Car Import Customs Clearance for the UK
Importing a car into the UK involves more than getting it off the ship or through the border. The customs declaration, valuation, duty and VAT, relief evidence, NOVA notification and release arrangements must connect. Cartwright CS handles the customs stage and keeps you clear on what happens next.
We are Cartwright Customs Services
Cartwright CS Ltd is a UK customs broker and customs agent based in Southampton, Hampshire. We support businesses, freight forwarders, removal companies, hauliers and private clients with customs declarations, border documents and practical coordination across the UK and Europe.
Our approach is simple: gather the right information early, explain what is needed in plain English and keep the customs paperwork connected to the real movement of the goods.
What this service covers
- CDS import declarations for cars and other vehicles
- Purchase invoice or current-valuation type review
- Duty, VAT, origin and preference checks
- Transfer of Residence and Returned Goods Relief assessment
- Temporary import customs support
- NOVA support for private individuals and non-VAT-registered businesses
- Shipping-line, port, devanning and release coordination
- Onward transport enquiries where required
- Eligibility, authorisation and documentary requirements depend on the goods, route and circumstances of each movement.
Who we help
- Private buyers and returning owners
- Collectors and enthusiasts
- Motor dealers and trade importers
- Vehicle sourcing businesses
- Freight forwarders and shipping agents
- People relocating to the UK with a vehicle
Why this service matters
The customs position depends on why the vehicle is coming to the UK, when and where it was bought, its current value, origin and whether a relief is available. Customs clearance and NOVA must also be completed before DVLA registration can progress.
How Cartwright CS helps
We provide a clear document list, prepare the customs declaration, explain the duty and VAT position and coordinate release. Where eligible, we make the relief claim on the import entry using the evidence supplied. We can also help with NOVA within the scope of our service, but we do not carry out DVLA registration.
Common challenges we solve
- The vehicle value is unclear or the purchase was some time ago
- The importer assumes country of purchase proves origin
- A ToR or RGR claim lacks supporting evidence
- The VIN differs between documents
- The car is containerised and devanning arrangements are unclear
- NOVA has not been considered
- The vehicle arrives before the documents are ready
How the process works
- Send the VIN, make, model, year, ownership and value documents.
- Confirm the reason for import and the route into the UK.
- We review classification, value, origin and any relief.
- The import declaration and tax payment are completed.
- We coordinate port or shipping-line release.
- NOVA and onward requirements are confirmed.
Why choose Cartwright CS
Car imports combine customs value, origin, vehicle identity and port release with later NOVA and DVLA requirements. We focus on the customs stage: checking documents, reviewing available relief or preference evidence and preparing the declaration.
We coordinate customs release where needed and make clear which notification, vehicle approval or registration steps remain the importer's responsibility.
Location and coverage
We are based in Southampton, close to Southampton and Portsmouth, and support customs movements across the UK. Depending on the service and route, we can assist through Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Felixstowe, Tilbury, London Gateway, Liverpool, Grangemouth, Immingham, Harwich and other UK locations, as well as coordinated European movements.
Frequently asked questions
Do you also register the car with DVLA?
No. We handle customs clearance and can assist with NOVA, but DVLA registration remains separate.
Will every imported car pay duty and VAT?
No. Charges depend on the vehicle, origin, value and any valid relief or preferential treatment.
What if I bought the vehicle more than six months ago?
HMRC may require a current in-person UK valuation for NOVA. We will tell you what is needed for the circumstances.
Can you arrange collection from the port?
We can obtain haulage options through trusted partners, subject to release, access and vehicle condition.
Importing a car into the UK?
Send Cartwright CS the vehicle, ownership, value and shipping documents for a clear customs plan and quote.