What will I pay on importing a small van?

Hi,

I'm hoping you might be able to answer my question, please. I plan to purchase a small van from Northern Ireland and import it into the Republic. What charges will I incur when importing this vehicle? I am hoping to buy a Berlingo/Partner. Is there still a flat rate of €200 VRT or do I have to pay VAT in the ROI as well? I am not registered for VAT. Does VAT apply to new vehicles only?

Sorry, I know that was more than one question.

Thanks in advance,

Chris, Donegal

Christopher Britton

Oct 2019 Filed under: importing

---

Expert answer

Hi Christopher,

OK, the flat rate of VRT only applies to larger vehicles and camper vans. For a Berlingo or similar, you’ll be paying the ‘car-derived’ rate, which is 13.3 per cent of the Irish market selling price, as defined by Revenue. You only have to pay VAT on a new, or nearly-new, vehicle, so if it’s more than six months old, with fewer than 6,000km on the clock, then you won’t have to pay VAT.

Mind you, this is being written in early October, so if Brexit actually does happen on the 31st of this month, all bets could be off.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe