Import Any GB Car Into Ireland Without Paying UK VAT — Even If It’s Not VAT Qualifying
For years, Irish buyers looking at GB car imports were told they needed to find a VAT-qualifying car to benefit from a VAT saving. This severely limited choice because only a small percentage of GB cars were classified as VAT qualifying, usually ex-fleet or company-owned vehicles.
That changed with Brexit and the change is a major win for anyone planning to import a car from Great Britain to Ireland.
VAT Can Now Be Reclaimed on Any Eligible GB Car
Since 2023, HMRC updated the procedure for exporting vehicles out of Great Britain. Since Brexit, UK VAT can be reclaimed at the point of sale on almost any GB car, even when it is not a VAT-qualifying car.
This means:
You’re no longer restricted to a relatively small pool of VAT-qualifying stock
GB cars are significantly better value for Irish buyers
Importing becomes much easier and more cost-effective
Buyers get greater choice across all makes, models, and price points
In short: the VAT status of a car in Great Britain no longer limits your ability to save money.
Does This Apply to Northern Ireland Cars?
This policy change applies to cars purchased in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales).
Northern Ireland is different:
NI‑registered used vehicles are already treated as customs cleared for Ireland. This means no Irish VAT and no Irish customs duty are payable when importing them.
Because the vehicle is used, UK VAT cannot be reclaimed, so no VAT refund is available.
These vehicles remain fully subject to Irish VRT, which must be paid upon registration.
Benefits of VAT‑Qualifying Cars (UK VAT Reclaim) for NI‑Registered NEW Vehicles
VAT‑qualifying vehicles from Northern Ireland offer significant advantages for Irish buyers, particularly when the vehicle is classed as NEW by Irish Revenue — under 6 months old and fewer than 6,000 km. As a NEW vehicle, it may qualify for a UK VAT reclaim, reducing the overall net cost.
Because NI vehicles are already customs‑cleared for Ireland, Irish VAT and VRT still apply, but no Irish customs duty is payable where applicable. This makes VAT‑qualifying NI‑registered NEW cars an especially cost‑effective option.
For the best selection and pricing, Irish buyers typically get the most value from GB cars sourced in Great Britain.
Important: Only Registered UK Suppliers Can Apply This VAT Reclaim
The UK government does not allow private individuals to reclaim VAT themselves. The process must be handled through an authorised UK motor dealer or export‑registered supplier.
This is exactly where VQC comes in.
We work directly with registered UK dealers to buy your car VAT‑free on your behalf — something the general public cannot access independently.
What Does This Mean for Irish Car Buyers?
It means you can now choose any car from GB platforms such as Autotrader or Motors and benefit from:
Lower GB purchase prices
UK VAT removed at purchase
Access to much wider choice of cars and specs than the Irish market
While full pre‑Brexit conditions haven’t returned — duties still apply in certain cases — the overall savings and choice created by this development are substantial.
How to Benefit from VAT‑Free Car Importing to Ireland
To qualify for the VAT saving when you import a car from Great Britain to Ireland, you must use a VAT registered business that can reclaim the VAT from HMRC.
At VQC, we handle:
Your car purchase
Background checks to verify your car’s history
VAT reclaim and sell the car to you with the 20% UK VAT discounted in your price
Export documentation
Transport logistics
VRT guidance once the car reaches Ireland
Simply send us your perfect car from a GB website such as Autotrader and we’ll confirm the VAT‑free price and full landed costs in one clear quote.
Ready to Save on Your Next GB Car?
If you’re considering buying a GB car, the VAT saving makes it a great time to import.
Our team will guide you through every step, share regular updates throughout your import and ensure your experience is smooth and seamless.
👉 Send us the link to any GB car you’re interested in, and we’ll confirm the VAT‑free price and full import cost.
