Planning to ship a car from Hong Kong to the UK? Here’s a complete guide that will walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right shipping method to understanding customs requirements.
Why Ship a Car from Hong Kong to the UK?
Many people choose to ship a car from Hong Kong to the UK due to the high quality of vehicles available in Hong Kong, including luxury cars and right-hand drive models that suit UK roads. Whether you’re relocating, buying a new vehicle abroad, or bringing back a family car, international shipping ensures your vehicle arrives safely and efficiently.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
When you decide to ship a car, there are typically two main options:
 Container Shipping – Your vehicle is loaded into a secure container. This method offers the highest level of protection and is ideal for high-value or classic cars
 Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping – Your car is driven onto a specialized vessel. RORO shipping is usually more cost-effective, though it offers less protection from external elements compared to container shipping.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Before you ship a car, prepare it carefully:
 Clean the car inside and out to pass inspections.
 Document its condition with photos.
 Remove personal belongings if you will ship via RORO and keep fuel tank around ¼
 Gather all documentation — purchase invoice, export certificate, shipping documents, proof of ownership, and TOR references if claiming relief.
 Make any required UK modifications (e.g., speedometer in mph, lighting adjustments) and plan for MOT or IVA requirements depending on the vehicle’s age.
At Trans Global Logistics UK Ltd, we can support you with MOT, vehicle registration, and road tax, so your car is ready to drive as soon as it arrives in the UK.
Age Restrictions & Vehicle Approval
When you ship a car into the UK, there are specific age-based rules you need to know:
You can import a vehicle of any age, but the regulatory requirements differ depending on how old the vehicle is.
 For vehicles up to 10 years old, you’ll need to ensure full compliance with UK safety and environmental standards (such as lighting, speedometer in mph, emissions), and you may require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) if the car has no EU/UK type approval.
 For vehicles over 10 years old, many of the stricter approval tests (IVA) may not apply — but the vehicle still needs to be tested (e.g., MOT) for road-worthiness in the UK.
 For vehicles over 30 years old (often termed “classic” or “historic”), there are special rules: they may be eligible for reduced VAT (5 %) and exemption from import duty under certain conditions, provided the vehicle meets criteria (age, unmodified, not daily use) for being classified as a historic vehicle of interest.
Tax, Duty & Customs Clearance
When you ship a car from Hong Kong to the UK, you must clear customs and potentially pay import duty and VAT unless you qualify for relief:
Customs Clearance
You must make an import declaration to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) via the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) system. Registration by DVLA will not proceed until clearance is given Your shipping company or a customs agent typically handles the declaration if
you choose professional shipping.
Import Duty & VAT
Standard import duty for vehicles from outside the UK is typically 10 % of the customs value (i.e., purchase price + shipping + insurance). Standard VAT is 20 % of the total taxable value (vehicle value + duty)

Special reliefs apply:
If you are relocating to the UK and meet the criteria for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, you may pay 0 % duty and 0 % VAT on the vehicle.
If the vehicle is over 30 years old and qualifies as historic, you may pay 0 % duty and 5 % VAT.
When Relief Doesn’t Apply If you do not meet the relief criteria, you will need to pay duty and VAT. For example:
You are importing the car not because you are relocating your normal residence.
You do not have prior ownership/use for the required duration under ToR. The vehicle does not meet the “historic vehicle” criteria yet. In short: Yes — those under a valid ToR (Transfer of Residence) who meet all the conditions may not be liable for duty and VAT. But you must satisfy all conditions and claim relief in advance. Without it, standard duty and VAT apply.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car from Hong Kong to the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding your shipping options, age-related legal requirements, and tax/duty obligations — and working with a trusted logistics provider — you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. If you’re looking to ship a car, careful planning and the right support make all the difference.
Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, International Shipping & Logistics Company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Yacht and Boat Transport / Customs Clearance / Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment. Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – bizdev@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833
410 281 www.tglog.co.uk