For many car enthusiasts in the UK, the dream Lamborghini and Ferrari aren’t always found in local showrooms. Sometimes, the only way to get behind the wheel of your ideal supercar is to bring it in from overseas. Whether it’s the latest Lamborghini or the greatest Ferrari of all time, you may meet your dream purchase overseas.
The thought of importing a luxury vehicle may sound daunting, but it’s actually a common path, especially for collectors and drivers looking for a specific ride. If you’ve been planning to import a Ferrari or Lamborghini from overseas, there are a few things that you must keep in mind.
How To Import Lamborghini and Ferrari to the UK
There are a few steps involved when you import Ferrari and Lamborghini. The UK is strict about car importing, so there’s a chance you’ll be prosecuted if your imported vehicle is seen on the road before you properly complete the required steps.
The importing steps might also differ based on whether you’re using an import company to help you, or if you do so independently by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel. A specific type of car, like a hybrid Ferrari, may also need additional checks on emissions compliance. There’s one exception for commercial importers of new vehicles, as they use a different scheme and don’t have to perform the same steps.
If You Use a Company To Import Lamborghini or Ferrari
- Make an import declaration: Pay your chosen shipping company to assist you on this step. The company can do the declaration before the vehicle is transported to the UK, or after it arrives at the UK border.
- Pay VAT and customs duty: You must pay your VAT and customs duty at the UK border, but if you’re using a shipping company, they would likely arrange this for you.
- Report to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC): Make a report of your vehicle arriving at the HMRC within 14 days of the car’s arrival in the UK.
- Get vehicle approval: Before you can use the car, it must be checked to ensure its safety and that it has met the environmental standards applied to the UK.
- Register and tax the vehicle: Go to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You’ll then receive a registration number to create the new vehicle’s number plates.
- Insure your vehicle: Ensure your car remains safe before you take it to the roads.
- Check for damage: If your car is damaged before you ship it, see if you can register it in the UK before it’s imported. Then you can get in touch with us to replace the damaged parts.
If You a Import Ferrari or Lamborghini By Ferry or Through the Channel Tunnel
- Report to HMRC: Tell HMRC about your car’s shipment within 14 days of the car’s arrival.
- Make an import declaration: Based on the result of your consultation with HMRC, you might need to pay VAT and customs duty through a customs agent or a shipping company, so they can help you make the import declaration.
- Make a Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) declaration: During your visit to HMRC, consult them on how you can make your NOVA declaration.
- Get vehicle approval: Ensure your car meets the environmental and safety standards.
- Register and tax the vehicle with DVLA: Get a registration number for your new vehicle’s number plates.
- Insure your vehicle: Keep your vehicle safe before you drive it on the roads.
- If your vehicle is damaged: Check for any damage before you import the car so you can register the damage in the UK. Then take them for a fix or find parts replacements once you’re inside the UK.
Temporary Visit to the UK
If you’re not a UK resident but want to import Ferrari or Lamborghini to the UK, you need to adhere to the temporary import rules. There are different rules and forms to fill in depending on where you permanently reside, your reason for visiting the UK and how you plan to use your car while you’re in the country.
How To Make an Import Declaration
You need to make an import declaration to bring a vehicle into the UK from anywhere except the Isle of Man. If you’re hiring a shipping company or customs agent, they’ll usually make the import declaration for you. Your only task is to bring the vehicle in, or to the border. Then, you’ll have to pay your customs duty or VAT at the border.
On the other hand, if you ship your vehicle independently by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel, you only need to make an import declaration if there are customs duties or VAT to pay. The HMRC will tell you if you have to pay once your vehicle enters the UK. If you need to make an import declaration, however, you still need to pay a customs agent or a shipping company to handle it for you.
Reporting to HMRC
When importing a vehicle, you have 14 days to report the car’s arrival to HM Revenue and Customs. This is a must as you can’t register the vehicle before the HMRC knows about your imported vehicle. Be punctual with this, as you might be fined if you’re only reporting after the 14 days have passed.
What may change how you report to HMRC is where you’re importing the car from:
Importing Into Northern Ireland From Outside the EU or Into Great Britain From Other Countries
If you’re a VAT-registered company, you need to report to HMRC through a NOVA declaration within 14 days of your car’s arrival. If you’re somehow unable to use the NOVA online service, ask for a VAT NOVA1 form.
If you import a Lamborghini or Ferrari as a private individual, you still need to make a NOVA declaration. If you’re using a shipping company or customs agent, ask them to make you one (but you may have to pay extra for this). The other option is to ask the HMRC’s CARS team to make the declaration on your behalf.
Importing From the Isle of Man
If you’re planning to ship a car from the Isle of Man, you can skip the NOVA application. The only thing you need is the Isle of Man registration document for the vehicle you’ve shipped and the completed form V55 to the DVLA.
For vehicles with UK licence plates (or non-Isle of Man plates), ask for a NOVA1 form from the imports and exports helpline. Then, send the filled form alongside a cover letter explaining your situation to the Personal Transport Unit.
Paying Customs Duty and VAT
A Ferrari and a Lamborghini already have a steep price tag and may also come with costly maintenance. As a Ferrari or a Lamborghini owner, you’ll likely be curious if the value of your supercar will affect your customs duty and VAT.
The truth is, VAT for Lamborghini and Ferrari may be more costly than regular vehicles, as it’s charged on the total cost of the vehicle. If you have accessories that you bought alongside the car or hire a delivery service for it, you may also be charged extra.
The type of vehicle and where it’s shipped from will also affect the rates you’re charged. If you want to check before you import a Lamborghini or Ferrari, you can call the HMRC helpline and ask for the estimation based on the model you just bought.
How Long You’ve Owned the Car
If you’ve bought the car while you’re living outside of the UK for at least one year (185 consecutive days) and have purchased the car for over six months before returning to the UK permanently, you might not have to pay any import VAT or duty. All you need to do is bring:
- A proof of foreign residency from a year ago (or longer), such as a bank/mortgage statement or utility bill.
- The proof of vehicle ownership that shows you’ve purchased it at least six months ago, such as a title/registration document or insurance certificate.
EU-Built Vehicles
There’s a special rule for EU-built vehicles, which means the rules apply when you import a Lamborghini or Ferrari. If the car is already registered in Europe, you won’t have to pay any duty charges or 20% VAT. However, if not, due to Brexit, you need to pay full VAT and duty.
Cars Over 30 Years Old
If you import a Ferrari or Lamborghini aged 30 years or older, the UK allows you to bring them in without any duty and a lower VAT of 5%. However, there shouldn’t be any major modifications to the vehicle. If you think your chosen vehicle fits the criteria, you should apply to customs early to confirm your duty and VAT amount.
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