Importing a Vehicle from the EU to the UK

Hi I'm considering purchasing a 1991 classic vehicle from the Netherlands valued at approximately £40,000 It is being sold by a private individual and I propose to purchase it as a private individual. I fear that the import will be subject to VAT @ 20%. Is this correct? Are there any lawful ways to avoid this VAT? Thanks in advance for answers.

Hi You may find it useful to read this guidance https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk It has all the details including customs clearance requirements and duties and taxes. If you are just purchasing and importing a vehicle it’s unlikely that you will be entitled to and duty or tax exemption. Import taxes apply irrespective of whether the sale is between private individuals or between businesses.

Hi,
To check if import VAT will be applicable, you need to search the commodity on trade tariff.
Trade Tariff: look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates
You will need a commodity code when you fill in a customs declaration form, so you pay the correct amount of tax and duties.
Thank you.