How much tax will you actually pay?
Two taxes apply when a vehicle comes into the UK: customs duty and import VAT. What you pay depends almost entirely on the age of the vehicle, and after that on where it was built. Cars, motorhomes and campervans follow the same rates.
| Your vehicle | Customs duty | Import VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Over 30 years old, original condition, built anywhere | 0% | 5% |
| Under 30 years, built in the EU or a country with a UK trade agreement (Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, South Korea, Turkey and others), origin claimed | 0% | 20% |
| Under 30 years, built anywhere else (USA, China, UAE and others) | 10% | 20% |
For a classic over 30 years old and original, origin stops mattering. American, Japanese or European, it is 0% duty and just 5% VAT.
How the calculation works
Both taxes are worked out on the customs value: the price you paid plus the shipping and insurance to the UK, converted to pounds at HMRC's official monthly exchange rate. Duty is worked out first. VAT is then charged on the value plus that duty, so the two stack.
Motorhomes and campervans
A motorhome or campervan pays the same rates as a car: 20% VAT, plus 10% duty unless it was built in the EU or another country with a UK trade agreement. One over 30 years old and in original condition, such as a classic VW camper, pays 0% duty and 5% VAT. Read our guides to importing a motorhome or campervan and importing a classic VW campervan.
Motorcycles
Bikes follow the same age logic, with different duty rates. A motorcycle built in a country without a UK trade agreement pays around 8% duty up to 250cc, or about 6% over 250cc, plus 20% VAT. A bike over 30 years old and original pays 0% duty and just 5% VAT, exactly like a car.
When you pay nothing at all
Some routes remove both taxes completely. The calculator covers each of them.
- Transfer of Residence: you are moving your home to the UK and bringing your vehicle with you.
- Returned Goods Relief: the vehicle left the UK and you, the same owner, are bringing it back.
- Inherited vehicles: the vehicle came to you through an estate.
- Diplomatic or Crown servant use.
Each has its own conditions, and HMRC decides in every case. If you think one applies to you, tell us and we will check it properly before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax do I have to pay to import my car to the UK?
It depends on the age of the car and where it was built. A classic over 30 years old in original condition pays 0% customs duty and a reduced 5% VAT, whatever country built it. A car under 30 years old pays 20% VAT, plus 10% duty unless it was built in the EU or another country with a UK trade agreement, such as Japan, Australia or Canada, and the origin is claimed on the customs declaration.
How is import tax on a car calculated?
Both taxes are worked out on the customs value: the price you paid plus the shipping and insurance to the UK, converted to pounds at HMRC's monthly exchange rate. Duty is worked out first, then VAT is charged on the value plus the duty, so the two stack together.
How much tax to import a classic car to the UK?
0% duty and 5% VAT, if it is over 30 years old, in original condition and of a model no longer in production. On 15,000 pounds of value that is 750 pounds, against 4,800 pounds for the same value on a newer car built in the USA.
How much tax to import a motorhome or campervan to the UK?
The same as a car. A motorhome or campervan under 30 years old pays 20% VAT, plus 10% duty unless it was built in the EU or another country with a UK trade agreement. One over 30 years old and original, such as a classic VW camper, pays 0% duty and 5% VAT.
How much duty do you pay importing a motorcycle?
Around 8% up to 250cc, or about 6% over 250cc, plus 20% VAT, if it was built in a country without a UK trade agreement. A bike over 30 years old and original pays 0% duty and just 5% VAT.
Can I import a car to the UK without paying tax?
Sometimes. Transfer of Residence relief can remove both taxes if you are moving to the UK. Returned Goods Relief applies if you are bringing back a car you exported yourself. Inherited and diplomatic vehicles may also qualify. HMRC decides.
Is this calculator accurate?
It applies the UK rates for 2026 and HMRC's official monthly exchange rate, and gives a reliable guide. It is not a formal quote: the final amount depends on HMRC's assessment of your specific vehicle, its condition and the documents provided.
Rates checked on 25 September 2026 against the UK Trade Tariff (cars and motorhomes, and collectors' vehicles) and GOV.UK. Exchange rates from HMRC's monthly rates.
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We have written these guides in plain English, based on over 1,500 vehicles cleared since Brexit.