Importing Cars from UK to Latvia 2026
Does the UK car market offer better prices or unique models? After Brexit, the situation has changed. In this guide — full import process, cost breakdown, right-hand drive specifics, customs procedures, and all risks.
Contents
1. 🇬🇧 Why import from UK?
The UK car market is one of the largest in Europe. Premium brands, rare models, and vintage cars — it's all available. But is it still profitable after Brexit?
✅ Advantages
- • Wide range of premium cars (Jaguar, Bentley, Aston Martin)
- • Well-maintained cars (strict MOT checks)
- • Full history via gov.uk (free MOT history)
- • Legal low-mileage cars
- • Vintage cars 0% customs (if >30 years)
- • Lower prices than Germany for some models
❌ Disadvantages
- • Right-hand drive (overtaking difficulties)
- • 10% customs duty + 21% VAT (total ~33%)
- • Transport costs €400–800
- • Miles→km conversion (fraud possible)
- • Headlights for left-side traffic (need adjustment)
- • Flood-damaged car risk (UK floods 2023–24)
Profitable only for: (1) vintage cars >30 years (0% customs), (2) rare premium models, (3) right-hand drive enthusiasts. Standard cars (Golf, Astra) NOT profitable — better from Germany or Poland.
2. 🇪🇺 Brexit impact on car imports
Until December 31, 2020, the UK was part of the EU — cars could be imported without customs. After Brexit, everything changed.
| Before Brexit (<2021) | After Brexit (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty | 0% | 10% |
| VAT | 21% (as from EU) | 21% (on value + customs) |
| Documents | V5C + invoice | V5C + invoice + origin certificate |
| Customs declaration | Not required | Mandatory (via EMDAS) |
| Time at border | 0–1h | 2–8h (customs check) |
| Total costs (%) | +23–25% | +33–40% |
3. 💰 Complete cost calculation
When importing a car from the UK, additional costs can reach 40% of the car price. Below — a real example.
Example: 2019 BMW 320d M Sport
4. 📋 Import process step by step
Search and select a car
AutoTrader.co.uk, eBay Motors UK, Motors.co.uk. Check MOT history (gov.uk/check-mot-history — free). Order HPI Check (£3–10) — shows finance debts, stolen status.
Inspect car in person or via video
If you can't go to UK — use ACV Auctions or AA Inspection (€80–150). Check lights, tires, rust, engine.
Buy car and receive documents
Required: V5C (log book), purchase invoice, MOT certificate, export declaration (UK HMRC). If seller refuses V5C — DON'T BUY.
Organize transport
Options: (1) drive yourself (Dover → Calais → LV, 2 days), (2) car transport (€400–800, 5–10 days). Intermediaries: Shiply.com, AnyVan.com.
Customs clearance in Latvia
Import car through VID customs point (Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja). Declare value (show invoice). Pay customs 10% + VAT 21%. Customs broker can help (€100–200).
CSDD technical inspection and registration
Technical inspection (€35). If headlights for left-side traffic — replace or apply correction tapes. Registration tax depends on CO2. Receive LV plates.
5. 🚗 Right-hand drive specifics
Driving right-hand drive in Latvia is legal, but creates practical difficulties in daily life.
🚗 Overtaking
Sitting on the right, you can't see oncoming traffic when overtaking. Must rely on passenger or mirrors. Especially dangerous on two-lane roads.
🅿️ Parking meters
Most parking meters in Latvia are on the left (by curb). You have to get out or reach across the car.
💡 Headlights
UK car headlights are adjusted for left-side driving — they illuminate the left side of the road. In Latvia, this blinds oncoming drivers. Need to replace or apply correction tapes.
🎫 Drive-through and barriers
McAuto, DUS Technology Park barriers — all on the left. You have to get out or reach across the car.
Tips for right-hand drive
- 💡 Before overtaking — much greater distance and confidence
- 💡 Apply headlight correction tapes (€5–10)
- 💡 Park in reverse spots (easier to exit)
- 💡 Choose free parking (no meters)
- 💡 When driving with passenger — ask for help overtaking
6. 📄 Required documents
🇬🇧 From UK
- 📄 V5C log book (car registration certificate)
- 📄 Purchase invoice with VAT
- 📄 MOT certificate (UK technical inspection)
- 📄 Export declaration
- 📄 HPI Check printout (credits, stolen)
- 📄 Origin certificate
🇱🇻 In Latvia
- 📄 Passport or ID card
- 📄 Customs declaration (SAD)
- 📄 Payment confirmations (customs + VAT)
- 📄 Technical inspection protocol (CSDD)
- 📄 OCTA insurance
- 📄 Registration tax receipt
7. ⚠️ Main risks and how to avoid them
Flood-damaged cars
UK experienced severe floods 2023–2024. Flooded cars are dried and sold as "clean". Check car undercarriage, seats under carpet, electrical system.
Clocked mileage
UK miles ≠ km. Fraudsters convert and clock. Example: 80,000 miles = 128,000 km, but dashboard shows 80,000 km.
Finance debts
Car may have bank loan or hire purchase. If debt not cleared — bank can reclaim car.
Incorrect customs value
Seller asks "declare €5,000 to pay less tax". If customs finds true value — you get penalty 30–100% of hidden value.
Hidden defects
UK MOT is strict, but sellers can temporarily "fix" problems before sale (e.g., plug radiator leak).