Car Import Guide

Both UK drivers looking to bring their first imported vehicle into the country and those individuals more experienced in this activity need to keep abreast of the regulations and procedures to import a car successfully and lawfully.

If you require answers to various questions such as those given below, then read on to find out all the information you might require:

• How to register an imported vehicle (The procedures and documentation required to register an imported vehicle)
• Temporarily importing a vehicle (Temporary use of a vehicle in the United Kingdom)
• What is the single vehicle approval (SVA) scheme?
• What are the components inspected during a SVA
• Finding an SVA and MSVA test station
• Single vehicle approval test fees (The fees for SVA tests)

Over the last few years there has been continuing debate about the over-pricing of new cars in the UK. This led, a few year ago, to a spike in the number of vehicles being imported from countries such as Japan, America and many EU countries. For example it became very popular to travel to a BMW main dealer in the Netherlands to purchase a brand new vehicle and import the car back to the UK. Thankfully, some might say, this phenomena has dwindled in the last 2-3 years as UK dealer forecourt prices has fallen into line with those of other nations.

Registering your Vehicle
A vehicle that is permanently imported for use in Great Britain (GB) must be registered and taxed as soon as possible after it arrives in the country. The vehicle should not be used or kept on public roads until the registration and vehicle tax formalities have been completed.

You will need to complete form VAT 415 if the car is less than six months old or has travelled less than 3,750 miles (6,000km). If the car is over the mileage or age limits you'll need to put pen to form VAT 414.

Single Vehicle Approval (SVA)
The Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) scheme is a pre-registration inspection for cars and light goods vehicles that have not been type approved to British or European standards. The main purpose of the scheme is to ensure that these vehicles have been designed and constructed to suitable safety standards before they can be used on public roads.

Import Car Insurance
To be certain of obtaining the lowest possible Import Car Insurance premium it is often sensible to choose an insurer partner who has a specialist knowledge of this sector. Leading companies will utilise their underwriting experts to deliver value-for money cover with high levels of protection.

Grey Import
A grey import is a vehicle designed and built for sale outside the EU, and imported into the UK. Because such a vehicle was not originally intended for sale in this country, it may not be manufactured to European specifications and may not have undergone European Type Approval.

Parallel Import
Parallel imports will have been produced for a European Member State and will conform to European Wide Type Approval.

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