Importing and Exporting a Vehicle

There may be a number of documents required if you’re planning on exporting or importing your Volkswagen. There may also be a number of organisations to inform. This will depend on the age of the vehicle and where you are exporting and importing to and from. The following information should help you to understand what you’ll need.

Importing a vehicle into the UK

Importing a vehicle under 10-years old from an EU country

If you’re importing a vehicle that’s under 10-years old from an EU country, you’ll need a European Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for the DVLA. The CoC is an official document issued to all vehicles built to EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval Standards. It is an official document that is recognised by both EU and GB authorities. All new Volkswagens are delivered with a CoC. You’ll find it in an envelope inside the glove box. But, if for whatever reason you need to order a duplicate for a vehicle originally registered outside of the UK, but within the EU, you’ll need to contact the Volkswagen representatives in the exporting country.

Importing a vehicle under 10-years old from a Non-EU country

If you’re importing a vehicle from a Non-EU country, you’ll need to contact the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) who will be able to provide you with an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) inspection.

Importing a right-hand or left-hand drive vehicle over 10-years old from an EU or Non-EU country

Regardless of your vehicle’s origin, if it’s over 10-years old it can be registered through the DVLA with a dating letter and a current UK MOT.

The dating letter will state the date of the vehicle’s manufacture. (DoM) To request a dating letter for your vehicle contact type.approval@vwg.co.uk

You’ll need to have the following information to hand:

Full name
Address (DoM will be posted to this address)
Chassis Number (VIN) – See FAQ section*
Make
Registration Number

Importing a left-hand drive vehicle under 10-years old from an EU country

To import a left-hand drive vehicle, you’ll need to contact the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) to confirm which modifications are required to make the vehicle compliant for UK registration. If an EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required for a Non-UK specification vehicle the request for a duplicate must be made to the Volkswagen representatives in the country where it was originally registered.

*You will need to present a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and evidence that that any necessary modifications have been made, for example receipts and/or invoices to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). You will then have to register the vehicle through the DVLA.

Exporting a vehicle from the UK

For all exports you should contact the vehicle authorities of the country you are importing the vehicle to for more information on local importation rules and regulations. Some countries may require the EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC). All new vehicles are delivered with their CoC in an envelope in the glove box. If you are unable to locate the original CoC you will need to request a duplicate. If you need a duplicate EU Certificate of Conformity, please email – cocrequests@vwg.co.uk

If you need a Statement of Compliance or a Date of Manufacture letter, please email – type.approval@vwg.co.uk

You’ll need to have the following information to hand:

Full name
Address (DoM will be posted to this address)
Chassis Number (VIN) – See FAQ section*
Make
Registration Number

Low Emission Zone Area

London’s ULEZ

The rules on ULEZ can be a bit confusing. You’ll find lots of useful information on the Transport for London website (tfl.gov.uk) – Ultra Low Emissions Zone – Transport for London. If you find that the TfL vehicle checker states that your vehicle is subject to the ULEZ charge, but you have reason to believe that it’s compliant to the necessary EURO standard, you can request the vehicle’s Certificate of Conformity. Before requesting a duplicate, please note that all new vehicles are delivered with their CoC in an envelope in the glove box. If you’re unable to find your CoC you can request a duplicate by emailing cocrequests@vwg.co.uk with the following details: