Can you help calculate the VAT on a UK import?

Thank you for your reply.

You say that the 23 per cent VAT to be paid on the car being imported from the UK is based on the customs value which according to Revenue includes the purchase price. Does this mean the purchase price I paid in the UK and the customs value reflects the UK purchase price or is the 23 per cent VAT based on the customs value or purchase price of the car in Ireland?

Apologies but when I read up on it, it does not state if it's UK or Irish customs value or purchase price so it's a little confusing and I don't want to end up buying a car and be hit with a huge VAT invoice.

If you could break it down that would be great. So, I take a flight to UK, buy the car for £11,500 (or €13,610.77) and drive it back myself using the ferry. What VAT is due? I know import customs duty is 10 per cent, I'm just stuck on VAT.

Kind regards

Michael (Dublin)

Jan 2025 Filed under: importing

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Expert answer

Hi Michael,

VAT at 23 per cent is charged on the customs value, which as I mentioned before includes the purchase price (in the UK), the cost of transport and insurance, plus customs duties.

In your case, the purchase price is €13,610.77, which means customs duties of €1,361.08 (10 per cent). To those you’ll have to add the transport and insurance costs to bring the car back - i.e. your ferry fare. Let’s say €200. All that adds up to €15,171.85 as the customs value. The VAT should then be 23 per cent of that, or €3,489.53.

Please double check our calculations and take this as guidance only.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D