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Hassle-Free UK Car Imports with Cartwright CS Ltd

Cartwright CS Ltd is a trusted customs broker and customs agent based near Southampton and Portsmouth, specialising in customs clearance for importing cars, motorcycles, and car parts into the UK.

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We are Cartwright Customs Services

We make customs clearance simple, accurate, and stress‑free, even for complex shipments. 

 

Whether you’re a car owner, collector, prospective buyer, or a motor trade business, we manage the whole customs process so your vehicle arrives quickly, compliantly, and with minimal stress.

 

From handling HMRC declarations and documents (including T1 Transit) to arranging onward freight and last-mile delivery when required, we remove uncertainty so your shipments clear on time and your clients remain satisfied.

Why Use a Customs Broker for Car Imports?

Importing a car from the USA, Japan, Europe or indeed anywhere globally, into the UK involves complex paperwork, HMRC declarations, and strict compliance with UK and international regulations. 

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As experienced customs agents and customs brokers, we handle every detail - reducing delays, avoiding costly errors, and ensuring your car or parts clear customs smoothly at any UK port.

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Who We Help

  • Private car owners relocating to the UK

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  • Classic and luxury car collectors

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  • Prospective purchasers importing vehicles

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  • Motor dealers and trade businesses

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  • Importers of car parts and accessories

Our Car Import Services

  • Full customs clearance for cars, motorcycles, and car parts

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  • Import declarations and HMRC paperwork

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  • Advice on eligibility for reliefs (e.g., Transfer of Residence, Returned Goods Relief)

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  • Duty and VAT calculation and guidance

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  • Coordination with shipping lines, hauliers, and storage providers

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  • Onward freight and delivery arrangements, if required

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Location coverage

Based in Southampton, Hampshire, close to the major ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, we clear vehicles through all UK ports and terminals, including Felixstowe, Tilbury, Dover, and London Gateway. 

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Whether your shipment arrives by sea, air, or road, we offer local expertise and nationwide reach, ensuring consistent, compliant HMRC processing and clear updates.

The Cartwright Customs Services Advantage

  • Experienced customs agents and brokers with specialist knowledge of car imports

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  • Transparent, step-by-step support from quote to delivery

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  • Big-company processes with small-company care

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  • Proactive communication and real-time updates

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  • Trusted by private clients and motor trade businesses alike

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Common Challenges We Solve For Car Importers

  • Complex paperwork and changing customs rules

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  • Delays at the port due to missing or incorrect documents

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  • Uncertainty over duties, VAT, or eligibility for reliefs

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  • Coordinating arrival, clearance, and onward delivery

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  • Ensuring compliance with UK vehicle standards

How Our Car Imports Process Works

1. Initial consultation

 

We review your vehicle details, shipping route, and paperwork.

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2. Pre-clearance checks

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We verify documentation, advise on reliefs, and ensure all requirements are met.

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3. Customs declaration & clearance

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We submit accurate import declarations and liaise with HMRC for smooth clearance.

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4. Onward logistics

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If needed, we arrange trusted haulage or delivery to your chosen location.

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What you can expect

  • Fast response and clear communication

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  • Accurate, compliant declarations for yachts, boats and marine parts

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  • Proactive updates and issue‑prevention

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  • Coverage across UK ports (bonded and non‑bonded)

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  • A partner focused on protecting your timelines and reputation

Micro‑FAQs for Car Importers

Can you help with importing classic, luxury, or non-standard vehicles?

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Yes, we have experience with all types—including classic, luxury, and modified cars.

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Where can you help import cars from?

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We help our clients to import cars from across the globe, including Japan, the USA, and Europe. 

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Can you manage NOVA for me?

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We can certainly help with NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival), which we offer as a post-clearance service. Note that we do not assist with DVLA registrations.

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Do you handle importing car parts as well as vehicles?

 

Absolutely. We manage customs clearance for car parts, accessories, and spares.

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Can you arrange delivery from the port to my address?

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Yes, we offer full onward freight and delivery solutions as required.

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Does your car import service cover all UK ports?

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We clear vehicles through Southampton, Portsmouth, and all major UK ports, including Felixstowe, Tilbury, London Gateway, Liverpool, Grangemouth, Immingham, and Harwich.

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Contact form

Let’s make importing cars into the UK smoother together

Let Cartwright CS Ltd make your UK car import simple, accurate, and stress-free. Use the contact form below, and our customs agents will guide you through every step so your car arrives safely, on time, and fully compliant.

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