Hi,

I've just bought this 'beauty' for my Dad to use while he's working in France-

Mitsubishi detachable Camper / Motorhome | eBay

What will be required to get it registered and road legal here in the UK? There's loads of info on the dvla website but just wondered if someone who's done similar can put it in simple terms please? I've ordered an 'import pack' from the website.

It's currently registered and insured in Germany and the guy wants the plates back within the week once I've got it home. I'm only getting it from Nottingham but as I'm the one registering it I presume that makes me liable for any import tax/duty? How much is this on an £1100 vehicle? VAT at 20%?

Also, when it goes for the MOT will I be able to 'tape up' the headlights to correct the beam pattern? I don't want to swap to RHD lamps as it's going to be used abroad mainly, at least to start with.

I'm hoping this impulse buy isn't going to turn into an expensive PITA. I'm not paying for / collecting it until next weekend so could in theory still pull out but I'd rather not as it looks spot on for what the old man needs.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

I did it years ago from the states, the big difference is I don't think you pay VAT from Germany, but still pay import duty, unless the PO has already declared it imported and paid.

You will need to change the headlights for a UK MOT. From the states, the first thing I needed for registration after the import / duty docs was an MOT.

Think you're right about no VAT inside the EU, just read that somewhere. Will have to see about duty. So you can drive it to the MOT with no plates then? Insured on the chassis number I guess?

Will look out for some headlights but as I say it's a shame as it'll be in France pretty much straight away

I have imported 2 cars from Italy - it was some time ago but it was a doddle. I did not have to change the lights and did get away with buying one of those Halfords headlight kits. If your Speedometer is in KMH only you can just tape in a scale.

I think I need to speak to my friendly local MOT station regarding lights and speedo, because at the end of the day it'll be up to them whether it passes or not.

[Edited on 27/5/13 by Nickp]