Import calculator
Import a car from the USA to the UK
Total cost of buying a car at a US auction and shipping it to the UK: auction fees, towing, shipping to Southampton and UK import taxes.
Total landed cost in UK
$10,375.20
Bid $5,000 + $5,375.20 in fees, shipping and taxes
- Buyer fee
- $775
- Virtual bid fee
- $110
- Gate fee
- $95
- Environmental fee
- $15
- Title mailing
- $15
- Towing to port
- $350
- Ocean shipping to Southampton
- $1,500
- Import duty (10%)
- $786
- VAT (20%)
- $1,729.20
10% import duty on the CIF value, then 20% VAT on the value plus duty. Estimates only; customs brokers, registration and local fees are extra. Exchange rates are approximate.
Fees from the auctions' published standard-vehicle schedules, checked 5 November 2026. Storage and late-payment fees are not included.
Check the lot's VIN before you bid
Auction photos don't show earlier accidents, flood titles or odometer rollbacks.
Import taxes in UK
10% import duty on the CIF value, then 20% VAT on the value plus duty.
Shipping
Most cars go in a shared 40-foot container from a US east-coast port to Southampton, typically about $1,500 per car and 20–30 days door to door. Prices change with the season and the departure port, so type your own quote into the calculator.
Good to know
- US cars need lighting changes (amber rear indicators, headlight beam) and an IVA test before they can be registered.
- Insurers treat ex-salvage cars as Category S or N, which lowers resale value.
- Cars over 30 years old can qualify for 5% VAT and no duty as historic vehicles.
Check the car before you bid
US auction cars often have a past: earlier accidents, a flood title in another state, or a previous rebuild. A VinCode report shows title brands, total-loss events, odometer readings and earlier auction sales for the VIN. See the fees on their own in the Copart and IAA calculators.
Other destinations
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