9 replies to this topic

[crazicarl]

Hi, 

 

I've had a quick look around through the search feature, but no luck.

 

Has anyone imported a mini from South Africa?

I saw in the latest issue of Mini Mag the bit about importing a mini, but they don't mention anything outside of the EU.

 

I will be shipping my pick-up over from South Africa in February. I have owned it since 2009, so all the paperwork is in my name.

 

Anything else I need to know.

 

Thanks

[Spider]

I'd suggest doing a search for a specialist company that does this every day. I'm not familiar with your local laws and all the ins and outs,however it's often a minefield and while you may pay a little for these guys to take care of it for you, it would be money well spent.

[nicklouse]

Drop the DVLA/VOSA or what ever they are called now an Email and they will give you the info. Don't forget to state that you own it already and have owned it for X years.....

As by the sounds of it you are not really importing it. But you are moving and bringing your goods with you.

This is different. And you need to be clear.

[crazicarl]

Ok, so by having it in a container with the rest of our stuff it would not really be classed as importing, but as you say moving? Mmm, I think I will have to try get some clarification on this. I'm not sure if the shipping agent from South Africa would help with getting stuff sorted this side here in the UK, they are helping me that side with in terms of paperwork etc.

[nicklouse]

So I take it you are moving.

If so then you are not really importing it. Importing is normally used for when you are bringing a purchase to your normal country of residence.

So when you are asking the questions chose your words carefully and length of ownership can be a factor.

I have not done what your are doing but have done it a few times in Europe and the maddest time was bringing my 2007 Suzuki swift sport into Germany. They wanted the sakes receipt/invoice as proof of ownership. Well I did not have one.... Had to get some one to help out with the language but then I pointed out I was moving not importing and had my name on the other countries papers and all was good.

But I would not be worrying to much as you only really have any issues when you come to put it on the road.

Again presuming here that you will be having delivered to your new residence so there will be no immediate need to put it on the road. So you would only have to deal with customs with it as part of your possessions.

Things to think about. It is a commercial vehicle. Even though it is old there could be some import tax to pay? But as it is so old maybe not.

First people to talk to. Customs. Once that I done th rest should be simple.

[nicklouse]

some reading

https://www.gov.uk/i...-outside-the-eu

 

If you’re moving to the UK

You don’t pay VAT or duty on a vehicle imported from outside the EU if you qualify for transfer of residence relief. To qualify you must meet all of these conditions:

• you’re moving your normal home to the UK
• your normal home was outside the EU for a continuous period of at least 12 months
• you’ve owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months outside the EU
• you didn’t get the vehicle under a duty-free or tax-free scheme
• you’re going to keep the vehicle for your personal use for at least 12 months

To get the tax relief, fill in form form C104A and give it to customs when you enter the country.

 

[mab01uk]

If you need a good shipping company Phoenix specialise in exporting Mini's safely all over the world, the owners are Mini enthusiasts:

Click on 'Automotive'
http://www.phoenix-cargo.com/

Edited by mab01uk, 16 December 2015 - 08:48 PM.

[crazicarl]

Ok thanks. Nicklouse, I read that piece you shared this afternoon after speaking to the dvla, they told me what i need to do for their side of things, but I really need to speak to HMRC ie customs first to clear up one or two details, along the lines of not really importing, but as you say more just moving it as I've owned it for so long. Problem is, is that the stupid HMRC phone number I was given is all voice prompt nonsense and can't seem to get through to an actual human being, will try again tomorrow and see if I have any luck.

[nicklouse]

The DVLA bit is simple. Get insurance on the VIN get it MOTed on the VIN. Fill in the forms take the old papers with the new to an office hand over 55 quid plus the tax due and Gary will send out the papers for you so you can have a plate made up. (As it is so old it will be a historic so no VED to pay).

But it is just getting your head around what you are actually doing which is what you have done which is good or you would be given duff infos.

Don't forget you do not have to tell HMRC straight away and there is some leaway on registering it as well. Just remember to keep all the papers that you get when it clears customs etc.as that will be you date of entry proof.

I have found the Email contact reasonably successful. Good luck.

[crazicarl]

Ok thanks, haven't had any luck on the phone side as its all voice prompted which as I'm not VAT registered leads to dead ends 😕. Think I'll give the email route a try.