Importing a classic car from the EU to the UK after Brexit
Brexit made EU-to-UK car moves an import — but genuine classics get a major tax break.
A EU classic car costs about $42,076 all-in to import on the Germany → UK route in 2026 — a $35,000 purchase plus roughly $7,076 in shipping, 0% duty + 5% VAT/GST, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Germany → UK
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$42,076
- Duty & tax
- 0% duty + 5% VAT/GST
- On a purchase of
- $35,000
Vehicles of historic interest (typically 30+ years, original spec) can qualify for 0% duty and 5% VAT.
Documentation proving the car meets the "collectors' item" criteria is essential.
How much does it cost to import a EU classic car?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $35,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 0% duty and 5% VAT/GST on the duty-inclusive (CIF) value, and the broker, compliance and registration fees. Change the purchase price and everything else scales only modestly.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $35,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $900 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $525 |
| Classics over 30 years may qualify for 0% duty | $0 |
| Qualifying classics can use a reduced 5% import VAT | $1,821 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $42,076 |
On this EU classic car, destination taxes are the real story: roughly $0 in import duty plus $1,821 in import VAT/GST — about $1,821 together, frequently more than the $900 of ocean freight and every handling fee combined. All in, budget around $7,076 on top of the $35,000 purchase price (about 20%) before the car is registered in UK.
How to import a EU classic car, step by step
- Agree the purchase and secure the title/export paperwork in Germany (an export agent or auction house usually handles de-registration).
- Book ocean freight — roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is cheapest, a sole-use container is safest for a high-value car.
- Make the customs entry and pay 10% duty plus 20% import VAT (genuine 30-plus-year classics can qualify for 0% duty and 5% VAT).
- Pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) where required, then register with the DVLA and get an MOT.
Is a EU classic car legal to import? Rules & compliance
HMRC commodity codes for historic vehicles unlock the reduced rates; keep originality evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Reduced VAT?+
Qualifying classics can use 5% instead of 20%.
Age threshold?+
Generally 30+ years and original spec.
What is the total estimated cost to import a EU classic car?+
About $42,076 all-in for a $35,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $7,076 in freight, insurance, duty, VAT/GST, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
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