How Pegasus Auto House Can Assist with Your Vehicle Import
At Pegasus Auto House, we make vehicle importing from Europe and beyond seamless, efficient, and stress-free.
With exclusive access to an on-site DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) facility, we manage the full type approval process directly—eliminating the need for external transport and reducing turnaround times. Our dedicated testing lane allows DVSA inspectors to issue individual approvals quickly and efficiently.
From start to finish, our experienced team takes care of every detail, ensuring full compliance with UK regulations and allowing you to enjoy your vehicle sooner, with complete peace of mind.
Imports From Europe
If you bring a second hand vehicle in to the UK from Europe , you do not have to pay VAT in the UK as long as you have paid the VAT in the country which you purchased the vehicle from, but you must inform the HMRC within 14 days of its arrival in to the UK. This is done through a process called NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival). If you live in another European country and bring your vehicle with you to the UK you do not have to notify the HMRC as long as your stay is for less than 6 months through out a 12 month period.
If you choose to register your vehicle permanently even though you are on a temporary visit you must notify the HMRC within 14 days of your decision.
Imports From Outside Europe
If you are moving to the UK and decide to bring your vehicle with you there is no import duty or VAT to pay but for this to apply you must have owned the vehicle for 6 months and lived out of Europe for over 12 months.
You will need to provide a purchase invoice or another form of documentation to prove the length of ownership also you will need to provide proof of having lived out of Europe for 12 months.
These can be a bank statement, utility bill and a property purchase or lease agreement.
Rules For Importing Vehicles Into The UK
If the vehicle was manufactured outside of the EU and you import it into the UK from outside of the EU you will have to pay 10% import duty and 20% VAT to have the vehicle released from UK customs. The 10% import duty and 20% VAT is calculated on the sum that you purchased the vehicle for from the country which you are importing the vehicle from.
If the vehicle you are importing was manufactured in the EU but is being imported from outside the EU for example a Mercedes SLS which was manufactured in Germany, you will have to pay the flat rate of duty which is £50.00 and then the 20% VAT to have the vehicle released from UK customs.
If the vehicle that is being imported in to the UK is over 30 years old and is in its original state without having major changes made to its chassis, steering, braking system, engine and of a old type meaning that the vehicle is no longer in production then the vehicle will be entered into the UK under the historic rate of Zero duty and 5% VAT.
Any vehicles which were built before 1950 will be automatically put into the historic rate category of zero% duty and 5% VAT.`
Most vehicles have been driven to the UK already that need to be registered but we can also provide a complete package of having your vehicle transported to the UK from any EU member state.
Once the vehicle you wish to register has arrived in the UK it must comply with UK type approval. This is carried out through two means, Mutual Recognition or IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) testing . As every vehicle is different and manufacturers have different standards in assisting customers through the import system please do not hesitate to contact us so we can give you the best options in helping you through this process.
We at Pegasus Autohouse will manage the whole process on your behalf through every aspect from the homologation to dealing with the DVLA and so forth.
The majority of vehicles arriving from Europe are left hand drive and these vehicles will need to have some modifications carried out. These include changing the headlight patterns to avoid glare from oncoming traffic having the speedo changed over to miles per hour and possibly the rear fog light will need adjustment if the vehicle does not come with one that is universally compliant already.
Vehicles that are over 10 years old and those classed as classic are type approval exempt, however they may still require some modifications depending on age
such as headlights and fog lights.
PEGASUS AUTOHOUSE is in the advantageous situation of having direct access to a DVLA Account Manager. This means that once your vehicle has gone through the test phase and passed, the process of getting a UK registration assigned is much more efficient.
We can also have your vehicle delivered to you anywhere in the UK or Europe if you desire.
Pegaus Autohouse is determined to make the process of import and registration for its customers absolutely hassle free and seamless.
Tax Guidelines
Since Brexit, UK-imported vehicles from the EU are treated like any other international import. You must pay 20% VAT on the vehicle’s total value—including purchase price, shipping, insurance, and import duty
Customs duty typically applies unless the car is EU‑registered and qualifies as a returning UK car (with continuous ownership and original UK export status), in which case duty is 0%.
Vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for a 5% VAT rate and no duty, assuming they meet original condition criteria and customs eligibility.
Luxury vehicle import made effortless - contact Pegasus Auto House today
At Pegasus Auto House, we deliver precision, reliability, and expert guidance every step of the way—contact us today.
Contact us today on 0207 692 8283 to learn more about our secure car storage services, or simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch promptly to discuss your needs. Your vehicle deserves nothing less than Pegasus standards.