Red zollnumernschild (customs plates)

[Gingernuts]

Tried to buy an unregistered motorhome in Germany from a caravan dealer!!!
1 The guy was super stressed and said unless I had a vat number I couldn’t buy it!!!!
2 he said I can’t get red customs plates because it’s not registered!!!
3 I would need to pick it up on a trailer!!

I did export a renault 4l. without number plates in the 80s the custom plates were black then! The only stipulation was it had to be tuv (mot) tested and insured which I got with the plates iirc!
Has it changed or has the german guy not got the capacity to think outside the box?
Alex

 

[Lenny HB]

Dealer obviously hasn't got a clue. The local TUV office will supply export plates with 3rd party Insurance for export.
If the dealer won't suply the van VAT free it is common for them to charge the VAT and then refund upon proof of UK vat being paid.

 

[Gingernuts]

Hi Lenny, it’s the strassenverkehrsamt that supplies the plates, the tuv is the mot! The dealer maintains that because it’s not or ever has been registered that you can’t get customs/export plates! I’m sure I can phone the strassenverkehrsamt (streettrafficoffice) and correct him!
But as for not selling me it cos I don’t have a vat number seems a bit strange!

 

[Lenny HB]

Loads of Funsters have imported new unregistered vans from Germany without problems, I'm sure they got the plates from the TUV office.

Coastal Cruiser., Rob Turner

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Yes I did indeed import myself in October 2020.
My German dealer supplied the required number plates and insurance.
Had 7 days to get back to UK and it’s only third party

VAT was paid and then paid back once registered and a V5 sent to German dealer, I think there are dealers who let you take the van VAT free then send the paperwork once registered but I think they are very few.

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[Gingernuts]

Yes coastal cruiser but was it new and unregistered?

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Yes coastal cruiser but was it new and unregistered?

It was yes.

 

[Gingernuts]

.....and as the dealer done it for you he got the plates from the strassenverkehrsamt!!!!

 

[Gingernuts]

Was your insurance valid in the uk or did you have to get uk insurance from the port of entry to home?

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

I had insurance with NFU that covered me from the tunnel until I arrived home, I was also allowed to drive it to my local garage for them to check that the light and speedo complied to UK spec.
It was then parked up on the drive until I received my V5, it was still covered by insurance.