Beck Evans Source my Car

EXPORTING VEHICLES TO CHANNEL ISLANDS

DISCOVER OUR SEAMLESS PROCESS AND WHAT SETS US APART

Experts in selling and exporting the finest VAT-qualifying vehicles - from tailored sourcing to hassle-free shipping to both Guernsey and Jersey.

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DELIVERING EXCELLENCE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

At Beck Evans, we're leaders in selling and exporting high-quality, high-performance, prestige, 4x4, and commercial VAT-qualifying vehicles from the UK to the Channel Islands. A VAT-qualifying vehicle may also save you significant VAT costs - more on this later.

What sets us apart is that we own our entire export stock, ensuring top-quality vehicles - unlike many UK exporters who act as intermediaries. We also offer unique services like car sourcing, and you find it, we export it - giving you access to your dream vehicle and hidden gems that aren't readily available in Guernsey or Jersey.

We handle all shipping, import duties, taxes, and fees for a hassle-free experience.

The benefits of VAT-qualifying vehicles

Buying a VAT-qualifying vehicle when importing to the Channel Islands can significantly reduce your overall costs*.

How VAT-qualifying cars can save you money

In the UK, vehicles are generally subject to a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT). However, when a VAT-qualifying vehicle is exported to Guernsey or Jersey, it can be sold without this VAT, allowing for considerable savings on the purchase price.

What makes a vehicle VAT-qualifying?

VAT-qualifying vehicles have never had VAT permanently applied, often because they were previously owned by VAT-registered businesses or leasing companies. This means they're eligible for VAT-free export, which helps you avoid unnecessary taxes when importing to the Channel Islands.

Why Beck Evans is the right choice

Unlike many UK dealers, Beck Evans understands the intricacies of VAT exemptions. We ensure that you don't have to pay the 20% UK VAT upfront and handle the VAT reclaim process on your behalf, saving you time and effort.

Important Note: The actual cost savings depend on various factors, including exchange rates, vehicle prices, shipping fees, local taxes, and administrative costs. In some cases, savings may not be realised compared to local purchases. For accurate, tailored advice, contact our export specialists for a personalised quote.

OUR STRAIGHTFORWARD EXPORT PROCESS

At Beck Evans, we make exporting your dream vehicle from the UK as seamless as possible.

WHAT SETS BECK EVANS APART IN CAR EXPORTING

An award-winning prestige and luxury car dealership in the UK, Beck Evans specialises in exporting the finest, highest-quality vehicles.

We own our stock

Unlike many car exporters who act as middlemen. This ensures top-notch quality.

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Vehicle sourcing & purchasing

Find your dream car with ease through our expert sourcing and purchasing services.

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The right vehicles for everyone

Serving customers across the Channel Islands with high-quality vehicles.

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Vehicle customisation

We don't just sell and export vehicles - we transform them!

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VAT paid upfront

You don't need to worry about any snooze-worthy VAT reclaim paperwork.

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Admin Support

Simplifying Channel Island import regulations with our seamless support.

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

When exporting a vehicle through Beck Evans, there are four key parties involved, to ensure a smooth export process to Guernsey or Jersey.

Party involved

Role

Responsibilities

Beck Evans (car dealer & export consultant)

Sells the vehicle and provides export guidance

  • - Helps the buyer select the right vehicle for export
  • - Provides VAT-free sales where applicable
  • - Advises on export regulations, paperwork, and costs
  • - Assists in arranging shipping with trusted partners
  • - Supplies necessary vehicle documentation (e.g., V5C, invoice, proof of origin if applicable)
  • - Arrange delivery to the port

Shipping company (If you choose shipping over picking up in person)

Handles the transportation of the vehicle from the UK to the destination country

  • - Provides shipping options (Roll-on/Roll-off or Container)
  • - Issues the Bill of Lading (proof of shipment)
  • - Ensures secure vehicle transport from the UK to the destination port

Customs agent (in the buyer's country)

Manages import clearance and compliance in the receiving country

  • - Handles import duty and VAT calculations
  • - Processes customs paperwork and clearances
  • - Advises the buyer on registration and legal requirements
  • - Assists in ensuring smooth delivery from the port

Buyer (importer)

Receives the vehicle and completes the import process

  • - Pays any applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees
  • - Provides necessary personal/importer details for clearance
  • - Registers the vehicle in the destination country
  • - Ensures the vehicle meets local regulations (e.g., roadworthiness tests, emissions compliance)

ESSENTIAL DETAILS FOR BUYERS

Costs, shipping, taxes, and everything you need to know about importing vehicles into the Channel Islands.

Content published: 25/03/2025. Last updated: 25/03/2025.

Total costs

The cost of importing a car from the UK to Guernsey or Jersey depends on factors like vehicle type, shipping method, and taxes. Contact our export team for a tailored quote at +44 (0) 208 302 0860 or message us here.

What's included in the costs?

Importing a vehicle to Guernsey
  • Vehicle purchase price: Varies based on make and model.
  • Shipping costs (Optional): Approx. £300-£800, depending on the method (Roll-on/Roll-off or container) and vehicle type.
  • Ferry costs (Optional): Will vary depending on the ferry operator and vehicle size. Typical fees range from £200 to £500.
  • No import duty: Since the vehicle is coming from the UK, which is within the Customs Union, it will not be subject to import duty as long as it's in *free circulation within the Customs Union.
  • Clearing agent fees (Optional): Approx. £100-£250. We can connect you with trusted customs agents to simplify the process and handle the necessary paperwork.
  • First registration duty fees: Approx. £50-£2,500, based on the vehicle's carbon dioxide emissions. This is in addition to the standard registration fees.
  • Registration fee: Approx. £57.

Useful links
Information on www.gov.gg/:

*Free circulation means the vehicle has already been cleared through UK customs and complies with all necessary regulations.


Importing a vehicle to Jersey
  • Vehicle purchase price: Varies based on make and model.
  • Shipping costs (Optional): Approx. £300-£800, depending on the method (Roll-on/Roll-off or container) and vehicle type.
  • Ferry costs (Optional): Will vary depending on the ferry operator and vehicle size. Typical fees range from £200 to £500.
  • Clearing agent fees (Optional): Approx. £100-£250. We can connect you with trusted customs agents to simplify the process and handle the necessary paperwork.
  • Common customs tariff (CCT): Varies - charged on all goods imported from the UK. To find out how much you will need to pay on UK Global Tariff on gov.uk
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST): 5% of the vehicle's total value, including all freight charges and insurance costs.
  • Vehicle Emissions Duty (VED): Charged based on the manufacturers' CO2 emissions data
  • Registration fee: Approx. £34.80

Useful links
Information on www.gov.je/:


Note: Costs are subject to change and were accurate at the time of publication. Prices may fluctuate due to supplier fees, currency exchange rates, regulatory updates, and other factors. We recommend contacting Beck Evans for the most up-to-date quote.

Click here for 'Shipping information'

Shipping information

Shipping your car to the Channel Islands requires careful planning. Contact our team for a tailored quote at message us here.

Shipping costs and options

Typical range: Approx. £300-£800, the price includes:

  • Transport from Beck Evans to the UK port
  • Shipping the vehicle to Guernsey or Jersey
  • Handling fees at the UK and Channel Islands ports

The cost will vary based on the shipping method:

1. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping:

  • Cost-effective and ideal for standard vehicles
  • The vehicle is driven onto the ship in the UK and driven off at the port in either Guernsey or Jersey

2. Container shipping:

  • Provides greater security and flexibility
  • Allows personal belongings to be shipped alongside the vehicle
  • A 40-foot container can fit up to two vehicles, reducing per-vehicle costs if shipping multiple cars.

Car transportation

We offer reliable and secure car transportation services, ensuring your vehicle is safely delivered to the UK port.

  • Collection & delivery: Your vehicle is carefully collected from our dealership and transported securely to the port, ensuring it reaches its destination perfectly.
  • Fully insured: Every vehicle is fully insured during transportation, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.

Shipping destinations and timeframes

  • Ports: Vehicles are shipped to St. Peter Port (Guernsey) or St. Helier (Jersey).
  • Delivery times: Typically 7-14 days, depending on the availability of the container and the shipping schedule.

Note: Costs are subject to change and were accurate at the time of publication. Prices may fluctuate due to supplier fees, currency exchange rates, regulatory updates, and other factors. We recommend contacting Beck Evans for the most up-to-date quote.

Click here for 'Arriving in the Channel Islands'

Arriving in the Channel Islands

Once your vehicle has arrived at the port in Guernsey or Jersey, there are a few essential steps to complete before it can be driven on the local roads. Here's what you need to know: whether your vehicle has been delivered or you have decided to pick it up via ferry.

Arriving in Guernsey

1. Clearing the vehicle through customs

When your vehicle arrives in Guernsey, it must be declared and cleared by customs. Since the vehicle is coming from the UK, you won't need to worry about customs duties or VAT, as it has already passed through UK customs. While there are no additional fees or taxes to pay, some paperwork is still required for clearance.

We can connect you with a trusted customs agent to handle the necessary documentation and ensure the process goes smoothly.

2. Temporary use of the vehicle

  • Permanent residents of Guernsey: You can drive the vehicle for up to 48 hours after taking ownership.
  • New residents moving to Guernsey: You may drive the vehicle for up to 14 days after it arrives.
  • After the allowed period, the vehicle must not be driven on the road and should be kept on private land until it is registered.

3. Vehicle registration process

To register your vehicle in Guernsey and get it legally on the road, follow these steps:

  • Complete the application: Fill out the vehicle registration application form and submit it to Edward T Wheadon House in Guernsey. You can do this by post or in person.
  • Provide proof of ownership: You must submit proof of ownership along with your application. This can be a bill of sale or the V5C (UK registration document). We will ensure you receive the V5C to submit.
  • Pay the registration fee: A one-off fee of £57 applies for first-time vehicle registrations in Guernsey. This is in addition to any applicable duties.
  • Submit the required documents:
       - For second-hand vehicles, provide the original V5C (UK logbook).
       - Provide the V55/1 Declaration of Newness or Certificate of Conformity for new vehicles.

First registration duty: As your vehicle is being registered in the Channel Islands for the first time, a First Registration Duty will apply. This duty is calculated based on the vehicle's type and value and is paid along with the registration fee. For more details on First Registration Duty, refer to the Guernsey Government's Registration PDF.

Do not worry. We understand this may seem like a lot to take in, but we're here to guide you through every step of the process.


Arriving in Jersey

1. Clearing the vehicle through customs

When your vehicle arrives in Jersey, it must be declared and cleared by customs. Here's what you need to do:

We can connect you with a trusted customs agent to handle all the paperwork and ensure a smooth process.

2. Temporary use of the vehicle

You can only drive the imported vehicle in Jersey:

3. Vehicle registration process

Registering a vehicle in Jersey requires a few key documents and steps, whether the vehicle is new or used.

Bringing a vehicle from the UK

You'll need the complete V5C (UK registration document) to import a car from the UK. Don't worry - we'll ensure you receive the full V5C beforehand.

Used vehicles

An inspection is required before registering a used vehicle in Jersey. To book the inspection, complete the VRD17 booking form and either:

Additionally, be sure to also provide or email the V5C.

Inspection fees depend on the vehicle:

  • £42.50 for vehicles with EU or UK Whole Vehicle Type Approval
  • £471.50 for vehicles without Whole Vehicle Type Approval
  • £108.60 for vehicles over 25 years old without EU or UK Whole Vehicle Type Approval

Once the vehicle passes inspection, you'll need the following documents to complete registration:

Don't worry - we'll provide everything you need and guide you through the process.

New Vehicles

For new vehicles, there's no fee for the initial check. You'll need to provide:

  • V55/1 Declaration of Newness from the manufacturer
  • Evidence of EU or UK Whole Vehicle Type Approval or a Certificate of Conformity
  • Completed application form (VRD2)
  • Registration fee of £34.80

Vehicle registration number

Your vehicle will be assigned a registration number during the registration process.

You can request a specific number for an additional fee.

Exemptions and fees

Some vehicles, like electric cars (e.g., Citroen Ami, Renault Twizy), may be exempt from specific inspection and licence fees. Contact DVS for more information.

Do not worry. We understand this may seem like a lot to take in, but we're here to guide you through every step of the process.

OUR LATEST EXPORT-READY STOCK

Our awesome selection process ensures we provide the highest quality VAT-qualifying vehicles available.

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START YOUR EXPORT JOURNEY TODAY

Our export specialists are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process.