Importing a car is not a simple task. The vehicle’s owner must make arrangements, have proper documentation, and clean the vehicle prior to importing it among other things. We have compiled a list of things that should be dealt with before you bring a foreign car into your native country.
Step 1. Finding a car
Obviously, you cannot import a car without finding one. Identify the Car that you want e.g. Brand name, Year of Manufacture etc. There are various car websites avaiIable for this. You can choose your vehicle from our extensive lists of over 400 vehicles. You can search for a vehicle by the maker, category or model name using our car search system.
How much will I save by using Quality Car Export for my UK car import?
After all the costs are taken into account you can still expect to save 10-25% off the price of your imported car compared to buying the equivalent model on the local marketplace. Aside from the price you also tend to get a higher specification model when importing from Northern Ireland or the UK.
Step 2. Standards.
In order to be allowed to bring a car into a different country, some standards have to be adhered to. Click on the links to find out more about importing a car into Asia, Southern Africa, Australia & New Zealand, East Africa and Kenya. Some of the standards may include certain factors such; whether a car is left handed or right hand, year of manufacture etc.
Step 3. Determining Duty and Tax Costs
Duty and tax costs generally aren’t included in the cost of a vehicle. It’s up to the buyer to calculate these costs and prepare to pay them when required. For the most part, all vehicles are taxed when entering a new country. However, the duty costs of importing a car vary significantly; for example, vehicles manufactured in North America imported into Canada are free.
Step 4. Documentation
Because the transaction has to be proved to be legal, certain documents are required by law before the vehicle can be declared to rightfully be in the country.
DOCUMENTS
a) Bill of Lading (BL)
b) Export Certificate
c) Commercial Invoice
d) RWI (Road Worthiness Inspection)Certificate (if required)
e) Additional Documents for clearing the vehicle if required by customs
If you are using a clearing agent, they will get in touch with you before the vehicle arrives at the port for pick-up arrangements, clearing cost and further guidance. If you are clearing the vehicle yourself, you can start the necessary clearing arrangements once you received all your documents. We recommend you to use a clearing agent to arrange for clearing at the port and to be used as consignee on the documents.
How do I pay for my UK car import?
After you receive your proforma invoice, you direct your bank to send a telegraphic money transfer (TT) to our account. You can pay 50% deposit and clear the whole amount before your vehicle reaches your destination port. We can also organize an LC for vehicle purchases of over £30,000
Step 5. Insurance
What does the insurance cover?
Insurance that you see on your invoice will cover a total loss of cargo, cost of the vehicle if the vessel sinks, catches fire, or is destroyed totally during transit.
Step 6. Inspection.
All cars should undergo a rigorous inspection e.g. by JEVIC/QISJ (or whichever the native country declares). Inspection is mandatory to ensure that the car is in near perfect condition.
There are a number of ways you can research a car’s history online to look out for:
- outstanding finance due on the car
- previous damage
- stolen vehicles
- clocked mileage
- vehicle identity
Having all this information you are ready to take on the import challenge. Just be sure to do all your research and take your time. There are a lot of things to consider so there is no need to rush into it. Visit our website for more information on cars, our services, latest industry news and take a look at the cars we have in our inventory.