Re-importing an original UK car back to Uk

Hi. I’ve a RHD car which was originally imported to France when I arrived in 2020 that I am looking to sell. Thinking as it’s originally a UK registered car it might sell better over there, but am unsure if I’ll get stung by customs fees if I reimport it to the UK (in which case what’s the impact), or if it would be easier just to sell it here in France and accept I may get a lower price. BMW Z4, 65k miles. 2012 CT to Dec 2026. Good condition.

You can take it back without penalties providing you meet all the criteria.

As Adam has pointed out, if you meet the criteria then it’s not an issue.
I took back a UK RHD 2018 Volvo in January and sold it in March once the NOVA and DVLA process had completed.

Was you reimport within the 3 year time limit?

What 3 year time limit?

The one mentioned in the Govt website if you’ve lived abroad for more than 3 years you’re likely to be subject to duties when you reimport a previously uk registered vehicle.

Doesn’t apply to personal property such as a car.

I reimported a previously UK reg’d Transit in 2023 that I took to France in 2017, no duty or VAT to pay.

No, it was more than three years. I did hold my breath until I got the NOVA clearance as like you I saw the three year condition mentioned.

Provided the original exporter is the re-importer of the car - does this not negate the three year bit?

(I confess to not having a clue though as I have never re-imported a UK car… :joy:)

This mentions the goods still having to be returned in less than three years for the relief to be valid.

Returned personal property, vehicles, sports equipment or means of transport

Normal time limits for returning goods

The goods must be returned no later than 3 years after they were exported to be eligible for this relief.

What would a typical reduction be ? Percentage wise. 2012 car, bought in UK so VAT paid when new. Moved to France in 2020. Been here since

There is no import duty or VAT to pay!

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Well, going on my experience the relief was 100% - if that is what was deemed as required or as Tim is convinced there is none to pay anyway for personal property (in spite of what the documents state). :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

It might be worth doing a bit of research on used car prices here in France.

Compared to the UK depreciation is much lower here so even if your RHD car might fetch less than the same as a LHD version it might still be worth more than trying to flog it in the UK.

OK, your potential buyer pool is limited, but there are people out there who don’t mind having RHD, especially arriving Brits who can’t be bothered with the hassle of converting their UK wheels to French registration.