Ship Car to England with Trusted International Transport Support
Move Your Car To Or From England
England is part of the United Kingdom but is an independent country that shares its borders with Wales and Scotland. It has the Irish Sea towards the north and the Celtic Sea on the southwest. Though it is part of Europe, it is separated from the mainland by the English Channel and the North Sea. England covers the fifth-eighth of the United Kingdom and includes the Isles of Wight and Isle of Scilly, apart from over a hundred smaller islands.
Understanding UK Import Duties and VAT
When importing a vehicle into the UK, knowing the associated taxes is essential. Typically, you'll be required to pay a 10% import duty and 20% VAT, calculated based on the total cost of the vehicle, including shipping and insurance. However, exceptions exist. For instance, classic cars over 30 may qualify for a reduced VAT rate of 5% and are exempt from import duty. Additionally, if you're relocating to the UK and meet specific criteria, you might be eligible for relief from these charges. It's crucial to consult with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or a customs broker to determine your exact obligations.
Cost & Time Examples For Hauling a Vehicle to England
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| England to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $2700 | 5+23 days |
| Country Limits to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $3500 | 5+35 days |
| Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to England | $450 | $3500 | 5+35 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to The Area | $550 | $3500 | 6+35 days |
| Seattle, WA to (California port) to England | $550 | $3500 | 6+35 days |
| Country Limits to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $2700 | 6+23 days |
| Chicago, IL to (New York port) to England | $675 | $2700 | 6+23 days |
| Miami, FL to (New York port) to Country Limits | $925 | $2700 | 7+23 days |
| England to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $1,025 | $3500 | 7+35 days |
| Houston, TX to (New York port) to Local Area | $1,075 | $2700 | 7+23 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Vehicle Compliance and Modifications
Vehicles imported into the UK must meet local safety and environmental standards. This often necessitates modifications, especially for cars from countries with differing regulations. Standard adjustments include converting speedometers to display miles per hour, modifying lighting systems, and ensuring emissions compliance. After modifications, vehicles typically undergo an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to certify their roadworthiness. Failing to meet these standards can result in registration delays or additional costs.
Navigating the Customs Clearance Process
Efficient customs clearance is pivotal to avoid unnecessary delays and costs. Upon your vehicle's arrival in the UK, you must submit a Notification of Vehicle Arrival (NOVA) to HMRC within 14 days. This process ensures that all VAT and duty obligations are addressed promptly. Engaging a reputable shipping company or customs agent can streamline this process, as they can handle documentation, liaise with HMRC, and ensure compliance with all requirements. Proper planning and professional assistance can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected fees or complications.
Moving Vehicle to England
If you plan to import your vehicle from the United States to England, there are a few important notes that you should be aware of. An import will run between $2,300 and $4,800, depending on the size of your vehicle and the options you choose. When you import your vehicle to England, you will enjoy the simplicity of this process when you have a company like A1 Auto Transport Service working on your side.
Before you begin the process of importing a vehicle, you will need to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations associated with importing to this country. You will first need to determine whether you are moving to England for a temporary job or visit, or whether you plan to make this trip permanent.
Importing a vehicle is not difficult or even intimidating. It is important to hire a reputable company like A1 Auto Transport Service to assist you in your importing process. Unlike shipping to other countries, when shipping to England, you do not have any language barriers to prevent your import from going through.
Taxes and Regulations Governing Import
When importing, you will need to pay all fees associated with importing, including the VAT, which is based on the value of your vehicle. Specific regulations are mandatory, such as vehicle adherence to the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 and ensuring that the vehicle meets AS safety and emission requirements. You may get more information about it at the Individual Vehicle Approval Scheme.
If your vehicle is a classic built before 1950, you will not be charged any duty, and the VAT is only 5%. If you ship a truck or a commercial vehicle into the country, you will be charged 22% duty and the standard VAT of 20%. If your vehicle will be in the UK for less than six months, you must fill out and submit form C110, which will exempt you from those fees. Additionally, you will need to submit the import document C104A. If you intend to import a car to England over thirty years old, you might need to get more information at the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). You may not need to pay any taxes or a maximum of 5% VAT if there are no modifications to the chassis and engine of the vehicle. If you import a commercial vehicle, the taxes are about 22% with an additional 20% VAT.
Verified and Validated Import Documents
However, you will be required to submit the documents to the U.S. Customs at the exit port and to the customs in the United Kingdom. You will need to submit the necessary paperwork to finalize your import request. You will need:
- Bill of Lading
- Proof of ownership
- Registration card
- Passport
- Form C104A
All duties must be paid as soon as your vehicle enters the country. You will also need to pay Value Added Tax. Be sure to ask about exemptions so you will know if you qualify before your vehicle makes it to the new country. You can check with the United Kingdom Embassy to learn more about the rules and regulations regarding shipment to England.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to England from the U.S.?
Shipping a car to England from the U.S. typically costs between $1,100 and $2,500. Pricing is influenced by vehicle size, shipping method, departure port, and seasonal demand. Roll-on/Roll-off is usually the lowest-cost option, while container shipping adds protection at a higher rate. Import VAT and duties are separate from transport pricing. Use an international car shipping rates calculator for realistic budgeting.
How long does it take to ship a car from the U.S. to England?
Transit time usually ranges from 14 to 30 days port to port. East Coast departures arrive faster than West Coast shipments. RoRo vessels average 14–21 days, while container shipping typically takes 21–30 days. Customs clearance and inland delivery within England may add several days. Weather conditions and port congestion can also affect final delivery timing.
What documents are required to ship a car to England?
You’ll need the original vehicle title, bill of sale, passport copy, and a signed shipping authorization. UK customs may also require a NOVA declaration and proof of ownership length. Vehicles with liens need lender approval before export. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the most common cause of delays when shipping internationally. Full documentation standards are outlined in our international car shipping guide.
What import taxes and VAT apply when shipping a car to England?
Most vehicles imported into England are charged 10% import duty plus 20% VAT, calculated on the vehicle’s value including shipping costs. Some owners qualify for Transfer of Residence relief, which can eliminate these charges if eligibility rules are met. Classic vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for reduced tax rates if they meet originality standards. Cost factors are explained in the car shipping rates resource.
Can I ship personal items inside my car to England?
Shipping personal items inside your vehicle is strongly discouraged. UK customs frequently inspects imported vehicles, and undeclared contents can lead to delays, fines, or confiscation. Most carriers also restrict interior loading due to insurance and port security rules. For smoother clearance, ship household goods separately and keep the vehicle empty except for factory-installed equipment.
Are there vehicle age or compliance rules for importing cars into England?
England allows vehicle imports of any age, but compliance rules vary by model year. Cars under 10 years old must meet UK safety and emissions standards and may require modifications. Vehicles over 30 years old often qualify as classics and are exempt from many requirements. Choosing container or enclosed transport can help protect non-compliant vehicles during transit, as explained in our enclosed auto transport overview.
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