Ascope Shipping has been delivering trusted car import services across the UK for over 15 years, with more than 14,000 vehicles successfully shipped. We know exactly what it takes to bring your car from any country in the world straight to your driveway. Safely, legally, and without unnecessary delays.
Whether you are importing a car to the UK from the USA, Japan, Germany, Dubai, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, our specialist team handles every step on your behalf, including documentation, customs clearance, port handling, and final delivery. No hidden surprises. No costly mistakes. Just a proven import service that delivers results every time.
What Are Car Import Services?
Importing a car to the UK involves more steps than most people expect, and one wrong move can cost you time, money, and serious delays at the port. Car import services cover every step of bringing a privately owned or purchased vehicle into the United Kingdom from overseas. This includes international shipping, UK customs clearance, import duty and VAT payment, NOVA notification to HMRC, IVA testing where required, and full DVLA registration support.
A single missed document or incorrect customs entry can leave your vehicle stuck at port, attract fines, or trigger a full HMRC investigation. That is why working with an experienced car import agent in the UK makes all the difference.
Our vehicle import services are built around one goal. Getting your car into the UK without drama, delay, or unexpected costs.
Our Car Import Process
We have been helping people import vehicles since 2010. We handle every part of the car import process so you do not have to juggle agents, customs forms, and shipping lines yourself. Here is how it works from start to finish.
Step 1. Free Quote and Import Assessment
Contact us with your vehicle details, country of origin, and UK destination. Our team assesses the full import requirements, provides a transparent cost breakdown, and advises on the most suitable shipping method for your vehicle, all with no obligation.
Step 2. International Vehicle Shipping
We arrange collection and transportation of your vehicle from its origin country to the UK. Depending on your budget and vehicle type, we offer both RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) and container shipping options. Container shipping is ideal for high-value, classic, or luxury vehicles requiring maximum protection. RoRo is a reliable, cost-effective choice for standard vehicles.
We operate through Hull and Tilbury ports, giving customers across the whole of the UK, from the North of England to the South, convenient and flexible port access that most competitors simply cannot match.
Step 3. UK Customs Clearance
Once your vehicle arrives at a UK port, our team handles all customs formalities, submitting the correct import entry to HMRC, calculating and arranging payment of car import duty and import VAT, and ensuring all documentation is fully compliant. We process customs clearance efficiently to prevent costly port delays.
Step 4. NOVA Registration
Every vehicle imported to the UK must be notified to HMRC through the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) system within 14 days of arrival. We submit this on your behalf, keeping you fully compliant before the DVLA registration process begins.
Step 5. IVA Test and Compliance
Vehicles imported from outside the UK that are less than 10 years old typically require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to confirm they meet UK safety and environmental standards. We advise on exactly what your vehicle requires and coordinate the testing process to keep everything on track.
Step 6. DVLA Registration
Once customs clearance, NOVA, and any required testing are complete, we guide you through DVLA registration to get your imported vehicle fully road-legal in the UK. We walk you through every paperwork requirement so nothing is missed and your vehicle is registered correctly the first time.
Car Import Transit Times in 2026
Transit times vary depending on where your vehicle is coming from and which shipping method you choose. Use this guide as a reference when planning your import or contact Ascope Shipping for the most accurate timeline for your specific import.
| Origin Country / Region | Shipping Method | Estimated Transit Time | Nearest UK Port |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (East Coast) | RoRo / Container | 14 to 21 days | Tilbury / London Gateway |
| USA (West Coast) | RoRo / Container | 21 to 35 days | Tilbury / London Gateway |
| Japan | RoRo / Container | 35 to 50 days | Tilbury / Immingham |
| Germany / Europe | RoRo / Road Freight | 5 to 14 days | Felixstowe / Immingham / Tilbury |
| Dubai / UAE | RoRo / Container | 21 to 30 days | Tilbury / London Gateway |
| Canada (East Coast) | RoRo / Container | 14 to 21 days | Tilbury |
| Canada (West Coast) | RoRo / Container | 25 to 35 days | Tilbury |
| Australia | Container | 35 to 50 days | Tilbury / Southampton |
| South Africa | RoRo / Container | 21 to 28 days | Tilbury / Sheerness |
| Singapore / Asia | Container | 28 to 42 days | Tilbury / Sheerness |
We Import Cars From Anywhere in the World
As a trusted car import company in the UK, we regularly handle shipments from across the globe. Here are the most popular origins we work with.
Import Car from USA to UK
American muscle cars, classic pickups, SUVs, and modern performance vehicles. We handle the full import car from the USA to UK process, including US port collection, ocean freight, UK customs, and IVA compliance. Right-hand drive conversions and US-to-UK modifications can also be arranged through our trusted partners.
Import Car from Japan to UK
JDM imports are growing fast, and Ascope has the expertise to manage them correctly. From Nissan Skylines and Toyota Supras to everyday Japanese used cars, we handle every part of the import car from Japan to the UK process, including the 6 to 8 week transit and full UK compliance.
Import Car from Europe to UK
Post-Brexit, importing a car from Europe to the UK now involves customs formalities that did not previously apply. Our team is fully up to date on current UK import rules for European vehicles, including import duty, VAT, and NOVA requirements. We regularly import cars from Germany, France, Italy, and across the EU.
Import Car from Dubai to the UK
Dubai is a fast-growing source market for luxury and performance vehicles. We offer a reliable car import service from Dubai to the UK, covering all freight, customs, and compliance requirements for vehicles originating from the UAE.
Import Car from Canada and Australia
Whether you are relocating to the UK or purchasing a vehicle overseas, we handle car imports from Canada and Australia with the same level of care, compliance expertise, and attention to detail as any other origin.
Types of Vehicles We Import
Our professional car import services cover a wide range of vehicle types, from everyday used cars to rare classics and high-performance machines.
- Classic Car Import: We have extensive experience importing vintage and classic vehicles, including advice on historic vehicle exemptions from IVA testing for cars over 40 years old.
- Luxury Car Import: High-value vehicles receive specialist handling throughout. Container shipping is recommended for maximum protection during transit.
- Electric Car Import: With growing demand for EV imports, we are fully equipped to handle electric vehicle imports, including compliance checks and customs requirements.
- Sports Car Import: Performance and sports cars from the USA, Japan, or Europe are handled with the expertise and care they deserve.
- SUV and 4×4 Import: Large vehicles, overland builds, and commercial-spec 4x4s are regularly processed through our vehicle import services.
- Personal Import Car: Relocating to the UK and bringing your own car? You may qualify for transfer of residence relief, which can reduce or eliminate import duty and VAT. We can advise whether you are eligible.
Car Import Costs, Duty, and Customs
Understanding the full cost of importing a car to the UK is essential before you commit to a purchase overseas. Here is a clear breakdown of every cost involved so there are no surprises.
| Cost Component | Rate / Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 10% of customs value | 0% (duty-free) for classic cars 30+ years old. Pickup trucks classed as commercial may attract 22%. EU-origin cars may qualify for 0% under UK-EU TCA with proof of origin. |
| Import VAT | 20% | Applied to vehicle value + shipping cost + import duty combined. Reduced to 5% for classic cars 30+ years old. |
| Shipping — RoRo | From £800 to £2,500 | Varies by origin country and vehicle size. Cost-effective for standard vehicles. |
| Shipping — Container | From £1,500 to £4,500 | Recommended for classic, luxury, and high-value vehicles requiring extra protection. |
| UK Customs Clearance | Included in Ascope Shipping quote | We handle all HMRC import entries and documentation on your behalf. |
| NOVA Notification | No HMRC fee | Mandatory within 14 days of arrival. Ascope submits this for you. |
| IVA Test | £456 to £850+ | Required for most non-EU vehicles under 10 years old. Fees vary by vehicle type. |
| DVLA Registration | £55 (standard) | First registration fee payable to DVLA once all compliance steps are complete. |
Why Choose Ascope as Your Car Import Agent in the UK?
There are plenty of car import companies in the UK. Here is why customers trust Ascope Shipping with vehicles they care about.
- 15+ Years of Proven Experience: Vehicle importing is all we do. Over 15 years and 14,000+ vehicles shipped successfully.
- Verified Reviews: Honest communication, accurate pricing, and real results backed by genuine customer reviews on Trustpilot and Google. Every review reflects a real customer who trusted us with a vehicle they cared about and we delivered.
- Dual Port Access: We operate from both Hull and Tilbury, giving you flexible, cost-effective port options most UK importers simply cannot match.
- Full End-to-End Import Service: From first enquiry to DVLA registration, we handle every single step. No missed deadlines. No shock charges.
- Transparent, Fixed-Price Quotes: Every quote includes a complete breakdown. Shipping, customs, duty, and VAT. No hidden costs. No surprises.
- Dedicated Personal Support: Direct access to our experienced team from start to finish. You will always know where your vehicle is and who to call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IVA test to import a car to the UK?
Most vehicles imported from outside the UK that are less than 10 years old require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to confirm they meet UK safety and environmental standards. Vehicles over 40 years old may qualify for historic vehicle exemptions. Ascope advises on exactly what your vehicle requires.
What is NOVA registration and is it required?
NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) is a mandatory notification to HMRC that must be submitted within 14 days of your vehicle arriving in the UK. Failure to submit can block DVLA registration. Ascope handles the NOVA submission on your behalf as part of our end-to-end import service.
Can I import a left-hand drive car to the UK?
Yes. Left-hand drive vehicles can legally be imported and used on UK roads. However, some vehicles from the USA may require US-to-UK modifications such as headlight alignment, speedometer changes, and fog light additions to pass the IVA test. Ascope can arrange these modifications through our trusted partners.
Do I pay VAT when importing a car to the UK?
Yes. 20% import VAT is payable on the combined total of the vehicle’s customs value, shipping cost, and import duty. If you are VAT-registered and importing for business purposes, you may be able to reclaim this VAT. Contact Ascope for guidance specific to your situation.
Get Your Free Car Import Quote Today
Ready to import a car to the UK? Do not risk costly mistakes with an inexperienced agent. Ascope Shipping has been handling car imports for over 15 years, and we have 14,000+ vehicles, 4.6-star Trustpilot rating, and 4.9-star Google rating to prove it.
We provide free car import quotes tailored to your vehicle, country of origin, and requirements. No hidden costs. Just clear, expert advice from a team that knows exactly what they are doing. Call 01482 228366 or email sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk. Get your free, no-obligation quote today.