A Rough guide to Importing Motorcycles and parts from outside the E.U

The importation of motorcycles from outside the E.U have mystified many people and I hope this is of some use to those who are considering doing so.

I will break it into 2 Sections, bikes and parts.

• Importation of Motorcycles.

To import a motorcycle in to the U.K is subject to various taxes, duties and other charges.
Irrespective of the bikes age it is subject all taxes etc

• Vat will be charged on the purchase cost of the bike, shipping costs and other services such as crating etc if shown.
• Import Duty will also be charged on the bike at approx 5-6% but will vary with government policy.
• Hidden Costs you will be charged a terminal Cost which is levied by the Shipping terminal at which the bike arrives.
• Exemption to Vat There is an exception to Vat on bikes that are of Historical Interest and that is determined by various factors and agreement with the appropriate authorities so would not normally apply to Joe Public buying a classic bike.

You can phone 08711400000 who will give you a classification code for your particular import to use for Customs & Excise Vat purposes.

A point of note that any bikes coming from the USA MUST have a certificate of TiTLE.

A Bill of Sale is not accepted by US Customs to release the bike for import.
There are services available in the USA which will get you a Title certificate for you prior to it leaving US soil.

• Importation of Bike Parts

I suppose the term used by Dirty Happy comes to mind
“Do You feel lucky Punk!”

When getting part sent to you purchased from abroad via “Flea Bay” or some other source you need to ask the seller to label it using various options

• Classic Bike Part or Used Bike Part.
• Monetary Value this can be labelled with the purchase price or less. Alternatively “Of No monetary value”

Now here is where Dirty Harry comes in, if you are lucky your part will arrive at your door by Parcel Force.

But if you are unlucky you can be hit in 2-3 ways

• Customs have charged the relevant taxes and duties on the part value as declared and then Parcel Force will add their cut!
• Customs will open the package and re-value the goods and apply appropriate taxes and duties and you will be charged as above by parcel force with possible addition charge to re-seal the package.

Note: If customs disagree with the bike or parts declared value they will bring in a “motorcycle Person” to evaluate the value of the bike.

I have imported many parts from USA and only been asked for payment once.

Disclaimer: The above is only a guide and I and the Ayr Classic motorcycle Club cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred listed above or not. You are accepting all the risks having read this document.  

John Montgomery