Guide · Updated October 2026

Importing a Classic Car to the UK: Historic Vehicle Relief

A classic vehicle imported into the UK can be treated as a collectors' item: no import duty and an effective VAT rate of 5%, instead of 10% duty and 20% VAT. To qualify it must be at least 30 years old, of a model no longer in production, and in its original state, with no substantial changes to the chassis, body, steering, brakes, transmission, suspension or engine.

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Age

At least 30 years old

Model

No longer in production

Condition

Original state: restoration allowed, modification not

Import duty

0%

VAT

Effective 5%

Customs code

Tariff heading 9705 (collectors' items)

The three tests

To be classed as a historic vehicle for import, the vehicle must pass all three:

  • It is at least 30 years old
  • It is of a model or type that is no longer made
  • It is in its original state, with no substantial changes to the chassis, body, steering, brakes, transmission, suspension or engine

Restoration and replacing worn parts with like-for-like parts are fine. A restomod, an engine swap or a modernised car usually is not, and pays the standard rates.

What you pay, with an example

Car value plus shipping
US$31,500 (for example US$30,000 + US$1,500)
Standard import: 10% duty + 20% VAT
about US$10,080
Historic vehicle: no duty, effective 5% VAT
about US$1,575
Difference
about US$8,500

If you are also moving to the UK and qualify for Transfer of Residence relief, you may pay no VAT at all.

Transfer of Residence guide →

Is there a new 12.5% rate for classics?

No. Reports of a 12.5% charge relate to US import duty on UK-built classics going into the USA, not to importing a classic into the UK. UK historic vehicle relief is still no duty and an effective 5% VAT.

Evidence to have ready

  • Title or registration showing the year of manufacture
  • Photos of the vehicle, the engine bay and the chassis number
  • Any restoration records or receipts
  • A dating certificate from an owners' club, if you have one

Customs can ask for evidence that the vehicle qualifies. We prepare the customs classification with you before it ships.

Registering a classic in the UK

After clearance and NOVA, classics are registered with the DVLA on form V55/5. With dating evidence you can get an age-related number plate rather than a new one.

Vehicles under 40 years old need an MOT before registration. Vehicles 40 years old or more can usually be MOT-exempt and taxed in the historic vehicle tax class, as long as they have not been substantially changed.

Shipping a classic: RORO or container?

Most classics travel in a sole-use or shared container, where they are loaded, strapped and sealed and you can pack spares with them. RORO is a cheaper option for a running, road-legal classic.

How IVSS helps

  • Container or RORO shipping from the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and more
  • Customs classification and the import declaration under historic vehicle relief
  • NOVA and help with DVLA registration and dating evidence

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Frequently asked questions

How old does a car have to be to import as a classic?

At least 30 years old, of a model no longer in production, and in original condition.

Do I pay import duty on a classic car?

No. A qualifying historic vehicle pays no import duty and an effective 5% VAT.

Does a restored or modified car qualify?

A restored car with original-type parts can qualify. A substantially modified car, such as a restomod or engine swap, usually does not.

Does the US 25-year rule apply in the UK?

No. The 25-year rule is a US import rule. In the UK the threshold for historic vehicle relief is 30 years.

Do I need an MOT for an imported classic?

Yes, if it is under 40 years old. Vehicles 40 or more years old can usually be MOT-exempt if they have not been substantially changed.

Official sources

This guide summarises the rules as published in October 2026. Rules change; we confirm what applies to your vehicle when we quote.

Related routes and guides

USA to the UKContainer and RORO pricesContainer shippingSole-use and shared containersTransfer of ResidenceMoving to the UK with your vehicle

Member of

BIFA, British International Freight Association member FIATA member

IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.

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