Motorcycles · Thailand
How to import a Honda CT125 or a motorbike from Thailand to the UK
A motorbike built in Thailand pays 8% duty up to 250cc (6% above) and 20% import VAT, because the UK has no trade deal with Thailand. Honda's own specifications list the CT125 Hunter Cub and the Super Cub C125 as built by Thai Honda in Thailand. A Thai-market bike under 10 years old normally needs a full MSVA test before the DVLA will register it.
In this article
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1. Where the CT125 and C125 are built
Honda Japan's specification pages give the manufacturer of both the CT125 and the Super Cub C125 as Thai Honda, with Thailand as the country of manufacture. For customs that makes them Thai-origin goods wherever you buy them. The Super Cub C125 is sold by Honda UK; the CT125 was not in Honda UK's current range when we checked on 27 September 2026.
2. Duty and VAT on a Thai bike
On the UK tariff, heading 8711, bikes up to 250cc pay 8% third country duty and bikes over 250cc pay 6%. Thailand has no preference on these codes: it is not covered by a UK trade agreement or the Developing Countries Trading Scheme. Import VAT is 20% on the price, shipping and duty.
| Bike | Duty | Import VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CT125 or C125 (125cc, built in Thailand) | 8% | 20% |
| Thai-built bike over 250cc | 6% | 20% |
The same bike built in Japan or the EU would pay 0% duty with proof of origin, so check the plate or the manufacturer's data for where yours was made.
Free VAT and duties calculator. Enter where your bike was built, its age, the price and the shipping, and see the duty and VAT in pounds.
Work out my import tax3. The MSVA test for a Thai-market bike
A bike under 10 years old that has no European type approval must pass Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) before first registration. A Thai-market bike does not come with an EU Certificate of Conformity, so plan on a full test: DVSA lists £85 for a two-wheeled MSVA in working hours (DVSA fees). The inspection checks that the speedometer can show mph and that the headlamp dips for driving on the left. From 1 April 1984 the Construction and Use rules also want km/h on the speedometer (regulation 35 of the Construction and Use Regulations), so a dual-scale speedometer covers both.
The bike needs a VIN before the test. If it has none, GOV.UK says to write to the DVLA first.
4. NOVA and DVLA registration
Whether the bike comes by sea or by air, the UK side is the same: the import declaration and payment of duty and VAT, then tell HMRC within 14 days (NOVA). Bikes of 48cc or less can be registered without telling HMRC first. Then send form V55/5 with the MSVA certificate, the original Thai registration document if the bike was registered, and the £55 fee (GOV.UK registration guidance).
5. Older Hondas and classic dating
A bike over 10 years old skips MSVA. For a classic Honda without readable papers, a dating letter proves its age, and we obtain it for you. A bike built before 1 January 1986 pays no vehicle tax from 1 April 2026 once you have applied for the historic tax class; it is not automatic (GOV.UK).
Bought a bike in Thailand? Send us more details and see how we can help you handle the import. Over 1,500 vehicles cleared since Brexit, from £95.
Get a free quote for my Honda CT125Common questions
Where is the Honda CT125 made?
Honda Japan's specifications list Thai Honda as the manufacturer and Thailand as the country of manufacture, for both the CT125 and the Super Cub C125.
How much duty on a motorbike from Thailand?
8% for bikes up to 250cc and 6% above 250cc, plus 20% import VAT. The UK has no trade deal that lowers duty on Thai-built bikes.
Does a Thai-market Honda CT125 need MSVA?
Yes, if it is under 10 years old. It has no EU Certificate of Conformity, so it needs a full MSVA test, which DVSA lists at £85 in working hours.
Do I need NOVA for a 125cc bike?
Yes. Only bikes of 48cc or less can be registered without telling HMRC first.