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Import Cars from the UK to Ireland

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars directly to Ireland. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK directly to Ireland. Whether you need a brand-new luxury car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK Car Export Service for Ireland – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications. All prestige brands are available, including Porsche, BMW, Bentley, Land Rover, Mercedes, Audi, and more.

VAT Reclaim Service

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is not an automatic discount; the VAT must be reclaimed from HMRC, which we manage as part of our service.

If you've already found a VAT-qualifying car with a non-export company, no problem. We can buy it for you, sell it to you VAT-free, manage the VAT reclaim, and handle the export to Ireland with everything taken care of.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

  • Mileage verification and HPI background checks
  • Full mechanical inspection
  • Paintwork reconditioning (if required)
  • Customisation, tuning, and modifications available

Car Shipping to Ireland

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK to Ireland car shipping service, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Ireland import requirements. Our team personally manages the logistics for each vehicle, ensuring your car is delivered directly to the port, ready for export.

Shipping from the UK to Ireland is fast and efficient. Depending on the transport method, shipping can take anywhere from same-day collection to 10 days. For those who prefer, we can arrange same-day collection and return with your vehicle from the UK. Cars being shipped on a transporter typically take up to 10 days, depending on scheduling.

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Ireland. We send all required documents to your address or clearing agent.

UK to Ireland Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Post-Brexit Vehicle Import Regulations

Since Brexit (January 2021), importing a car from the UK to Ireland has changed significantly. The UK is now treated as a 'third country' by EU standards, which means additional charges and stricter customs requirements now apply. It's essential to understand these changes before importing your vehicle.

Key Changes Post-Brexit to Keep in Mind

  • UK is now treated as a third country for customs purposes
  • VAT on vehicle imports: now applies to all vehicles imported from GB
  • Customs duty: 10% now applies to most vehicles (with some exemptions)
  • Customs declaration: mandatory for all vehicles from GB
  • Vehicle registration: must be completed within 30 days of entry

Ireland Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Ireland permits the importation of both new and used vehicles from the UK and other countries. However, the classification and requirements differ:

New Vehicles:

  • Maximum age: 6 months old or less than 6,000 km travelled
  • Must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC) confirming EU type-approval (or equivalent UK approval before Brexit; see special considerations below)
  • Subject to VAT at 23% on import
  • Subject to VRT on registration

Used Vehicles:

  • No strict age limit
  • Must have valid documentation from country of origin
  • Subject to VAT at 23% on import
  • Subject to VRT based on CO₂ and NOx emissions

Vehicle Type Restrictions:

Vehicles must be designed and registered for road use and powered by mechanical or electrical means (or a combination). The following categories apply:

  • Category A: Cars and SUVs (standard passenger vehicles up to 8 passengers)
  • Category B: Commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes
  • Category C: Large vehicles (tractors, lorries, buses with 10+ seats, minibuses)
  • Category M: Motorbikes and motorcycles
  • Category D: Road construction vehicles, ambulances, fire engines

Documents Required for Ireland Car Import

  • V5 Logbook (UK vehicle registration document)
  • Certificate of Title/Ownership documents
  • Commercial Invoice (proof of purchase with date clearly shown)
  • Bill of Lading (if shipping via freight company)
  • Proof of Insurance
  • MOT Certificate (UK roadworthiness certificate)
  • Proof of identity (passport)
  • HPI Certificate (vehicle history report)
  • De-registration notification to DVLA (complete "Notification of Permanent Export" section of V5C)

Documents Required For Customs Clearance in Ireland:

  • Customs Declaration form (mandatory for all vehicles from Great Britain)
  • Copy of commercial invoice
  • Shipping manifest (if applicable)
  • Proof of payment for any customs duties
  • Master Reference Number (MRN) from customs declaration

For NCTS Registration:

  • Foreign registration document (V5C from UK)
  • Copy of Customs Declaration with Master Reference Number (MRN)
  • Supporting documentation:
  • For vehicles from GB: Customs Declaration proof and MRN
  • For vehicles from Northern Ireland: Either shipping details from EU country OR customs number and date from GB entry

For New Vehicles:

  • Certificate of Conformity (CoC) confirming EU type-approval
  • OR Individual Approval Certificate or Small Series Approval Certificate from NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland)

Important Note on UK Type Approvals:

Vehicles with UK type approvals (issued by the UK Vehicle Certification Agency) have special considerations. Guidance documents from NSAI and the Road Safety Authority should be reviewed before purchasing a new vehicle in the UK. This may affect registration and approval processes.

Customs duty of 10% applies based on the vehicle's origin:

Zero duty applies if:

  • Vehicle has UK Preferential Origin (built in UK), OR
  • Vehicle qualifies for Returning Goods Relief (RGR)—built in EU and returning within 3 years of leaving

10% duty applies if:

  • Vehicle was built outside the EU, OR
  • Vehicle origin cannot be proven, OR
  • Vehicle doesn't qualify for relief provisions

Important: Do not assume a vehicle's country of manufacture. For example, the BMW X5, X6, and X7 are built in the USA; the Mercedes GLE and GLS are built in the USA. Any vehicles built outside the EU will incur 10% duty regardless of age.

Calculate VAT at Import

All vehicles imported from Great Britain are subject to VAT at 23% on the customs value, which includes:

  • Purchase price
  • Cost of transport and insurance
  • Any customs duties payable

Pay all customs duties and VAT. Once payment is confirmed, the vehicle is cleared for entry into Ireland.

Ireland Car Import Duties & Taxes

Customs Duty (Great Britain vehicles):

  • Rate: 10% of CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
  • Exemptions:
  • UK Preferential Origin (vehicle built in UK)
  • Returning Goods Relief (vehicle built in EU, returning within 3 years)
  • Certain transfer of residence scenarios

Value Added Tax (VAT):

  • Rate: 23% (standard Irish VAT rate)
  • Applied to: All vehicles imported from GB
  • Calculated on: Purchase price + transport + insurance + customs duties

Note: Private imports are charged VAT at import; business imports may qualify for postponed accounting

Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT):

VRT is charged when you first register your vehicle in Ireland and is based on CO₂ and NOx emissions.

Motor Tax:

An annual motor tax is payable on all vehicles registered in Ireland. The amount depends on engine size (for older cars) or CO₂ emissions (for newer cars).

Transfer of Residence (TOR) Relief

If you are relocating permanently to Ireland from the UK or another country, you may qualify for Transfer of Residence (TOR) relief, which can provide substantial tax savings. To be eligible, you must be moving to Ireland to live permanently, have owned the vehicle before your move, have used it abroad for at least six months prior to arrival, have paid all applicable taxes and duties in the country of purchase, and have lived outside Ireland for more than 12 months. If approved, you may benefit from exemption from Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), VAT (where applicable for non-EU imports), and customs duty.

To apply, complete the relevant TOR form (Non-EU) or apply online via the Revenue MyEnquiries portal (EU applicants) at least two weeks before your vehicle arrives. You must provide the vehicle’s registration certificate (V5C/logbook), proof of ownership, valid Irish insurance, evidence that the car was used abroad, proof of residence outside Ireland for 12 months, and confirmation that you are taking up residence in Ireland. Upon arrival, inform Customs you are claiming TOR relief and await written approval from Revenue. If you register the vehicle before TOR approval is granted, you will need to pay VRT upfront; however, this will be refunded within five working days if your application is successful.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Ireland car import regulations, taxes, and procedures, consult these official sources:

Irish Government Agencies:

UK Agencies:

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK to Ireland?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality new and used vehicles directly from the UK to Ireland. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about importing a car to Ireland.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll handle the complexity of post-Brexit regulations so you don't have to.