Vehicle Customs Clearance for UK Imports and Exports
Understanding UK car import tax is essential when bringing a vehicle into the country, and ShipMyWheels provides clear support throughout the process. We help clients navigate vehicle import tax UK requirements, ensuring all duties, VAT considerations, and documentation are prepared correctly before arrival.
With full UK-side coordination, we manage customs declarations, compliance checks, and supporting paperwork to reduce delays and avoid unexpected costs. Whether importing for personal use or commercial purposes, we ensure your vehicle is processed efficiently and ready for registration in the UK.
What We Handle: End-to-End Import & Export Processing
Our specialist freight forwarding services support international vehicle movements and customs coordination across major global markets, helping private owners, dealerships, relocation clients, and commercial operators move vehicles safely and compliantly to and from the UK. ShipMyWheels provides structured transport solutions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and beyond.
ShipMyWheels coordinates reliable international transport services using RoRo, container, and specialist oversized freight solutions, while also helping clients understand UK car import tax requirements before vehicles arrive in the country. Whether managing vehicle distribution, specialist movements, or fleet logistics, our team ensures every shipment is prepared with the correct customs procedures, documentation, and port handling in place.
With extensive experience managing international customs coordination, ShipMyWheels provides guidance on vehicle import tax UK requirements, including import duty on cars in UK and overall import car tax UK considerations. Our tailored logistics and customs support ensure vehicles are moved safely, compliantly, and efficiently throughout the journey.
When managing international vehicle movements, ensuring the correct customs procedures and compliance documents are in place is essential to avoid delays and unexpected charges. ShipMyWheels simplifies the customs clearance process and supports clients with the documentation required for smooth vehicle imports and exports to and from the UK.
We provide full UK-side customs clearance services, including review of commercial invoices, packing lists, Bills of Lading, and customs declarations. Our team also assists with NOVA submissions, registration documentation, and compliance checks, while helping clients understand UK car import tax requirements before vehicles arrive in the country.
For importers, exporters, dealerships, and commercial operators, we provide guidance on vehicle import tax UK procedures, including import duty on cars in UK and overall import car tax UK considerations. Whether coordinating private imports, fleet movements, or specialist vehicle shipments, ShipMyWheels ensures every movement is managed accurately, compliantly, and professionally from start to finish.
At ShipMyWheels, we understand the importance of safely preparing vehicles for international transport and ensuring all customs and compliance requirements are handled correctly before departure or arrival. Every shipment is carefully assessed to ensure the correct loading and securing method is used, whether through RoRo, container, or specialist transport solutions.
We provide professional handling for private, commercial, and specialist vehicle movements using secure lashing procedures and structured port handling practices. For oversized or high-value units, our team ensures correct positioning, compliance checks, and adherence to shipping line safety procedures before departure. We also advise clients on shipment preparation, including battery isolation, fluid checks, and securing loose components for transit, while helping clients understand potential UK car import tax obligations linked to international movements.
All vehicles are inspected prior to departure to verify condition and documentation, with shipment updates and handling records available throughout the process. Whether supporting imports, exports, dealership movements, or specialist fleet logistics, ShipMyWheels provides guidance on vehicle import tax UK requirements, including import duty on cars in UK and overall import car tax UK considerations, ensuring every movement is managed safely, compliantly, and efficiently from departure through to arrival.
The 'Documents Often Required' section is a guideline only and not legal advice. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes to regulations.
NOVA Application
A required submission to HMRC when importing a vehicle into the UK. ShipMyWheels completes your NOVA filing to ensure the vehicle can be registered and that HMRC is notified of the vehicle's arrival, helping you stay fully compliant with UK import tax rules.
V5C Logbook
V5C Logbook (Vehicle Registration Document) - Often needed when exporting a car from the UK or re-importing a previously registered vehicle. This logbook proves ownership and UK registration history.
UK Customs Entry Form
UK Customs Entry Declaration - The core form used to clear a vehicle through UK customs. ShipMyWheels submits this directly at UK ports including entries via Felixstowe, Southampton, and Heathrow.
Commercial Invoice
A valuation document required for import duty on cars in UK. It outlines the price paid, origin, and terms of sale. We ensure this document is accurate and aligned with HMRC's valuation expectations.
EORI Number
Bill of Lading - Issued by the sea freight carrier, it confirms the vehicle's shipping route and consignee. Essential for customs clearance and matched to your EORI number for commercial imports.
Proof of Vehicle Purchase
Required for valuation and customs verification. This includes auction confirmations, invoices, or dealer receipts. ShipMyWheels checks that the documentation meets HMRC standards for customs entry.
Bill of Lading
Export Certificate - Issued by the DVLA when a vehicle is leaving the UK permanently. This is submitted with your UK customs clearance paperwork if you're exporting a used car or motorcycle.
Temporary Import Declaration
Needed for short-term vehicle entries, such as for events or display. We handle the UK-side documentation for vehicles under temporary admission.
Export Certificate
EORI Number - Required for anyone importing vehicles into the UK for business purposes. ShipMyWheels assists in registering and linking your EORI number to ensure all customs entries are processed without delay.
DVLA Registration Pack
DVLA Registration Documentation Pack - Once NOVA is complete, this pack contains all required forms to apply for UK vehicle registration. We guide clients on assembling the correct documentation but do not file the DVLA application ourselves.
The 'Frequently Asked Questions' section is a guideline only and not legal advice. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes to regulations.
What documents are required for UK vehicle customs clearance?
You'll typically need your commercial invoice, bill of lading, proof of purchase, UK customs entry, and where applicable, your V5C logbook or export certificate. ShipMyWheels helps ensure these match HMRC import standards.
Do I need to complete a NOVA application for all car imports?
Yes. Every vehicle imported into the UK requires a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) to be submitted to HMRC. ShipMyWheels handles this as part of our customs clearance service.
How long does customs clearance take when importing a car into the UK?
Clearance can take 1-3 business days once the required documents are submitted. We expedite this process by pre-lodging UK customs entries and working with agents at Southampton, Felixstowe, Heathrow, and Dover.
Can I import a car from the USA or Japan through ShipMyWheels?
Absolutely. We regularly handle imports from both USA and Japan, including customs entry, NOVA filing, and UK car import tax calculations.
What are the import duties and VAT costs on vehicles entering the UK?
Import duties vary based on the vehicle's age, value, and origin. ShipMyWheels provides guidance on UK vehicle import tax and helps ensure accurate valuation for HMRC clearance.
Do I need an EORI number for importing a personal vehicle?
An EORI number is required for commercial imports and strongly recommended for high-value private imports. We assist with registration and linking to your entry documentation.
Can ShipMyWheels help with customs clearance if I buy a vehicle at auction?
Yes. We work with clients buying from online marketplaces or live auctions abroad, ensuring that the vehicle is cleared smoothly through UK customs and prepared for registration.
What if I'm temporarily importing a vehicle to the UK?
If you're temporarily importing a vehicle - for an event, display, or short-term use - we can file the appropriate customs declaration and help meet temporary import conditions.
How do I get the DVLA documents ready after customs clearance?
Once NOVA is approved and the vehicle is cleared, we guide you on preparing the DVLA registration pack and ensuring your documents align with UK requirements.
Do you offer customs support at all UK ports?
Yes. We clear vehicles at all major UK entry points, including inland terminals like Barking and ports such as Tilbury, Liverpool, and Immingham.
Contact Us for Expert Car Customs Clearance Support
Unsure about paperwork when shipping vehicles? We handle UK customs clearance and ensure all documentation is accurate and compliant. Please contact us on +44 208 754 9000 or email us on hello@yes2ship.com.
All quotations are subject to the final weight and dimensions of your shipment. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that all packages are packed safely and securely for transport prior to collection. Packages must not contain prohibited items, dangerous/hazardous goods (unless specified), or valuable items. Our prices are regularly reviewed and are subject to change without prior notice.
All business is conducted in accordance with the Standard Trading Conditions of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) - Latest Edition, which are available upon request.
