Importing a classic car from Germany to the UK means clearing UK customs, paying 5% import VAT on a qualifying classic over 30 years old (instead of 20%), filing a NOVA notification, and registering with the DVLA. German-built cars can also avoid customs duty entirely. Here is what to expect on a Porsche, Mercedes or BMW.
The rates on a German classic
Germany is the deepest market in Europe for enthusiast cars, and the numbers work in your favour if the car is old enough. A classic over 30 years old in original condition pays 0% duty and just 5% VAT. Even for newer German cars, the 10% duty drops to 0% because they were built in the EU, as long as the seller provides a valid origin declaration.
| Vehicle | Duty | VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Classic over 30 years, original (e.g. air-cooled 911) | 0% | 5% |
| Modern German car, valid origin proof | 0% | 20% |
| Modern German car, no origin proof | 10% | 20% |
On a €40,000 air-cooled Porsche 911, the classic rate against the standard 20% VAT is a five-figure difference. The classification is the whole game.
The process in short
- Customs declaration. A UK import declaration is filed and HMRC confirms the VAT and any duty due.
- Pay VAT and duty. 5% for a qualifying classic, 20% otherwise, on the price plus transport.
- File NOVA. HMRC must be notified within 14 days of the car arriving, and this has to clear before registration.
- MOT or approval if needed. Cars over 40 years are MOT-exempt; some need an IVA test.
- DVLA registration. Submit the application, get a UK number, order plates.
German sellers often hold the vehicle brief (Fahrzeugbrief, Part II) as well as the registration certificate (Part I). Make sure you collect both, plus any TÜV history. The origin declaration is the document that unlocks 0% duty on a newer car, so ask for it in writing before you pay.
Bringing a German classic home?
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Get my free import assessmentWhat to check before you buy
- Confirm the car's exact build date, since 30 and 40 years are the two thresholds that matter
- Ask for an EU origin declaration if it is a newer car, to secure 0% duty
- Collect both parts of the German registration and any service or TÜV records
- Gather evidence of originality if you want the 5% classic rate
Since Brexit we have cleared and registered over 1,500 vehicles into the UK, including many from Germany. If you would rather skip the queues at HMRC and the DVLA, talk to a classic car import specialist and we will tell you exactly what your car will cost to sort.