Heads up for all Importers !

[MGDavid]

Most of you will have read I've just bought and brought home a 2 year old Carado from France.
Went to do the NOVA online through HMRC at gov.uk using my Gateway tax account just as I did 8 years ago.
Cannot do that since Brexit unless you're VAT registered company :-( Clear info on gov website tells you to email the HMRC Cars team with supporting docs, they will calculate duty and VAT and take it from there. Did the email last night.

Oh No They Won't ! reply just recieved:-

"
Thank you for your email.

From 1 October 2022 the import process has changed (our website will be updated in due course) and here on the Cars Team we can no longer issue manual calculations for import taxes due. You will now need to get a Customs Agent to make a customs declaration for you on the Customs Declaration System – even if you are bringing the vehicle to the UK yourself on the ferry or Channel Tunnel. They will calculate any import taxes due and bill you accordingly. For vehicles less than 30 years old, import VAT will be charged at 20% and there may also be import Duty to pay ranging from 1% to 10%. Your Customs Agent will confirm if Duty is to be paid and they will confirm the rate.

We’ve published a register to help you find out who is using the Customs Declaration Service. To access the register, go to GOV.UK and search ‘register of customs agents and fast parcel operators’. Column M on the register shows which agents deal with personal imports. If you have any questions about the Customs Declaration Service, please call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 and choose option five. The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm at weekends.

Once your agent has completed the relevant paperwork and the taxes have been paid, you will need to email us the following for the Notification of Vehicle Arrival (NOVA) Reference to be issued:

• A copy of the C88 and E2 or MRN import declaration paperwork from your customs agent showing the import taxes paid (this paperwork is now required for all imports requiring a calculation of import taxes due, even if you bring the vehicle to the UK yourself on the ferry or Channel Tunnel. The NOVA cannot be completed without this paperwork)
• Your Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice or Receipt for the vehicle
• A Certificate of Title or Registration Document or Export Certificate or Certificate of Conformity or Dating letter from vehicle manufacturers to confirm the year of manufacture, make, model and VIN/Chassis number or a photograph of the VIN/Chassis number printed on the vehicle

Once the customs side of things have been completed, you will then be able to register the vehicle with the DVLA"

So changes were made SEVEN MONTHS ago and the website is still wrong and they don't seem to care. It seems we are being stitched up to use import agents at further cost. If I'd known it was going to be this difficult I would probably have bought a used LHD something or other in this country. As you can probably tell I am fuming! I'm also wary of the statement that duty 'might' be liable between 1% and 10% - I thought it was well-established that imported motorhomes are duty free, anyone able to back this up for certain?

I thoght I'd read all the relevant threads but has any recent importer been subjected to these new rules?
TIA

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Most of you will have read I've just bought and brought home a 2 year old Carado from France.
Went to do the NOVA online through HMRC at gov.uk using my Gateway tax account just as I did 8 years ago.
Cannot do that since Brexit unless you're VAT registered company :-( Clear info on gov website tells you to email the HMRC Cars team with supporting docs, they will calculate duty and VAT and take it from there. Did the email last night.

Oh No They Won't ! reply just recieved:-

"
Thank you for your email.

From 1 October 2022 the import process has changed (our website will be updated in due course) and here on the Cars Team we can no longer issue manual calculations for import taxes due. You will now need to get a Customs Agent to make a customs declaration for you on the Customs Declaration System – even if you are bringing the vehicle to the UK yourself on the ferry or Channel Tunnel. They will calculate any import taxes due and bill you accordingly. For vehicles less than 30 years old, import VAT will be charged at 20% and there may also be import Duty to pay ranging from 1% to 10%. Your Customs Agent will confirm if Duty is to be paid and they will confirm the rate.

We’ve published a register to help you find out who is using the Customs Declaration Service. To access the register, go to GOV.UK and search ‘register of customs agents and fast parcel operators’. Column M on the register shows which agents deal with personal imports. If you have any questions about the Customs Declaration Service, please call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 and choose option five. The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm at weekends.

Once your agent has completed the relevant paperwork and the taxes have been paid, you will need to email us the following for the Notification of Vehicle Arrival (NOVA) Reference to be issued:

• A copy of the C88 and E2 or MRN import declaration paperwork from your customs agent showing the import taxes paid (this paperwork is now required for all imports requiring a calculation of import taxes due, even if you bring the vehicle to the UK yourself on the ferry or Channel Tunnel. The NOVA cannot be completed without this paperwork)
• Your Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice or Receipt for the vehicle
• A Certificate of Title or Registration Document or Export Certificate or Certificate of Conformity or Dating letter from vehicle manufacturers to confirm the year of manufacture, make, model and VIN/Chassis number or a photograph of the VIN/Chassis number printed on the vehicle

Once the customs side of things have been completed, you will then be able to register the vehicle with the DVLA"

So changes were made SEVEN MONTHS ago and the website is still wrong and they don't seem to care. It seems we are being stitched up to use import agents at further cost. If I'd known it was going to be this difficult I would probably have bought a used LHD something or other in this country. As you can probably tell I am fuming! I'm also wary of the statement that duty 'might' be liable between 1% and 10% - I thought it was well-established that imported motorhomes are duty free, anyone able to back this up for certain?

I thoght I'd read all the relevant threads but has any recent importer been subjected to these new rules?
TIA

Bloody Hell!
What a palava.
And the duty may or may not be due, and at a " finger in the air" rate?
Is the vehicle now in the UK at your home?
If so, how did it get through customs in the fist instance, and how did you get it taxed to drive it.
Or was it transported by a courier?
Interested out of curiosity more than anything.

 

[MGDavid]

Bloody Hell!
What a palava.
And the duty may or may not be due, and at a " finger in the air" rate?
Is the vehicle now in the UK at your home?
If so, how did it get through customs in the fist instance, and how did you get it taxed to drive it.
Or was it transported by a courier?
Interested out of curiosity more than anything.

I've covered that in my other threads, but I went to the dealer in Brittany by plane and train, did the handover and paperwork for purchase, drove it to St Malo ferry and home from Portsmouth. It's insured on the VIN number for 28 days and is still on French plates so doesn't need UK VED. It is far easier than most people realise to move stuff in & out of UK via ferry or tunnel, how do you think all the illegals used to get in before the dinghys? I reckon the vast majority of border / customs staff at ports are working on prior intelligence and are really only looking for drugs and arms. Spot checks seem to be confined to vehicles dragging their arse along the ground 'ooh wonder what they've got in there?'

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Sorry but have not seen your previous postings on this, and I was not being flippant or criticising your efforts.
I genuinely do not know how importing works etc etc in relation to vehicles.
Or anything else for that matter, and especially since Brexit etc.
Good luck in getting sorted.

 

[Lenny HB]

That is a right bummer, going to get worse when they no longer recognise an EU C of C.
As for duty as far as I know it only applies to vehicles bought in from outside the EU.

Pleased I've ordered my new van from a UK dealer it's a first for me.

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[Motörhead Fun]

Oh dear. We are off to Germany this weekend with a view of looking at some vans. I knew things had got more difficult, eg VAT on 2nd hand vans, since Brexit but hadn’t realised the UK had made it so bureaucratic. I’d be interested in others recent experience.

 

[MGDavid]

Oh dear. We are off to Germany this weekend with a view of looking at some vans. I knew things had got more difficult, eg VAT on 2nd hand vans, since Brexit but hadn’t realised the UK had made it so bureaucratic. I’d be interested in others recent experience.

It’s not us it’s them. The Germans apparently will do an invoice showing VAT separately so it’s recliamable. The Belgians might, the French won’t. Anyone that thinks the EU simplifies life by operating a common set of rules is sadly misguided,

 

[Lenny HB]

It’s not us it’s them. The Germans apparently will do an invoice showing VAT separately so it’s recliamable. The Belgians might, the French won’t. Anyone that thinks the EU simplifies life by operating a common set of rules is sadly misguided,

A lot of German dealers will take a separate payment for the VAT and refund you on proof of UK VAT payment. Our Belgium dealer has always supplied VAT free.

 

[MGDavid]

A lot of German dealers will take a separate payment for the VAT and refund you on proof of UK VAT payment. Our Belgium dealer has always supplied VAT free.

Don't you always buy new though Lenny? I think the differences occur on second-hand units.

 

[Lenny HB]

Don't you always buy new though Lenny? I think the differences occur on second-hand units.

A lot of German dealers adverts list gross & net prices for secondhand models.

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[gus-lopez]

s and is still on French plates so doesn't need UK VED.

I'd find someone to insure it on the French plates, using gibraltar if necessary.

 

[MGDavid]

I'd find someone to insure it on the French plates, using gibraltar if necessary.

I've obtained 28 days insurance on the VIN number to allow me to run around and get the conversion work certificated, tracker, immobiliser, towbar etc. Once the VCA have given me the IVA cert I'll just do a substitution on my existing annual policy.

 

[Motörhead Fun]

It’s not us it’s them. The Germans apparently will do an invoice showing VAT separately so it’s recliamable. The Belgians might, the French won’t. Anyone that thinks the EU simplifies life by operating a common set of rules is sadly misguided,

All I can say is I have imported vans from Germany three times previously prior to Brexit and it was simple. Reading the original post it seems that a customs agent is needed.

 

[MGDavid]

All I can say is I have imported vans from Germany three times previously prior to Brexit and it was simple. Reading the original post it seems that a customs agent is needed.

Yes - a 5 minute phone call and a modest payment, not difficult. Why HMRC no longer do it for private importers one can only speculate, could well be due to a large increase in private vehicle imports. I suspect that a fair number of the 5 million EU citizens claiming right to remain after B word were running around in their foreign registered car and now realise if they're staying they'd better register it here.

 

[gus-lopez]

I've obtained 28 days insurance on the VIN number to allow me to run around and get the conversion work certificated, tracker, immobiliser, towbar etc. Once the VCA have given me the IVA cert I'll just do a substitution on my existing annual policy.

I meant I wouldn't bother & run it on the French plates.

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[Motörhead Fun]

Yes - a 5 minute phone call and a modest payment, not difficult. Why HMRC no longer do it for private importers one can only speculate, could well be due to a large increase in private vehicle imports. I suspect that a fair number of the 5 million EU citizens claiming right to remain after B word were running around in their foreign registered car and now realise if they're staying they'd better register it here.

Well I am confused now. In your original post you said you were being stitched up being forced to use a customs agent; are you now saying this is just a 5 min call and a modest payment? If so, I’d be interested in what modest is as we are looking at some vans on Monday. Thanks

 

[Abacist]

I think the 5 minute call and modest payment related to the pre-Brexit system but I might be wrong!

 

[Coolcats]

Most of you will have read I've just bought and brought home a 2 year old Carado from France.
Went to do the NOVA online through HMRC at gov.uk using my Gateway tax account just as I did 8 years ago.
Cannot do that since Brexit unless you're VAT registered company :-( Clear info on gov website tells you to email the HMRC Cars team with supporting docs, they will calculate duty and VAT and take it from there. Did the email last night.

Oh No They Won't ! reply just recieved:-

"
Thank you for your email.

From 1 October 2022 the import process has changed (our website will be updated in due course) and here on the Cars Team we can no longer issue manual calculations for import taxes due. You will now need to get a Customs Agent to make a customs declaration for you on the Customs Declaration System – even if you are bringing the vehicle to the UK yourself on the ferry or Channel Tunnel. They will calculate any import taxes due and bill you accordingly. For vehicles less than 30 years old, import VAT will be charged at 20% and there may also be import Duty to pay ranging from 1% to 10%. Your Customs Agent will confirm if Duty is to be paid and they will confirm the rate.

We’ve published a register to help you find out who is using the Customs Declaration Service. To access the register, go to GOV.UK and search ‘register of customs agents and fast parcel operators’. Column M on the register shows which agents deal with personal imports. If you have any questions about the Customs Declaration Service, please call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 and choose option five. The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm at weekends.

Once your agent has completed the relevant paperwork and the taxes have been paid, you will need to email us the following for the Notification of Vehicle Arrival (NOVA) Reference to be issued:

• A copy of the C88 and E2 or MRN import declaration paperwork from your customs agent showing the import taxes paid (this paperwork is now required for all imports requiring a calculation of import taxes due, even if you bring the vehicle to the UK yourself on the ferry or Channel Tunnel. The NOVA cannot be completed without this paperwork)
• Your Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice or Receipt for the vehicle
• A Certificate of Title or Registration Document or Export Certificate or Certificate of Conformity or Dating letter from vehicle manufacturers to confirm the year of manufacture, make, model and VIN/Chassis number or a photograph of the VIN/Chassis number printed on the vehicle

Once the customs side of things have been completed, you will then be able to register the vehicle with the DVLA"

So changes were made SEVEN MONTHS ago and the website is still wrong and they don't seem to care. It seems we are being stitched up to use import agents at further cost. If I'd known it was going to be this difficult I would probably have bought a used LHD something or other in this country. As you can probably tell I am fuming! I'm also wary of the statement that duty 'might' be liable between 1% and 10% - I thought it was well-established that imported motorhomes are duty free, anyone able to back this up for certain?

I thoght I'd read all the relevant threads but has any recent importer been subjected to these new rules?
TIA

Looks like one of those B bonuses that were spoken about, some business no longer export or import to or from the EU. A mate has a company that exports and has goods manufactured and deliverd to Ireland to avoid the import export issue. In addition to paying for CE certification he also has to pay for U.K. CA certification as well just like many organisations.

So the bottom line is more paperwork and more costs.

Sorry you have this issue and I do hope you can find a simpler way around this.

 

[MGDavid]

Well I am confused now. In your original post you said you were being stitched up being forced to use a customs agent; are you now saying this is just a 5 min call and a modest payment? If so, I’d be interested in what modest is as we are looking at some vans on Monday. Thanks

'Stitched up' because it's a retrograde step and more expenditure, but an issue overcome by careful googling. The agent (RJJ Freight) cost me £125 and it added 3 or 4 working days into my timeline. As I said in another reply I suspect this has absolutely nothing to do with B-word and everything to do with the public sector organisations in this country doing less and less and being allowed to get away with it by an apparently toothless and spineless government, but that's another story.

 

[martin2603]

Since leaving the EU it has everything to do with the B word. I made a post on this just after we left. 20% of its value plus Vat on all imports personal or otherwise. It’s the same the other way. Importers into Cyprus from U.K. (right hand drive) have exactly the same problem. The valuation is the price paid on the invoice. Just for the record you cannot drive a car round on French Plates if you are resident here. It will be uninsured.

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[MGDavid]

Since leaving the EU it has everything to do with the B word. I made a post on this just after we left. 20% of its value plus Vat on all imports personal or otherwise. It’s the same the other way. Importers into Cyprus from U.K. (right hand drive) have exactly the same problem. The valuation is the price paid on the invoice. Just for the record you cannot drive a car round on French Plates if you are resident here. It will be uninsured.

We, I think you need to explain better. It isn’t as you’ve stated 20% of value plus VAT. The 20% IS the VAT. There is no import duty or other charge on imported motor homes.
Just for the record I am driving around on French plates and the vehicle is insured - on the VIN number. Special policy with an underwriter who understands the necessity and the business case, just for journeys to or from a booked appointment relevant to the import and registration process. The French plates are irrelevant in this instance.

 

[TheMachMan]

Is it worth the effort financially or time wise?

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Is it worth the effort financially or time wise?

Since importing ours a few years back from Germany we have had more than 25 weeks away in it and the money saved has paid for all them trips and indeed will cover the cost of our next trip starting next week

And as a bonus the van is worth probably more than we paid for it
Took me about 6 weeks to have the V5 issued.

 

[Soycd]

There is no import duty or other charge on imported motor homes.

I thought you said it was between 1%-10% in your original post? Good look sorting this out. I've imported several times but won't do it again.

 

[Lenny HB]

Is it worth the effort financially or time wise?

On the three that we have imported we have saved approx £50,000 overall, I supposed if you are well healed it doesn't matter.

Not the price advantages at the moment the main saving was not only the exchange rate but also foreign dealers giving much higher discounts. with the state of the current market no discounts available anywhere on the popular models.

The van we have on order we are buying in the UK, a first for us but with the UK second hand market so buoyant at the moment trade-ins are very good, whereas in the past they have been poor. So we ended up with a deal similar to what we would have got if we imported.

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[MGDavid]

I thought you said it was between 1%-10% in your original post? Good look sorting this out. I've imported several times but won't do it again.

I did - standard duty is in the range 1 to 10% but there's an exemption option (Code 300) under our trade deal with the EU which lowers it to 0%. It's a note in the tariff code manual which I missed first time around. It's all sorted thanks, it's not hard but you do need to read up on the process and have a good eye for detail. I guess I'm fortunate in that my working life as a project manager was all about process and detail.

 

[The Wino]

Don't you always buy new though Lenny? I think the differences occur on second-hand units.

If it's anything like vat here the proportion of vat on a secondhand purchase will only be 20% of the dealers net margin so most likely less than most think. On new it's 20% of the total cost. It was of course a lot simpler when we were part of the single market but those days have gone. I don't think you can really blame people in other countries!