Importing non-EU bike into the UK?
I suspect i know the answer to this but I've got to check....
I have (technically my brother has) a 2014 XT660z in South Africa which i used for a big trip last year. As you do, i now have a bit of a bond with that bike, which i would like to bring back to the UK.
The 'sensible' thing to do is to sell it in South Africa and buy an equivalent bike in the UK, thereby saving on hassle, shipping, VAT and duty.
However, I'd prefer to get 'my' bike back but think I'd have to pay 20% VAT and 6% duty on the market value of the vehicle, plus delivery costs. (I have raised a query with HMRC to confirm this since the formal guidance states this is payable on the 'purchase price' whereas my brother will gift the bike to me, but I'm not holding my breath).
Assuming they do use market value, if the bike is worth say £4k and shipping is say £1,500 that means paying £1,430 in VAT and duty, plus £1,500 in shipping. I am not that sentimental!
I am less clear about whether it might be possible to recover some of the VAT and duty paid in South Africa when the vehicle is permanently exported. If I could, this could offset some of the UK costs. I'll ask my brother to explore this locally and report back lest this is of help to others.
Is anyone able share any insight?
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