What happens at UK customs

As you are possibly aware, it only takes one small error in customs paperwork for things to go sideways, and a delay at this stage has a knock-on effect on everything after it. That is why we do it ourselves rather than handing it to a broker at the port.

1. 01 The container lands

   It comes off the ship at the UK port and is brought back to our site in Castle Donington, normally still sealed.

2. 02 We unload it, carefully

   Our team opens the container and takes the car out. We are not driven by speed like a port warehouse, so we take as much time as it needs.

3. 03 The import entry goes in

   Our in-house customs team, authorised HMRC CDS entry agents, makes the declaration: what the car is, what it cost and what it cost to get here.

4. 04 Tax, or relief

   If you have a Transfer of Residence reference, we present it and there is no duty or VAT. If not, the tax is worked out and paid.

5. 05 Released

   Once customs is satisfied, the car is free to go into the workshop for its conversion and test.

What we need from you

• Proof of what you paid for the car: the invoice or bill of sale
• Proof that it is yours: the registration papers
• A copy of your passport or driving licence
• Your Transfer of Residence reference, if you are moving here

We ask for these well before the car lands, so nothing is waiting on a document when it arrives.

How the tax is worked out

If you are not claiming relief, the customs value is what you paid for the car plus the cost of getting it here. Duty is 10% of that, and VAT is 20% of the customs value plus the duty. A car over 30 years old in original condition usually pays 5% VAT and no duty instead. The calculator on our costs page runs the numbers for your car.

We make sure you pay the right amount, and nothing on top of it.

After customs

Once it is released, the car goes straight into our workshop for its speedometer and fog light, then into our lane for its IVA or MOT. It does not leave the site at any point.

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