Update on Importing

[Vintner]

I'm just in the process of registering an imported motorhome, new from a dealer near Dusseldorf, driven back a couple of weeks ago and sat in the drive. I think you would have to have a pretty good relationship with a dealer to get them to sell and not charge the VAT as they will be liable for it if you don't register it as promised and pay local VAT - I believe it could still be done though. So yes, as discussed I have paid UK VAT now as well as German VAT. Once I have completed the registration the German dealer will refund the VAT. Will keep you posted as to how it pans out but all going to plan so far. RHD headlights going in tomorrow and then we should be able to complete registration. As Lenny said, no 10% duty on EU imported vans.

 

[Tigertom]

All right squad you have braid me into submission, so I pay 2 lots of vat and reclaim one back would be good if someone could come on here that's imported a new vehicle from a EU dealer not a EU manufacturer and give us first hand knowledge.

This is how I did it a year or two ago.

I went online and ordered V55/5 documents.
I identified suppliers of the van model I was looking for on ‘mobile.de‘website.
I contacted the suppliers to find out their ‘best price’ for the vans.
Travelled to Germany and visited the dealers to physically see the vans and discuss purchase.
Put down a 500€ deposit on the Moho I wanted and set a date for collection.
I called several insurance brokers and went with ‘Advance insurance’,
I used an online company ‘ currencyfair.com’ for exchanging money and making payment, their exchange rates are good and the charges are small.
I travelled to Germany again, at the dealers I made the VAT transfer to NOVA in front of their finance director ( they didn’t want to be caught out by non payment as they would be liable).
After signing various documents I took possession of the moho and drove it 300 miles back to Calais and the Tunnel.
I sent a copy of the NOVA receipt to the German dealers so their accounts were in order.
I took the moho to a local garage for a written statement of conformity relating to, headlights, speedometer and fog lights.
I then sent all the appropriate documents to VCA to obtain an IVA document.
I then sent the completed V55/5 along with all the other documents requested, plus cheques and a covering letter to th DVLA.
I then received the registration certificate for the motorhome !

Now....that’s sounds fairly straightforward....it wasn’t.

 

[pandas]

Prefer driving LHD as of the 8000—9000 miles we do in the Motorhome only about 1000 of them are in the UK.
Also you can sell or trade a LHD in any country RHD drive you are stuck with the UK where trade in prices are often a lot lower.

Sort of can see the market value point of LHD as it’s a much bigger marketplace but possibly a bit of a fag having to rely on selling in the EU and not sure what the Brexit implications might be.
We hire cars in the EU a fair amount, of course always a LHD car which is fine and expected. But even with our Motorhome mileage 90% EU we still prefer a RHD. Reason, in the UK the roads are so much busier - quite the reverse in Europe. So thumbs up for a right RHD, plus we could sell it easier in the UK, possibly the insurance is slightly cheaper. But there again I haven’t got floral shorts so probably in the minority on all (Y) fronts!

 

[Ditcha]

This is how I did it a year or two ago.

I went online and ordered V55/5 documents.
I identified suppliers of the van model I was looking for on ‘mobile.de‘website.
I contacted the suppliers to find out their ‘best price’ for the vans.
Travelled to Germany and visited the dealers to physically see the vans and discuss purchase.
Put down a 500€ deposit on the Moho I wanted and set a date for collection.
I called several insurance brokers and went with ‘Advance insurance’,
I used an online company ‘ currencyfair.com’ for exchanging money and making payment, their exchange rates are good and the charges are small.
I travelled to Germany again, at the dealers I made the VAT transfer to NOVA in front of their finance director ( they didn’t want to be caught out by non payment as they would be liable).
After signing various documents I took possession of the moho and drove it 300 miles back to Calais and the Tunnel.
I sent a copy of the NOVA receipt to the German dealers so their accounts were in order.
I took the moho to a local garage for a written statement of conformity relating to, headlights, speedometer and fog lights.
I then sent all the appropriate documents to VCA to obtain an IVA document.
I then sent the completed V55/5 along with all the other documents requested, plus cheques and a covering letter to th DVLA.
I then received the registration certificate for the motorhome !

Now....that’s sounds fairly straightforward....it wasn’t.

That was the good old days or so they say, things have changed now but thanks for the detailed reply

 

[gerry mcg]

In 2016, my German dealer sold it to me Ex VAT, but I had to promise to send him the UK VAT receipt as soon as I got it. It was a goodwill gesture on their behalf that meant I didn't have to pay VAT in Germany as well, then reclaim. How's, had I not provided it then he would have been liabile for German vat and very unhappy!.
That was pre brexit.
Post brexit, I'm less clear of the situation.
Intuitively, the German dealer should simply be able to sell EX VAT, as the vehicle is leaving the EU and will be registered in UK, where VAT isn't paid one import.

I Guess the is you need temporary registration in Germany to get export plates...
Though if you were to trailer it then you would not

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[Vintner]

In 2016, my German dealer sold it to me Ex VAT, but I had to promise to send him the UK VAT receipt as soon as I got it. It was a goodwill gesture on their behalf that meant I didn't have to pay VAT in Germany as well, then reclaim. How's, had I not provided it then he would have been liabile for German vat and very unhappy!.
That was pre brexit.
Post brexit, I'm less clear of the situation.
Intuitively, the German dealer should simply be able to sell EX VAT, as the vehicle is leaving the EU and will be registered in UK, where VAT isn't paid one import.

I Guess the is you need temporary registration in Germany to get export plates...
Though if you were to trailer it then you would not

I'm not really sure that much as changed since Brexit for an EU built motorhome at this stage. They do need to prove to their customs that it has been exported, that was the same before Brexit. My dealer didn't want to sell without VAT and I don't blame them. It's a sellers market at the moment and I am quite sure he'd have had a much easier life selling to someone in Germany.

The main change is if we don't recognise the Certificate of Conformity as per Lenny's original question. It will be another obstacle for those wishing to import but I don't think it will be the end of the world but a factor for those weighing up the pros and cons of importing. It's a personal decision I think and not for everyone.

 

[Lenny HB]

Sort of can see the market value point of LHD as it’s a much bigger marketplace but possibly a bit of a fag having to rely on selling in the EU and not sure what the Brexit implications might be.

Checked with my dealer no problem trading in the EU.
You can sell a LHD in the UK just as easy as a RHD particularly if its an A Class.
Last time we changed vans Belgium & German dealers offered us £12k more for our old van than UK dealers.

 

[Ditcha]

Checked with my dealer no problem trading in the EU.
You can sell a LHD in the UK just as easy as a RHD particularly if its an A Class.
Last time we changed vans Belgium & German dealers offered us £12k more for our old van than UK dealers.

Hey Lenny you should have a salesman's job for your Belgium dealer no wonder you get massive discounts

 

[ED O'DARAC]

We have imported ten motorhomes over the last few years, mainly Dethleffs, and our last one was in November 20. Fairly straightforward, if annoying and slow....

Thanks to Lenny for highlighting one change re an IVA (previously it was a Mutual Recognition Certificate from the VCA, Bristol).
This will really make it inconvenient. IVA sites are few and far between.
However, in Jan 2022 there is another change aimed at curbing the 'made in China, but restamped in EU' practice which could add 10% tariff to certain mohos.
2020-2021 have allowed the manufacturers to make their own declaration of where everything is sourced. Jan 2022 will change to this having to be quantified and checkable. 45% from outside EU being the line to get under.
My information at the moment is that Iveco-based motorhomes are not going to get under this and so will carry a 10%extra tariff.
Fiat mohos will probably be OK, but it is too much of a risk for me personally.

I shall wait and see for a while......

 

[dunnah01]

The main change is if we don't recognise the Certificate of Conformity as per Lenny's original question. It will be another obstacle for those wishing to import but I don't think it will be the end of the world but a factor for those weighing up the pros and cons of importing. It's a personal decision I think and not for everyone.

It's very likely that the UK will rubber stamp the CoC for UKCA based on CE certification. I doubt there will be the resources at the AsBo to scrutinise every compliance requirement so something similar to Grandfather Rights will be applied to most clauses in most standards. The existing NAs may be adjusted to allow any minor adaptions. Divergence was more about how bent bananas could be.

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[pandas]

Checked with my dealer no problem trading in the EU.
You can sell a LHD in the UK just as easy as a RHD particularly if its an A Class.
Last time we changed vans Belgium & German dealers offered us £12k more for our old van than UK dealers.

Look if travelworld can sell us a clock for £154 just think how much we can get from them for the whole of our Motorhome!

 

[Lenny HB]

Thanks to Lenny for highlighting one change re an IVA (previously it was a Mutual Recognition Certificate from the VCA, Bristol).

That was only a suggestion of what might be required we won't really know until some e imports one next year. Fingers crossed we may still be able to use the VCA route.

 

[funflair]

I'm just in the process of registering an imported motorhome, new from a dealer near Dusseldorf, driven back a couple of weeks ago and sat in the drive. I think you would have to have a pretty good relationship with a dealer to get them to sell and not charge the VAT as they will be liable for it if you don't register it as promised and pay local VAT - I believe it could still be done though. So yes, as discussed I have paid UK VAT now as well as German VAT. Once I have completed the registration the German dealer will refund the VAT. Will keep you posted as to how it pans out but all going to plan so far. RHD headlights going in tomorrow and then we should be able to complete registration. As Lenny said, no 10% duty on EU imported vans.

Good to have first hand information rather than guess work so thanks for the update, likewise Tigertom

 

[Lenny HB]

Good to have first hand information rather than guess work so thanks for the update, likewise Tigertom

Nothing has changed at the moment but what happens next year when the UK won't recognise a European C of C is what may change things.

 

[CazPaul]

That was the good old days or so they say, things have changed now but thanks for the detailed reply

Where were the good old days? We imported a new van from Germany in 2007, paid vat in Germany and then in UK.
Then reclaimed back from Germany.

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[Lenny HB]

Sorry Lenny went a bit off topic

Think the day of cheaper self imports is over now in my personal view just don't think it has the advantages it once did.

Not much has changed if you need a DVSA test for your IVA it will cost £200 instead of £100 for the VCA to process it but you won't have to pay £35 for a garage to check the vehicle.

 

[dunnah01]

It'll be interesting to see how the DVSA deal with conformance to UKCA requirements.

 

[gus-lopez]

The main change is if we don't recognise the Certificate of Conformity as per Lenny's original question.

Surely if that happens it would apply to all vehicles ? If so it would finish the market for imported vehicles of any type?

Hey Lenny you should have a salesman's job for your Belgium dealer no wonder you get massive discounts

Campirama was a byword for'hymer' years ago. Legendary.People used to queue straight off the ferries to get odd jobs done. My mate swears by them.

 

[Ditcha]

I'm just in the process of registering an imported motorhome, new from a dealer near Dusseldorf, driven back a couple of weeks ago and sat in the drive. I think you would have to have a pretty good relationship with a dealer to get them to sell and not charge the VAT as they will be liable for it if you don't register it as promised and pay local VAT - I believe it could still be done though. So yes, as discussed I have paid UK VAT now as well as German VAT. Once I have completed the registration the German dealer will refund the VAT. Will keep you posted as to how it pans out but all going to plan so far. RHD headlights going in tomorrow and then we should be able to complete registration. As Lenny said, no 10% duty on EU imported vans.

Just asking might have always been the case but do you pay UK vat on the total sum (net or gross) ie dealer price + German vat or just on the dealer price and has that always been the case?

 

[Lenny HB]

Just asking might have always been the case but do you pay UK vat on the total sum (net or gross) ie dealer price + German vat or just on the dealer price and has that always been the case?

Net price always been that way.

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[EuroTrotters]

Regarding Umwelt.

I sent my V5 copy to the German umwelt site.

Motorhome is Euro III, they sent me a green Umwelt sticker !

 

[Vintner]

Net price always been that way.

agreed

 

[Emmit]

Starting with Wales, Scotland next? Then Cornwall ... one County at a time ... what could possibly go wrong?

If they can do it overnight:

"On Sunday, April 2, 1972, Nigeria ditched the British-styled right-hand drive to the left-hand drive common among the French, German, and Americans."

Most of them were driving down the middle anyway. Especially trucks. With one working headlight.

I left Nigeria in 1971 so I missed this changeover.

Go further back and Norway changed from driving on the Left to the Right in 1967.

From memory everyone on the road at 5.00am on a Sunday had to pull over to the right hand side of the road and wait until 6.00am when they were allowed back on the road, driving on the right.

 

[kompkar]

Net price always been that way.

Hi Lenny - could you possibly share details of your dealer in Belgium - I'm working on importing a campervan and would be good for me to look them up. thanks.

 

[Lenny HB]

They

Hi Lenny - could you possibly share details of your dealer in Belgium - I'm working on importing a campervan and would be good for me to look them up. thanks.

Only do Hymer & Corado, it's Campirama.

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[ED O'DARAC]

May 2022 Update on importing new from EU post import regulation changes:
(We have imported many times before, so please excuse my account, which isn't exhaustive, simply intended to highlight the current state of play for Funsters who are looking to learn from a 'Guinea Pig'.)

Squeak Squeak

We just returned from France with a new motorhome, LHD (Like LennyHB, we prefer them as all our touring is abroad.)
Everything appears to be the same for registration as the last time we did this (November 2020) except for now having to have an Import Declaration Certificate before we can declare NOVA (payment of the UK VAT).

Tricky, as we simply came home in it on the ferry! It seems we can now get a new government form (!) C384

I guess this is intended to deter us from importing things in general??
Anyway, the dealer sold us the van without VAT (As with most goods being exported, the seller does not have to charge it to the customer). We have to deal with the UK VAT via the NOVA VAT system.
VCA: We appear to be able to still use the CoC plus a declaration from an MOT garage on their letterhead that the lights, speedo and foglights have been changed/ are all UK acceptable. So far, we haven't been asked for an IVA.

So, to summarise, so far, the system has not changed at all except for needing an import declaration certificate, which is different for a dealer than it is for an individual........

Is it worth it?? Well, with £1 = Euro1.20 at time of currency transfer, it doesn't hurt! I believe we will save around £10,000, but it is certainly more inconvenient.
This coupled with a huge delay in new vans being available in the UK made it a no-brainer for us.

 

[Lenny HB]

Update on the C of C currently European C of C's at aceptable, later in 2022 the government will announce a time frame phasing this out.

 

[Minxy]

Update on the C of C currently European C of C's at aceptable, later in 2022 the government will announce a time frame phasing this out.

Better get a move on with the Carthago purchase then chuck!

 

[kimndon]

I understand we are discussing new purchases. 4 years ago I imported a 9 year old Hymer from Germany. An absolute doddle without VAT payable in Germany or UK. I would now like to bring a 2 to 3 year PVC from EU. Any idea what I need to prepare for?

 

[nicholsong]

Go further back and Norway changed from driving on the Left to the Right in 1967.

From memory everyone on the road at 5.00am on a Sunday had to pull over to the right hand side of the road and wait until 6.00am when they were allowed back on the road, driving on the right.

That was Sweden.

Ireland is going to change next year, progressively - the trucks will change on the 1st Feb and the cars on 1st April.

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