Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Toro]

Hello.

Anybody know how difficult is to import a vehicle?

Car and/or motorcycle?


Thank you.

Regards.
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Daniel Toro (DT)

[mikeC]

Hi Daniel,

Are you asking about importing into Brazil, or into the UK?

I have no idea about importing into other countries, but it is fairly straightforward importing into the UK, although there are different procedures depending on the age of the vehicle and the country from which you are exporting.

[Toro]

[mikeC]

Daniel,

It is not difficult at all; first of all you must notify Customs & Excise of the import, and pay any taxes due, and then registration with DVLA is - or at least should be - straightforward.

Was the BSA imported into Brazil when new, or was it originally a UK-registered car imported at a later date? If the latter, and you have documentation to prove its identity, then there should be no duty to pay and you may even be able to get the original registration number re-issued.

[Rick]

The recently-introduced system for imports is called NOVA, it'd be worth researching that. Without NOVA clearance documents, you won't be able to get it registered here.

RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
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[norustplease]

I went through this when I imported the Volvo PV444.
If you use an experienced shipper, they will sort out the initial paperwork for you.
Than, as Rick says, there is a NOVA declaration to be made when the car first arrives. This is done online within 14 days of arrival, is fairly straightforward and if there is any duty to be paid, then you can do that on line as well.
You then apply to DVLA, using a set of forms that are ordered on line, but are posted to you. You will need your original registration documents from the country that you are importing from, plus an insurance certificate ( there are classic car insurers who will give you a policy on the basis of a chassis or VIN number if you explain circumstances). Finally, if your car is eligible for an MOT then you will need to take it for one of those.
This should in theory get you an age related number, as opposed to a Q reg which implies that the car is of unknown age. In practise, DVLA are quite bloody minded about this, and it would be advisable to join the owners club for your car, who will have the necessary contacts to get you a certificate that confirms the car's age. The process is vey pedantic and in my limited experience, you need quite a lot of patience, and need to make sure that you're application is thoroughly filled out, otherwise they will just send it back.
Cost is something like £50, but they will not cash your cheque until the application has been passed so at least it is a one off payment.
_________________
1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV

[Toro]

[norustplease]

Not having any history with the car isn't necessarily a problem. My import had absolutely no documentation at all. It was a barn find that had already been off the road when Sweden computerised its car registry and therefore did not officially exist.
What DVLA are interested in is proving that a car is what it says it is in terms of age, type, model, etc. and that it is reasonably original. Any doubt about any of these leads to a Q suffix registration. Cars that do end up with Q plates tend to be those that are heavily customised, or one off specials.
What you really want of course is a registration number related to the age of your car (or motorcycle), and if manufacturers records are not available, then the owners club for the vehicle will probably be able to help find the year of manufacture from the serial numbers on the frame.
_________________
1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV

[ka]

I am hoping the BSA described is a bike, which either the BSA owners Club, or the VMCC will have the original manufacture details for, enabling an application for either the original plate (if pre-registered in the UK) or an age related plate.
You can join either on-line, but from experience, the VMCC records will identify the machine from frame/engine number, so you could e-mail the VMCC, with these details, and they can give you an idea (free as a member)for you obtain a number plate.
It may be worth joining the VMCC sooner rather than later, as we have been informed the subscription fee will rise after at the end of the month. Joining as a UK member is around half the fee of an overseas member, so if you already have an address in the UK you intend to move to, use that.
_________________
KA

Better three than four.

[Toro]