Motorcycles

How to import a classic motorcycle to the UK

A classic motorcycle pays 0% duty and 5% import VAT only if it is at least 30 years old, in original condition and of a model no longer in production. Otherwise it pays 20% VAT plus 8% duty up to 250cc or 6% above, unless it was built in the EU, Japan, India or another country with a UK trade deal and you have proof of origin. A bike over 10 years old needs no approval test; the DVLA then needs proof of its age.

Updated 27 September 2026 · Published 24 July 2026 · 7 min read

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1. Duty and VAT on a classic bike

On the UK tariff, heading 8711, motorcycles and scooters up to 250cc pay 8% third country duty, and bikes over 250cc pay 6%. Import VAT is 20% on the price, shipping and duty.

Origin means where the bike was built, not where you bought it or the badge it wears: a Honda bought in Europe may have been built in Japan or Thailand.

2. The three tests for the 5% rate

note 1 to chapter 97 of the UK tariff applies the same rule to motorcycles as to cars. The bike must be in its original state without substantial changes to frame, steering, brakes, transmission, suspension or engine; at least 30 years old; and of a model or type no longer in production. Restoration is allowed if the bike stays historically correct. Modernised or modified bikes are excluded, so a café racer build or an engine swap usually means the standard rates.

3. MSVA: which bikes need a test

Motorcycles use Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) instead of IVA. The DVSA MSVA inspection manual lists "vehicles over ten years old" among those that do not need an approval certificate, so most classics skip it.

A bike under 10 years old needs one of three routes:

• No EU approval (for example a US or Thai-market bike): a full MSVA test, £85 in working hours (DVSA fees).
• An EU Certificate of Conformity but set up for driving on the right: a partial MSVA, £12, which checks the mph speedometer and that the headlamp dips for driving on the left.
• A CoC that says it is suitable for the left: no MSVA, a GB conversion IVA instead.

4. Proving the age: dating letters

The DVLA dates the bike from its original foreign registration document. If that is missing, it may accept other evidence of the date of manufacture, such as a dating letter (GOV.UK registration guidance). We obtain the right one for you.

5. NOVA and DVLA registration

After the import declaration, tell HMRC within 14 days (NOVA). Bikes of 48cc or less can be registered without telling HMRC first. Then the V55/5 goes to the DVLA with the £55 fee: we prepare and pre-fill it, you sign and post it. The DVLA gives a registration number and you have a plate made up.

6. Tax and MOT on older bikes

A bike built before 1 January 1986 pays no vehicle tax from 1 April 2026, once you apply for the historic tax class (GOV.UK). A bike built or first registered more than 40 years ago needs no MOT if there have been no substantial changes in the last 30 years (MOT exemption criteria). From 1 April 1984 the speedometer must show mph as well as km/h (regulation 35 of the Construction and Use Regulations).