Customs Clearance for a Car from England

Required documentation

Customs clearance for a car from England requires the right documentation to be prepared so the process runs smoothly and in line with the applicable regulations. The key documents are:

1. Purchase invoice — a document confirming the purchase of the car, containing the seller's and buyer's details and detailed information about the vehicle.
2. Registration document (V5C) — a document confirming the car's registration in the UK, needed to prove the vehicle is legitimate.
3. Certificate of conformity — a document showing that the car meets the required technical and environmental standards.
4. Additional certificates — depending on the model and age of the vehicle, emissions certificates may be required, e.g. Euro 5/Euro 6.

Because of Brexit, there may be additional documentation requirements. We recommend checking with a customs agency to make sure all the required documents are complete and comply with current regulations.

A short step-by-step guide

1. Finding the car — check the vehicle's technical condition and that its documents are valid before you buy.
2. Purchase and documentation — get a sale contract, registration document and confirmation of the MOT.
3. Duty and excise duty — work out the excise duty amount based on engine capacity and prepare to pay duty and VAT.
4. European Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — check whether the vehicle has a valid CoC, if it was manufactured before Brexit.
5. Technical modifications — adapt the car for right-hand traffic (e.g. headlight settings).
6. Registration in Poland — have the documents translated by a sworn translator and register the vehicle at the vehicle registration office.
7. Wrapping up the process — pay all the required charges, including excise duty and registration costs.

Example: a business owner importing a lorry

The owner of a small haulage firm in Poland decided to buy a used lorry from England because of its attractive price and good technical condition. He gathered the purchase invoice, certificate of conformity and registration documents, then used a customs agency's services to help prepare the customs declaration and the remaining formalities. After clearance and payment of duty and VAT, the vehicle was registered at the Polish vehicle registration office, which required an additional technical inspection — allowing the business to successfully extend its fleet with a well-maintained vehicle.