Why import a car from England?
Since Brexit in 2021, the rules have become stricter, but with the right approach, importing cars from the UK remains attractive. The United Kingdom is still a popular market among car enthusiasts.
Advantages of importing a car from England
- Wider selection of exclusive and affordable cars
- Lower purchase costs than in many other European countries
- Also interesting for classic cars, campers, and motorcycles
What has changed after Brexit?
The United Kingdom (UK) consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Since Brexit on January 1, 2021, the UK is officially no longer part of the European Union, which has consequences for importing vehicles and goods.
Previously, you could easily import a car from England without additional import costs. Now, you need to take into account:
- Additional import duties and VAT: You now pay 10% import duties and 21% VAT when importing vehicles.
- Customs formalities: All vehicles must be cleared through Dutch customs.
- Different rules for Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland partly still follows EU regulations, which can affect the import procedure.
- Transport challenges: Due to stricter controls, transport costs and delivery times can vary.
Avoid surprises and make sure to get good advice before making a purchase.
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What does it cost to import a car from the UK?
The costs depend on the age and value of the car. These are the main expenses:
- Purchase price of the car
- Transport costs to the Netherlands (or another country of your choice)
- Import duties & VAT
- BPM tax (depending on CO₂ emissions)
- RDW inspection & license registration
Would you like an exact calculation of the import costs?
Request quoteImporting a car from England in 4 steps
Importing a car from England might sound like a complicated process, but with the right steps, it’s quite manageable. From finding the right car to arranging transport, import duties, and registration in the Netherlands.
As a specialist in car import outside the EU, Marlog assists you at every step. Below you’ll find exactly what’s involved and what to watch out for, so you won’t face unexpected costs or delays.
1. Buying a car in England
Buying a car in England is straightforward, but here are some tips and important points to consider:
- Choose a reliable seller (dealer or private seller with good reviews)
- Check the V5C document & MOT certificate
- Keep in mind the right-hand drive (which may affect resale value)
2. Transport from England to the EU
For international car transport from England, there are 3 options:
- Drive it yourself (requires temporary insurance and export plates)
- By truck (suitable for exclusive vehicles or classic cars)
- Via ferry (cost-effective for regular cars)
3. Import duties & taxes when importing from England
Since England is no longer part of the EU, you must take into account the following when importing:
- Import duties: 10% on purchase price + transport
- VAT: 21% (or 9% for classic cars – cars older than 30 years)
- BPM tax: depends on CO₂ emissions (exemption for classic cars – cars older than 30 years)
Of course, we handle the customs clearance for you and import your car at the lowest possible BPM amount. This saves you time and money.
4. RDW Inspection & BPM Declaration
To register the car with Dutch license plates, it must undergo inspection and BPM tax must be calculated.
- Register the car with the RDW – This can be done by appointment and usually takes a few days.
- Submit the BPM declaration – The BPM amount depends on the car’s CO₂ emissions and current value.
- Apply for the license plates – After approval, you’ll receive your Dutch plates and can officially use the car.
Would you like to outsource these steps? We handle the entire process for you!
Ready to import your car from the UK?
Let us help you with a smooth and affordable import of your car from England.
Have questions? Feel free to contact us!
Daniel
car import advisor
Why have Marlog import your car from England?
Importing a car from England doesn’t have to be a complicated process. With our expertise, we ensure you drive away worry-free.
Advantages of Marlog Europe
- Time savings – We handle all paperwork and customs formalities.
- Cost savings – No surprises, with full transparency of all expenses upfront.
- Complete peace of mind – From transport to license registration.
Calculate the costs of importing a car from England
Curious about the costs of importing your car from England? Request a free, no-obligation quote and receive a tailored proposal.
Importing a motorcycle, camper, or classic car from England?
In addition to cars, we also import other vehicles and goods. Thanks to our experience and expertise, we ensure your import process runs smoothly and without surprises.
Importing a motorcycle from England
England is a popular market for motorcycle enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a classic bike, a touring motorcycle, or a sportbike, the selection in England is extensive and often more affordable than in the Netherlands.
Importing a motorcycleImporting a camper from England
Are you looking to import a camper from England? That can be a smart choice, especially if you’re searching for a specific model or a better price. English campers are often more luxuriously equipped and attractively priced.
Importing a camperImporting a classic car from England
England is a true paradise for classic car enthusiasts. From classic Jaguars and MGs to iconic Land Rovers and Aston Martins, the selection is vast. Importing a classic car can also be financially advantageous due to tax benefits.
Importing a classic carImporting goods from England
In addition to vehicles, we also assist businesses and individuals with importing goods from England. Since Brexit, customs regulations have changed. But don’t worry — we ensure everything is handled correctly.
Importing goodsExamples of car imports from England
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about importing a car from the UK
BPM is calculated based on the car’s CO₂ emissions and its age. There are various depreciation methods that can reduce the BPM amount.
We calculate using the lowest possible BPM, so you never pay more than necessary.
On average, 1 to 3 weeks, depending on transport and customs processing.
For certain models, classic cars, and exclusive vehicles, it’s still attractive to buy and import them from the UK.
This depends on the distance and the transport method, but on average, transport costs start from €1,000.
You can find UK cars through dealers, auctions, or platforms like AutoTrader UK and eBay Motors UK.