet UK safety and emissions standards. Consult with a car compliance specialist to determine required modifications.
  3. Documentation: Gather all necessary documentation, including the car’s title, bill of sale, and any records related to the kit car’s components and assembly.
  4. Import Taxes and Duties: Be prepared to pay import duties and taxes, including customs duty, value-added tax (VAT), and other charges. Contact the UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for specific information.
  5. NOVA Notification: Notify HMRC about the kit car’s arrival using the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) system to comply with tax and duty requirements.
  6. Shipping and Transport: Arrange kit car shipping and transportation to the UK. Choose between container shipping or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping.
  7. Customs Clearance: Once the kit car arrives in the UK, it will go through customs clearance. Provide necessary documents and pay applicable taxes and duties.
  8. Vehicle Registration: Register the kit car in the UK. This may involve obtaining a UK registration number (license plate) and updating documentation.
  9. IVA Test: Many kit cars in the UK require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to ensure they meet roadworthiness and safety standards. Make sure your kit car passes this test.
  10. Insurance: Secure insurance coverage for the imported kit car, considering the specific circumstances of importing a Radical kit car.
  11. Modification and Testing: Modify the kit car if necessary to meet UK requirements. This could involve adapting lighting, emissions systems, and more.
  12. Enjoying the Kit Car: Once the kit car is registered, compliant, insured, and tested, you can enjoy driving the Radical kit car on UK roads.

Remember that importing a kit car can be complex, so working with experts experienced in UK car imports and kit car regulations is recommended. Customs brokers, compliance specialists, and other professionals can guide you through the process for a successful import. Regulations can change, so ensure you have the latest information before proceeding.

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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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