Export Car to the United Kingdom - England, Scotland and Wales

The UK drives on the left and most British cars are right-hand drive. Still, there is a clear market for Dutch vehicles: classics and youngtimers, campers, left-hand-drive cars for frequent continental driving, and of course people relocating to England, Scotland or Wales who take their own car along.

Since Brexit, customs formalities apply. On the Dutch side an EX-A export declaration is required. On the British side the importer files a NOVA notification with HMRC within 14 days and usually pays 20% import VAT; a transfer-of-residence relief is often available when moving to the UK. Under the trade agreement, import duty is normally 0% for cars of proven EU origin, otherwise up to 10%. Registration then goes through the DVLA, with an MOT test for cars older than three years and headlights suitable for left-hand traffic.

The crossing is easy to arrange: ferries from Hook of Holland to Harwich, IJmuiden to Newcastle and Rotterdam to Hull, or the Eurotunnel via Calais. From Hengelo it is about 550 km to London plus the crossing. Our export insurance with green card is valid in the United Kingdom as well.

Exporting to a non-EU country involves extra paperwork. Since 2016 we have handled the Dutch side completely and we clearly explain the steps that follow in the UK: NOVA, VAT and DVLA. That way you board the ferry in Hook of Holland or IJmuiden well prepared. Call ahead and we will gladly advise on your situation.