Importing new from EU

[Saucer]

Has anyone on here imported a MH from the EU since Brexit? My understanding is that VAT and import tax are payable on used vans, but only VAT on new. Also I believe that purchases in e.g. Belgium or Germany could benefit from VAT refunds from the country it was purchased in. I know that there are various hoops around satisfying UK registration standards, MPH on dash etc, but that doesn’t seem insurmountable. I’d be very interested in anyone who is considering it or (even better) done it since we left.

 

[Saucer]

That side of things not a problem. Thank you though.

 

[HymerBlueEvo540]

Just revisiting this. As I understand things, a new vehicle purchased from a dealer in Germany, will be subject to German tax at point of sale (19%). When the vehicle is imported and registered it will be subject to UK VAT (20%), and the original VAT paid to the dealer will be refunded when proof of UK VAT paid is provided.

https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/commodities/8703321100?country=DE#import_duties

Assuming the vehicle meets the rules of origin as being EU, based on the HMRC calculator, and a call to the helpline, under code 300 the import duty is 0%.

A quick trawl on mobile.de brings me a Hymer Exsis Pure I 580, list price in Germany 97k Euro (£83k) - Hymer configurator in UK £110k.

Am I missing something obvious? There is a potential saving of c£26k by importing a new Exsis from Germany, and this without any dealer negotiated discount.

 

[PlymBob]

Just revisiting this. As I understand things, a new vehicle purchased from a dealer in Germany, will be subject to German tax at point of sale (19%). When the vehicle is imported and registered it will be subject to UK VAT (20%), and the original VAT paid to the dealer will be refunded when proof of UK VAT paid is provided.

https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/commodities/8703321100?country=DE#import_duties

Assuming the vehicle meets the rules of origin as being EU, based on the HMRC calculator, and a call to the helpline, under code 300 the import duty is 0%.

A quick trawl on mobile.de brings me a Hymer Exsis Pure I 580, list price in Germany 97k Euro (£83k) - Hymer configurator in UK £110k.

Am I missing something obvious? There is a potential saving of c£26k by importing a new Exsis from Germany, and this without any dealer negotiated discount.

That looks like an excellent deal. I got mine abroad because I couldn't source one locally at the time, though they are coming through now.

A couple of points though:
It took over 4 months to get registered in the UK. That may have improved now, but if you haven't done it before there's quite a steep learning curve involved. I thought I'd shortcut that by using "ShipMyCar" but that proved false as they caused some of the delays through their errors.

There are a few costs to add, and requirements to fulfill, such as MPH speedo, left dipping headlight, rear fog light on the correct side. I got lucky with a neutral dipping LED headlight and twin rear fog lights.

But I did get caught with Foreign Exchange fees of approx 3% each way on the 19% German tax, even though the German tax did get (eventually) refunded.

 

[Rob Turner]

That’s a good deal.
Go for it.

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[stewartwebr]

I have imported 2 Morelo motorhomes from Germany, one before and one after Brexit. Both were new vehicles and the process was the same for both. First stage is with HMRC to do the Notification of Vehicle on Arrival (N.O.V.A.) Very straight forward, fill in the details, answer the questions, attach the invoice and it instantly tells you the payment required. Once payment has been made the vehicle becomes NOVA Secure and only then can you start the DVLA process. First is type approval, send the CoC and a signed letter from a VAT registered garage that the vehicle has U.K. standard fog and headlights and the speedo reads MPH. Once done you can start the registration process with DVLA.
My biggest challenge was getting insurance, nobody would cover me on the VIN. I drove back on 3rd Party export plates. No U.K. insurer would insure me without a registration number, and DVLA will not issue a registration mark without insurance…
I got over this challenge by buying a private plate, gave the plate number to insurance who issued an Insurance certificate. On completing the DVLA forms you normally leave the registration mark box empty and DVLA issue a number. I filled it in with my private plate and included a retention certificate and transfer of registration form to assign the plate to the Motorhome. It does take time and DVLA are a nightmare, would I do it again, yes, in the process at the moment if my order ever starts getting built.

 

[BillandHelen]

I have imported 2 Morelo motorhomes from Germany, one before and one after Brexit. Both were new vehicles and the process was the same for both. First stage is with HMRC to do the Notification of Vehicle on Arrival (N.O.V.A.) Very straight forward, fill in the details, answer the questions, attach the invoice and it instantly tells you the payment required. Once payment has been made the vehicle becomes NOVA Secure and only then can you start the DVLA process. First is type approval, send the CoC and a signed letter from a VAT registered garage that the vehicle has U.K. standard fog and headlights and the speedo reads MPH. Once done you can start the registration process with DVLA.
My biggest challenge was getting insurance, nobody would cover me on the VIN. I drove back on 3rd Party export plates. No U.K. insurer would insure me without a registration number, and DVLA will not issue a registration mark without insurance…
I got over this challenge by buying a private plate, gave the plate number to insurance who issued an Insurance certificate. On completing the DVLA forms you normally leave the registration mark box empty and DVLA issue a number. I filled it in with my private plate and included a retention certificate and transfer of registration form to assign the plate to the Motorhome. It does take time and DVLA are a nightmare, would I do it again, yes, in the process at the moment if my order ever starts getting built.

stewartwebr , what are you buying this time round, another Morelo, Mick at SAP will be delighted!!

 

[stewartwebr]

stewartwebr , what are you buying this time round, another Morelo, Mick at SAP will be delighted!!

Hi Bill, still in negotiations The challenge at the moment is the order time and securing a price. Both Morelo and Concorde are willing to take the order but the days of securing a price has gone. They will not guarantee a price on any 24V models. However, rumour has it this is changing as more chassis become available and some have secured prices, hence the ongoing negotiations. Yes, probably a Morelo, they are like every other Motorhome in relation to faults but I have a great relationship with the Service Centre who can ship me parts in a matter of days and know I can fix most things myself.

 

[HymerBlueEvo540]

Anyone have a definitive answer on VAT on used vehicles? I have found a nice Hymer MLT for sale used in Germany.

If purchased from a dealer, is VAT reclaimable on a used vehicle, in the same way it is for a new vehicle?

Thanks

 

[Machbuster]

Has anyone on here imported a MH from the EU since Brexit? My understanding is that VAT and import tax are payable on used vans, but only VAT on new. Also I believe that purchases in e.g. Belgium or Germany could benefit from VAT refunds from the country it was purchased in. I know that there are various hoops around satisfying UK registration standards, MPH on dash etc, but that doesn’t seem insurmountable. I’d be very interested in anyone who is considering it or (even better) done it since we left.

I ordered a new Hymer Exsis-i 504 from Hymer Zentrum B 1 in D-45481 Mülheim an der Ruhr at the Düsseldorf Exhibition in September 2019. Contacted Ship My Car (SMC), and they were happy to help. Due to delays in having the engine certified and due to Covid, it was transported to Milton Keynes in May 2020 on a UK truck. SMC Were absolutely brilliant and very helpful. I finally picked it up in August 2020, after having it registered in the UK, import tax and plates paid for. Had the German VAT refunded. Hymer Zentrum was not helpful and seemed annoyed everytime I asked about something. Could not have a delivery instruction, hence more questions than normal, and also they had forgotten to deliver some items, I had paid for.
As things have turned out I shall unfortunately have to sell it in July this year, if anybody would be interested.

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[David443]

Just revisiting this. As I understand things, a new vehicle purchased from a dealer in Germany, will be subject to German tax at point of sale (19%). When the vehicle is imported and registered it will be subject to UK VAT (20%), and the original VAT paid to the dealer will be refunded when proof of UK VAT paid is provided.

https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/commodities/8703321100?country=DE#import_duties

Assuming the vehicle meets the rules of origin as being EU, based on the HMRC calculator, and a call to the helpline, under code 300 the import duty is 0%.

A quick trawl on mobile.de brings me a Hymer Exsis Pure I 580, list price in Germany 97k Euro (£83k) - Hymer configurator in UK £110k.

Am I missing something obvious? There is a potential saving of c£26k by importing a new Exsis from Germany, and this without any dealer negotiated discount.

Hi ... you are not missing the obvious ... there is a big saving buying in the EU. We imported a new Pilote in Aug-23. We have imported several vans before. It is a faff but we'll worth it. Brexit isn't the big hurdle the main pain is the closing of all the local DVLA offices. They ask for only original documents but then refused them because they were not in English. Yes laughable we know. However form leaving the German dealer to getting our UK plates took 6-weeks, so not too bad in the end. Previously it took us a week when we had DVLA offices near to us. VAT is refundable from the dealer. We also wanted LHD as we live 35 minutes from the Tunnel.

 

[Buddy1012]

Has anyone on here imported a MH from the EU since Brexit? My understanding is that VAT and import tax are payable on used vans, but only VAT on new. Also I believe that purchases in e.g. Belgium or Germany could benefit from VAT refunds from the country it was purchased in. I know that there are various hoops around satisfying UK registration standards, MPH on dash etc, but that doesn’t seem insurmountable. I’d be very interested in anyone who is considering it or (even better) done it since we left.

Regarding VAT - I had to pay this to the German dealer at 19%, then pay within the UK at our 20% rate, show the proof of this to the German Dealer who then sent me for a refund for the VAT I'd had to pay him. In my case though I did have to chase him for it as he was trying to make me wait until the end of his accounting period, citing cash flow issues etc. Ended up having to get a legal letter sent which did the trick and he paid up. Not ideal although I would think that my experience would have been quite rare as its an established principle.

 

[Lenny HB]

Anyone have a definitive answer on VAT on used vehicles? I have found a nice Hymer MLT for sale used in Germany.

If purchased from a dealer, is VAT reclaimable on a used vehicle, in the same way it is for a new vehicle?

Thanks

German dealers often give a net figure on their adverts in that case you should be able to buy it VAT free or have it refunded once UK VAT is paid. You need to check with the dealer not all dealers are export savvy. Also make sure you get a net invoice or you could end up paying VAT on VAT.

German dealers tend to charge VAT on the full price where as in the UK it is only on the buy/sale price difference, under EU VAT rules it is optional which way it is done.

 

[Dutch 68]

I have imported 2 Morelo motorhomes from Germany, one before and one after Brexit. Both were new vehicles and the process was the same for both. First stage is with HMRC to do the Notification of Vehicle on Arrival (N.O.V.A.) Very straight forward, fill in the details, answer the questions, attach the invoice and it instantly tells you the payment required. Once payment has been made the vehicle becomes NOVA Secure and only then can you start the DVLA process. First is type approval, send the CoC and a signed letter from a VAT registered garage that the vehicle has U.K. standard fog and headlights and the speedo reads MPH. Once done you can start the registration process with DVLA.
My biggest challenge was getting insurance, nobody would cover me on the VIN. I drove back on 3rd Party export plates. No U.K. insurer would insure me without a registration number, and DVLA will not issue a registration mark without insurance…
I got over this challenge by buying a private plate, gave the plate number to insurance who issued an Insurance certificate. On completing the DVLA forms you normally leave the registration mark box empty and DVLA issue a number. I filled it in with my private plate and included a retention certificate and transfer of registration form to assign the plate to the Motorhome. It does take time and DVLA are a nightmare, would I do it again, yes, in the process at the moment if my order ever starts getting built.

Now that was a very clear explanation, thank you, Grand empire next? Or did Volkner tempt you away?

 

[HymerBlueEvo540]

Lots of really helpful comments here, especially where imports have been completed recently.

Anyone imported used from a dealer (nearly new) and reclaimed VAT?

Also , we’re happy with LHD but are German dealers able to order a UK spec van?

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[David443]

German dealers often give a net figure on their adverts in that case you should be able to buy it VAT free or have it refunded once UK VAT is paid. You need to check with the dealer not all dealers are export savvy. Also make sure you get a net invoice or you could end up paying VAT on VAT.

German dealers tend to charge VAT on the full price where as in the UK it is only on the buy/sale price difference, under EU VAT rules it is optional which way it is done.

No .. not since Brexit ... they used to.

 

[David443]

Lots of really helpful comments here, especially where imports have been completed recently.

Anyone imported used from a dealer (nearly new) and reclaimed VAT?

Also , we’re happy with LHD but are German dealers able to order a UK spec van?

If you mean nearly new as in less than a year old then the process is the same for new. If older than a year then (I belive) that VAT may be charged by HMRC but you cannot reclaim EU tax.

German dealers often registered vans in March for rental and sold these vans with a 20% reduction in October. We have purchased vans twice before this way. However, with the current lack of base vehicles we noticed that there were not as many vans available as before.

 

[HymerBlueEvo540]

No .. not since Brexit ... they us

If you mean nearly new as in less than a year old then the process is the same for new. If older than a year then (I belive) that VAT may be charged by HMRC but you cannot reclaim EU tax.

German dealers often registered vans in March for rental and sold these vans with a 20% reduction in October. We have purchased vans twice before this way. However, with the current lack of base vehicles we noticed that there were not as many vans available as before.

Yes nearly new. Some good option.

 

[bellabee]

I may be wrong, but I thought that import duty was payable on imported, used vans from the EU since the unmentionable B*****.

I'd be more than happy for someone to tell me that I'm wrong.

 

[Lenny HB]

I may be wrong, but I thought that import duty was payable on imported, used vans from the EU since the unmentionable B*****.

I'd be more than happy for someone to tell me that I'm wrong.

Only on vans from outside the EU.

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[CAB96]

I may be wrong, but I thought that import duty was payable on imported, used vans from the EU since the unmentionable B*****.

I'd be more than happy for someone to tell me that I'm wrong.

No tariffs (import duty).

We have a tariff-free trade agreement with the EU, if you look at the Customs tarrifs for goods you will see they are zero rated for the EU.

I don't know how it works for alcohol and tobacco, I think they are an exception.

 

[funflair]

Hi Bill, still in negotiations The challenge at the moment is the order time and securing a price. Both Morelo and Concorde are willing to take the order but the days of securing a price has gone. They will not guarantee a price on any 24V models. However, rumour has it this is changing as more chassis become available and some have secured prices, hence the ongoing negotiations. Yes, probably a Morelo, they are like every other Motorhome in relation to faults but I have a great relationship with the Service Centre who can ship me parts in a matter of days and know I can fix most things myself.

Hopefully delivery times improve when the new 24v production line becomes operational, we might get an update on progress at the open in May.

 

[jongood]

Nfu insured ours on the VIN number but only once it was in the UK.

 

[stewartwebr]

Nfu insured ours on the VIN number but only once it was in the UK.

NFU won’t insure me period, they don’t like big engines

 

[jongood]

NFU won’t insure me period, they don’t like big engines

They insure ours 6.9 litres.
I think its Saga that doesn't like big engines

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[stewartwebr]

They insure ours 6.9 litres.
I think its Saga that doesn't like big engines

I had a quote from them last year as I was insured with then about 4 years ago when I had my Iveco Palace. They were happy with value, location, tracker and everything else but came back from the underwriter saying the only stumbling block was the 7.7L engine. The reason being it would need specialist repair centres if it were damaged. I did say that it was almost the same size as the 3l one I owned but you know there is no point when the computer says no!
Do you mind telling me which branch of NFU you use as I have a fear about this years renewal given my £9k windscreen claim.

 

[jongood]

I had a quote from them last year as I was insured with then about 4 years ago when I had my Iveco Palace. They were happy with value, location, tracker and everything else but came back from the underwriter saying the only stumbling block was the 7.7L engine. The reason being it would need specialist repair centres if it were damaged. I did say that it was almost the same size as the 3l one I owned but you know there is no point when the computer says no!
Do you mind telling me which branch of NFU you use as I have a fear about this years renewal given my £9k windscreen claim.

Shrewsbury branch for me, although the young man who sometimes answrs the phone is a bit dim, his colleagues are better.

That they're worried about specialist repairs based on which chassis its on is hilarious

 

[HymerBlueEvo540]

Agreed a deal on a new Hymer Yellowstone from a German dealer. Let's see how this process works out.....need an insurer whole will cover with VIN as a first step - waiting on an underwriter from my existing broker, Safeguard, to call back on Monday morning...

 

[David443]

Agreed a deal on a new Hymer Yellowstone from a German dealer. Let's see how this process works out.....need an insurer whole will cover with VIN as a first step - waiting on an underwriter from my existing broker, Safeguard, to call back on Monday morning...

Bank transfers proved to be rather extortionate when we purchased back in Aug-23. Today we were looking at Sterling Bank for a European Card ... not entirely sure but it appears to be a less costly means to transfer money and when the German dealer refunds VAT it should also be easier. UK transfers cost £2k+ ... yet another UK ripoff..!!

 

[stewartwebr]

Bank transfers proved to be rather extortionate when we purchased back in Aug-23. Today we were looking at Sterling Bank for a European Card ... not entirely sure but it appears to be a less costly means to transfer money and when the German dealer refunds VAT it should also be easier. UK transfers cost £2k+ ... yet another UK ripoff..!!

When I bought my last Morelo I used Wise to exchange money when the rate was favourable, paying into my Euro account with Starling. Then transferred from Starling to make the payment, they only allow a transfer of 25k per day

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[David443]

When I bought my last Morelo I used Wise to exchange money when the rate was favourable, paying into my Euro account with Starling. Then transferred from Starling to make the payment, they only allow a transfer of 25k per day

We wish we knew that before we used our UK bank. Still .. we are more than happy with our EU Motorhome.