Car import glossary

The document the shipping line issues when your car is loaded. It is the receipt for the cargo and is needed to release the car at the UK end.

A manufacturer document confirming a car was built to an approved specification. With one, some cars can skip the IVA test.

For import tax, a car over 30 years old pays 5% VAT and no duty.

A shipping container shared between several cars, each paying for its space. Usually the best value way to ship from outside Europe.

Declaring the car to HMRC when it lands, paying any VAT and duty due, and getting it released from the port.

HMRC’s system for import declarations. Customs agents authorised on CDS can clear a car on your behalf.

A letter from the manufacturer or an owners’ club confirming when a car was built. The DVLA uses it to issue an age-related registration.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. It issues the UK registration number and the V5C logbook.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. It sets the rules for vehicle tests, including IVA and MSVA.

A tax on goods brought into the UK. Most cars from outside the EU pay 10% duty on their value plus shipping. EU-built cars coming from the EU pay none.

A DVSA inspection that checks a car without UK or EU type approval is safe and legal for UK roads. Most cars under 10 years old from outside Europe need one.

Japanese Domestic Market. A car built for sale in Japan, often with specs never sold in Europe.

A car with the steering wheel on the left. Legal to register and drive in the UK, though the headlights must suit UK roads.

Cover for your car while it is at sea and in transit, for total loss or significant damage.

The annual roadworthiness test. Imports aged roughly 10 to 40 years usually take an MOT, rather than an IVA, before they can be registered.

The motorbike equivalent of IVA. It checks an imported bike meets UK rules before registration.

Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. Telling HMRC a vehicle has come into the UK, within 14 days of arrival. The DVLA will not register the car without it.

A registration the DVLA issues when it cannot confirm a vehicle’s age or identity. Best avoided, and the right paperwork usually does.

Roll-on, roll-off. The car is driven onto a ship, like a giant car ferry. Simple, but the car travels open on the deck, not boxed.

Making sure the speedo reads in miles per hour, as UK rules require. On many imports it is a dial change or a new face.

HMRC relief that lets you bring your own car in free of VAT and duty when you move to the UK, if you meet the conditions.

The DVLA form used to apply to register a used imported vehicle for the first time.

The UK vehicle registration certificate, or logbook. It shows who the registered keeper is.

Value Added Tax. Charged at 20% on most imported cars, worked out on the value, shipping and any duty. Classic cars can pay 5%.