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Shipping your car from Shanghai to the United Kingdom

Shanghai

United Kingdom

Shipping a car from Shanghai to the United Kingdom involves several steps and considerations. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Research Shipping Options:

There are various shipping methods available, including container shipping and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping. Container shipping provides better protection for the car but can be more expensive than RoRo, where the car is driven onto the ship’s deck.

Choose a Shipping Company:

Look for reputable international car shipping companies that have experience with shipping cars from China to the UK. Consider factors like shipping cost, transit time, insurance coverage, and customer reviews. We can obviously assist with this if you wish to get choose an experienced car importer.

Get Quotes:

Contact the shipping companies you’re interested in and request quotes. The cost will depend on the shipping method, car dimensions, destination port, and any additional services you may need.

Prepare Your Car:

Thoroughly clean the car, both inside and outside, and remove all personal belongings. It’s advisable to take photographs of the car’s condition before shipping for insurance purposes.

Complete Documentation:

You’ll need to provide the necessary documentation, such as the car’s title, registration, and export/import permits. Ensure you comply with customs regulations and any specific requirements of both China and the UK.

Customs Clearance:

Both the Chinese customs authorities and UK customs will need to clear your car for export and import, respectively. A reputable shipping company can assist you with this process.

Insurance:

Consider purchasing marine insurance to protect your car against any potential damage during transit.

Transit Time:

The shipping time can vary depending on the chosen method and the specific arrangements made with the shipping company. It could take several weeks for your car to reach the UK.

Destination Handling:

Once the car arrives in the UK, it will undergo customs clearance and inspection. You may need to collect it from the port or arrange for further transportation to your desired location.

Additional Costs:

Be prepared for additional costs, such as import duties, taxes, handling fees, and any modifications required to meet UK road standards.

It’s essential to plan well in advance and work with a reputable shipping company to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. Always check the latest regulations and requirements with the relevant authorities before shipping your car.

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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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