UK CAR & COMMERCIAL EXPORTS TO IRELAND

SUMMARY

This guide explains how to import a car from the UK to Ireland, what costs and taxes to expect, and the services offered by Beck Evans, and how we can support you at every stage.

In short:

• Beck Evans is an award-winning UK dealer of prestige vehicles and an export specialist for Irish buyers; a level of service most UK dealers don't offer - with proven experience since 1970
• You can buy from our stock, have a vehicle sourced to order, or ask us to purchase a car you've found elsewhere in the UK and export it for you
• Export costs typically include vehicle price, shipping, VAT, VRT, and NCTS, all clearly explained before you commit
• Many Irish buyers reduce or avoid the 10% import duty through Returning Goods Relief (RGR) or UK preferential origin, where eligible
• VAT-qualifying vehicles (that Beck Evans specialises in) may allow export buyers to avoid paying UK VAT, reducing the overall cost
• We explain Irish VAT (23%), Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), and how these are calculated
• You'll understand the NCTS inspection process, registration steps, and what happens once the vehicle arrives in Ireland

If you want more details, continue reading or speak directly with our export team for a tailored quote.

WE KNOW THE IRISH IMPORT PROCESS INSIDE OUT

Buying and exporting a car to Ireland doesn't need to be stressful when you're working with specialists.

Important information notice

The information on this page is provided as a practical guide to exporting vehicles from the UK to Ireland and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.

Export rules, taxes, and relief schemes can change, and some details may vary depending on the vehicle and your circumstances.

For the most up-to-date guidance and a tailored export quote, we always recommend speaking directly with the Beck Evans export team.

NO HIDDEN FEES, NO SURPRISES

What does it cost to import a car to Ireland?

The cost of importing a car from the UK to Ireland depends on the vehicle and shipping method, but there are no surprises when we handle it for you.

Typical cost considerations include:

• Vehicle price - VAT-qualifying cars may save you up to 20%
• Shipping -usually €300-€800
• Import duty - normally 10%, but often reduced or avoided
• Irish VAT - 23% (applies in specific scenarios)
• VRT & NCTS fees - based on the vehicle's Irish valuation

We'll provide a clear, tailored export quote before you commit. Just speak to our export team.

SMARTER SHIPPING ACROSS THE IRISH SEA

Reliable, cost-effective vehicle shipping

We work exclusively with trusted shipping partners to arrange regular, reliable vehicle deliveries from the UK to Ireland.

Your shipping options:

• Roll-on / Roll-off (RoRo)
  Ideal for most vehicles. Simple, fast, and cost-effective.
• Container shipping
  Extra security or multiple vehicles. Personal items can travel with the car.

Delivery ports: Dublin, Rosslare, Cork

Typical times:

• RoRo: 3-7 days
• Container: 7-14 days

We handle every detail with our shipping partners. Just pick your vehicle and leave the rest to us.

HOW MANY IRISH BUYERS AVOID IMPORT DUTY

This is where experience really matters

Many vehicles exported from the UK to Ireland do not pay the standard 10% import duty, provided the rules are applied correctly.

RETURNING GOODS RELIEF (RGR)

RGR allows certain vehicles being imported into Ireland from the UK to avoid the standard 10% import duty, provided they originally came from the EU and are effectively "returning" to it.

What the RGR rules mean in practice

1. The car was originally manufactured in the EU

This means the vehicle was built in an EU country (for example, Germany, Spain, Italy, or France). Many premium and performance vehicles we sell meet this requirement.

2. It left the EU less than 3 years ago

This is the key timing rule.

In simple terms, RGR applies if:

• The vehicle was first supplied within the EU
• It was then exported to the UK
• And is now being brought back into the EU (Ireland) within three years

If more than three years have passed since the vehicle left the EU, RGR normally won't apply, and import duty may be payable.

3. It has not been modified outside the EU

The vehicle must be in the same condition as when it left the EU. Normal wear and servicing are fine, but significant modifications could affect eligibility.

If eligible, import duty is reduced to 0%.

UK PREFERENTIAL ORIGIN

In some cases, UK-built vehicles being imported into Ireland may qualify for reduced or zero import duty, even though they are entering the EU from the UK.

This typically applies to certain prestige, 4x4, and performance vehicles, such as Bentleys, Land Rovers, and Minis, manufactured in the UK, including models that Beck Evans regularly sells or can source for export to Ireland.

A vehicle may qualify for UK preferential origin if:

• It was manufactured in the UK, and
• At least 65% of its components originated from the UK

When these criteria are met, the standard 10% import duty may be reduced or removed, helping lower the overall cost.

During the full export quoting stage, we'll make it clear whether the vehicle you're interested in meets this criteria and if any import duty relief applies.

ADDITIONAL SAVINGS: VAT-QUALIFYING VEHICLES

In addition to potential import duty savings through Returning Goods Relief (RGR), some buyers may also benefit from purchasing a VAT-qualifying vehicle, an area Beck Evans specialises in.

A VAT-qualifying car is one where VAT was charged when it was first purchased by a business and has not been reclaimed. For export buyers, this can allow the 20% UK VAT to be reclaimed, something Beck Evans also specialises in through our VAT reclaim support, helping to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.

UNDERSTANDING IRISH VAT

Irish VAT is charged at 23%

VAT is payable on the customs value of the vehicle, which includes:

• The car's purchase price
• Shipping and transport costs
• Import duty (if applicable)

Important note: VAT is calculated after any applicable import duty is added, which means it is compounded with the total cost.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAX (VRT)

Vehicle registration tax made clear

VRT is calculated in Ireland based on:

• The vehicle's Irish market value (OMSP)
• CO2 emissions
• NOx emissions

Good to know:

• Lower-emission cars = lower VRT
• Electric vehicles can receive up to €5,000 VRT relief

We'll help you estimate VRT before the car leaves the UK, so there are no surprises on arrival.

NATIONAL CAR TESTING SERVICE (NCTS)

A straightforward final step

The NCTS is responsible for inspecting imported vehicles to:

• Verify their details, such as make, model, CO2 emissions, and condition
• Calculate the applicable Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)
• Issue an Irish registration number once all taxes are paid

This inspection is mandatory for all vehicles being imported into Ireland.

The NCTS process in 5 steps

1. Book inspection: Within 30 days of arrival
2. Prepare documents: Logbook, proof of purchase, customs clearance, and ID
3. Vehicle inspection: Checks emissions, odometer, and condition
4. Pay VRT: Calculated during the inspection
5. Receive registration: Fit Irish plates after registration

You are responsible for booking the NCTS inspection, but Beck Evans, with support from our trusted partners, is on hand to address any questions or concerns you may have at this stage.

ARRIVAL IN IRELAND: FROM PORT TO ROAD-READY

What happens after your car lands?

Once your vehicle arrives in Ireland:

• Customs clearance is handled by your agent
• Any taxes are settled correctly
• NCTS inspection is completed

• Irish plates, tax, and insurance are arranged

At every stage, we're on hand to guide you, even after the car has left the UK.

ABOUT BECK EVANS

Beck Evans is an award-winning UK automotive specialist, recognised globally for our expertise in exporting VAT-qualifying prestige, 4x4, and high-performance vehicles. Vehicle export is not something most UK dealers offer, it's something we've been doing with experience and care since 1970.

We support Irish buyers in three simple ways:

• Selling from our own stock
• Sourcing vehicles to your exact requirements
• Purchasing a vehicle you've found elsewhere in the UK

This means you're not limited to what's on our site; almost any suitable UK vehicle can be exported to Ireland with our support.

And if the vehicle is VAT-qualifying, you may also benefit from not paying UK VAT.

TALK IT THROUGH WITH AN EXPORT SPECIALIST

If you'd like to talk through any part of this in more detail, our team is happy to help.

Get in touch in the way that suits you:

• Use our contact form here, and we'll come back to you promptly
• Message us on WhatsApp to arrange a call or ask a quick question
• Call us directly on +44 (0) 208 302 0860 to speak with an export specialist

EXPLORE OUR EXPORT-READY VEHICLES

We're known for vehicle sourcing and exporting some of the finest prestige, 4x4, and high-performance VAT-qualifying vehicles, all fully supported for export to Ireland.

View export-ready stock for Irish buyers

WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE FULL EXPORT JOURNEY?

Our step-by-step export process explains exactly what happens at each stage, and who's responsible for what, from purchase to delivery in Ireland.

• View our UK vehicle export process
• View roles & responsibilities
• See our customisation services