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Is it still worth importing a used car from the UK to Ireland?

The short answer

It can be, but the post-Brexit 23% VAT and 10% customs duty on Great Britain cars wiped out most of the saving, so Great Britain imports often no longer pay. Northern Ireland cars (usually VAT- and duty-free) and low-CO2 or electric imports — which dodge the NOx levy and get up to €5,000 VRT relief until 31 December 2026 — are where value still exists.

Since Brexit, a Great Britain car carries 23% VAT plus 10% duty if it isn't UK-built, on top of VRT and the NOx levy, which often makes it dearer than buying in Ireland. The cases that still stack up are Northern Ireland cars (normally VAT- and duty-free) and low-emission or electric models that escape most NOx and earn VRT relief. Always run the Revenue VRT calculator on the exact car before deciding.

Related questions

Did Brexit make importing UK cars more expensive?

Yes. Great Britain cars now attract 23% Irish VAT and 10% customs duty (if not UK-built) on top of VRT and the NOx levy, which removed most of the old saving.

Which UK imports are still worth it?

Northern Ireland cars, which usually avoid VAT and customs, and low-CO2 or electric cars, which escape most of the NOx levy and get up to €5,000 VRT relief until 31 December 2026.

How do I check if a specific car is worth importing?

Use Revenue's VRT calculator to get the VRT and NOx figures for that exact car, add 23% VAT and any 10% duty for Great Britain cars, then compare the landed total against Irish prices.

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