Importing a car from the UK after Brexit, what to know

The United Kingdom remains one of the most attractive markets for buyers from the continent. Right-hand drive limits local demand, which creates room for good prices when importing into the EU. After Brexit, however, a customs border, a number of new forms, and several technical nuances were added that need to be understood before clicking "buy."

Brexit changed the rules, not the possibilities

Since January 2021 a trade agreement between the UK and the EU has been in effect, with no tariffs and quotas on goods originating in the UK or the EU. In practice this means that for a car manufactured in the European Union or the United Kingdom, you do not pay import duty if you prove origin via the seller's declaration or registration in REX. Address tax aspects of registering the vehicle directly with your tax advisor.

Customs formalities have been added. Goods cross the customs border in Calais, Dunkerque, or via the Channel Tunnel. For each transport you need an export declaration on the British side and an import or transit declaration on the EU side. This requires an EORI number and often the services of a customs broker.

Key documents for import from the UK

Without these papers, you will not move from the United Kingdom.

V5C logbook

The V5C, nicknamed the logbook, is the British registration document. When selling abroad, the seller fills in section 4 (export) and sends the original to the DVLA. They hand you the green V5C/4 card stamped with the export date. Without this part, you will not register the vehicle in Slovakia.

EORI number

Economic Operators Registration and Identification is a customs identification number. Slovak businesses obtain it through the Financial Administration; private individuals usually use the EORI of the carrier or customs broker. Without an EORI, you cannot file the import declaration.

T1 transit document

T1 is an electronic document for goods transported through the EU under customs supervision without immediate clearance. It is issued upon entry into the EU and closed at the destination customs office. For importing a car from the UK to Slovakia, it is used when you want to clear customs on the Slovak side.

ATA Carnet

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document for the temporary import and export of goods. For permanent import of a car to Slovakia you do not normally need it, but it is used for transporting classics or motorsport vehicles to an event and back.

Auction platforms and the typical purchase process

The largest volume of fleet cars flows through professional auctions. BCA UK and Manheim UK are the two strongest houses, where leasing vehicles from TCO operators, rental companies, and fleets are sold daily. An account requires a business registration and a deposit. After the hammer drops, you usually have 48 to 72 hours to pay and seven days to pick up.

When buying from a dealer or a private individual, the process is more flexible, but the same papers remain. Always request an HPI Check, the British equivalent of a vehicle history check. It reveals financing, total losses, and reported thefts.

You will find practical details for this destination in the car transport from the UK section.

The route across the Channel and logistics

The standard route runs from the UK via the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone to Calais, or by ferry Dover, Calais with operators DFDS and P&O. The tunnel is faster, the ferry often more flexible. We include the crossing fee directly in the transport; it is not charged separately.

The standard UK, Slovakia timeframe is 5 to 8 working days. In express mode we can shorten it if the vehicle is time critical. We will state the express surcharge in the quote. Throughout the entire route you have CMR insurance and a GPS link for tracking.

Right-hand drive and headlight conversion

British cars have right-hand drive and headlights set for driving on the left. Before registration in Slovakia, you must adjust the headlights so they do not blind oncoming vehicles. There are two options: applying official Euro stickers for older models, or reconfiguring through the service menu on newer vehicles with LED and matrix lights. Some models require headlight replacement, which should be considered in the calculation.

Right-hand drive is not an obstacle to registration. The technical inspection accepts it as long as the vehicle meets the emissions and technical limits. The practical inconvenience at toll booths and gas stations remains.

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay duty on a car from the UK?

For vehicles originating in the UK or EU and with a valid statement of origin, the duty is zero. For vehicles originating outside the UK and EU (for example, Japan, USA), you pay import duty, normally ten percent of the purchase price including transport.

What documents should I prepare for an import from the UK?

The V5C logbook, the purchase agreement or auction invoice, an EORI number, and an ID document. We will arrange the T1 transit document and the export procedure; the client does not need to handle customs formalities personally. Consult tax aspects of registration with your tax advisor; we are not tax advisors.

How long does car transport from the UK to Slovakia take?

Normally 5 to 8 working days, depending on the pickup location in the UK and border congestion. Express mode is available on request.

What about right-hand drive when registering?

Right-hand drive is not an obstacle for permanent import. The vehicle passes inspection and registration as long as the headlights are converted. For older classics, the headlights are swapped for continental ones.

Do I need an ATA Carnet to buy a car?

You do not. The ATA Carnet is for temporary export, for example exhibitions or competitions. For permanent import, T1 transit or direct customs clearance at the EU entry customs office is used.

I am buying through a BCA UK auction; what does the carrier handle?

After the hammer falls, you send the carrier the auction gate pass and a copy of the V5C. The carrier arranges pickup within the auction time frame, issues export papers, T1 transit, and delivers the vehicle to your address. The Brexit surcharge covers customs service; we will state the exact amount in the quote.

What's next

Import from the UK is an organized project. The sooner you send us the VIN, V5C, and purchase invoice, the faster we will prepare the transport, paperwork, and timing.

Start by requesting a quote. For destination details, see the car transport from the UK section, and if you want the convenience of pickup from the dealer and delivery to your home, choose the door to door service.