How much to import either this BMW or Audi?
Hi team,
I hope this message finds you well. I am considering importing a vehicle from the UK to Ireland and would appreciate your insights on the most cost-effective approach. Notably, I've observed a significant price disparity between the second-hand car market in Ireland and the UK, which calls for a re-evaluation of our local market.
Currently, I am interested in two specific models:
2017 (66-reg) BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 420d M Sport manual
2016 (16-reg) Audi A5 2.0 TDI quattro SE Sportback
Unfortunately, I find it challenging to determine the exact costs associated with importing these vehicles into Ireland. Could you please provide a breakdown of the expenses, including VRT, VAT, and customs duties?
Additionally, I would like to know if sourcing a vehicle from Northern Ireland would yield lower costs.
Lastly, if I engage a dealer to handle the import process on my behalf, would this approach potentially reduce the import expenses?
Thank you for your assistance!
Best regards
Dean McDonnell (Leixlip)Oct 2024 Filed under: importing
Expert answer
Hi Dean,
I'll address your questions in reverse order.
It may be possible to make savings if a dealer brings a car in for you, but we've never been through the process so couldn't say for sure. They obviously will still want to make a profit out of the sale, so I suspect most will be reticent to get involved in sourcing a specific car in the way you’re describing. If you know one personally, it’s worth having a conversation about it of course.
If you go it alone, sourcing a car from Northern Ireland should work out cheaper than from England, Scotland or Wales if the car has actually been registered there and then used by a private individual for “a reasonable period of time”. Those are Revenue’s words and it’s widely accepted that three months minimum is acceptable. The car in question should therefore be free of any VAT or customs duty on import to the south.
No matter where you import the car from, you will be liable for VRT and the NOx levy, depending on how much NOx and CO2 the car emits according to its official numbers. I suggest you read our How Much VRT Is Paid In Ireland? feature to gain a full understanding of that.
According to our records, the BMW described should have a CO2 rating of 119g/km, putting it into Band 10 for VRT, at a rate of 16 per cent. Just to confuse things, Revenue calculates VRT based on what it calls the Open Market Selling Price (OMSP). This is not what you actually paid for the car, but the value Revenue reckons it is worth on the Irish market. It’s difficult to predict as it’s not confirmed until you bring the car for inspection on arrival in Ireland, and extra equipment etc. can raise the price. Our guess for that BMW would be €28,000, meaning a VRT bill of €4,480.
According to our records, the BMW described should have a NOx output of 38mg/km, meaning a NOx levy of €190.
The equivalent data for the Audi shows a CO2 rating of 135g/km, meaning Band 13 for VRT at 19.25 per cent of the OMSP. If that’s €28,000 again (and always bear in mind Revenue may say it’s higher), then the VRT bill would be €5,390.
The Audi’s NOx rating is 45mg/km, meaning a NOx levy of €275.
Finally, if you import a car from outside the “customs union” - e.g. England, Scotland or Wales - it will be subject to VAT at 23 per cent and import duty of 10 per cent. Those are calculated using the price you actually paid for the car, plus transport costs.
Hopefully that has helped you understand a little more.
I’d also recommend you read our Guide to importing a car from Northern Ireland feature for more on that.
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor@Shane_O_D