Importing from EU to NI

Fat Controller has done it recently,I'm sure he'd be happy to run through the details with you,it wasn't easy though, he's in Spain at to moment though so may not be on here at the moment

hi, thanks for the reply. I tried to PM but it would'nt let me. I would appreciate if you could give me the key points in the process when you get a chance. Overall, apart from the greater choice, do you think it is economically worthwhile? I would'nt be buying a brand new van but I would intend to register it in NI, so any info most welcome. Don't put yourself out as I'm not in a hurry. Thanks, Kevin

sorry for the delay I was away enjoying myself in the sun.

I bought a new van and while there are minor differences between the Uk model and the EU model the EU version was closer to what I wanted/needed and saved £14K

The process is simple enough. With NI not being in or out of the EU it actually makes it better than people doing this in GB. The VAT on import is only due if there are certain criteria met, if I remember right its under 6 months old and less than 3000 miles on the clock. With it being NI there are no import duties payable, but you will need to have all the COC's showing it meets EU standard, you will have to change the lights to iluminate on the left side of the road and the speedo will have to read in MPH. You cannot do this yourself, you must get a garage to certify that this was done and that the various changes meet the UK standards.

So step by step its as follows:-
Find the van you want
buy it - get invoice showing price, age, mileage
Declare to HMRC of arrival in UK, complete form with age, mileage, etc and send to HMRC with originals
Once VAT confirmation received declare to VOSA/DVLA the vehicle meets UK spec
Register with DVLA for number plates sending the various certs from HMRC/VOSA/DVLA
Wait while civil servants get off their butts to actual do the paperwork

you have to go in person to the motor tax office to get the export plates, you can get them from days to a year in length. They have to see you to verify that its you. They only open in the mornings and they only accept cash. The dealer normally arranges this in conjunction with a third party who specialise in that part but its painless. We stayed overnight in a lovely hotel near the dealer and it became part of the journey.

Dont be afraid to ring the dealers as there is usually someone who speaks english and I found them all very helpful.