Shipping a car from Moldova to the UK
Moving home from Moldova, or bought something special over there? We bring it to the UK and handle the customs side when it arrives.
How it works from Moldova
It starts with a quote. There is no instant calculator here: a person writes yours with current prices and the best way to ship your car.
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Collection
We arrange collection from your address in Moldova and bring it to the UK by road or by sea, whichever works out best for your car.
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Shipping
Shorter hops from Europe usually travel by road and ferry. Further afield, we use a container. Either way you get updates as it moves.
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Customs
We handle the customs paperwork at both ends. In the UK we are HMRC CDS authorised agents, so we clear the car ourselves and make sure you pay the right amount, with no unnecessary add-ons.
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Arrival
The car comes to our site in Castle Donington, where our team unloads it. Collect it from us, or we can deliver it anywhere in the UK on an open or enclosed trailer.
Tax and duty
A car from Moldova usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
We work out what applies to your car when we quote, so the number you see is the number you pay. Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator.
Moving here? Read how to bring your car tax free. Bringing a UK car home? See what you need.
Getting it on UK roads
Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so if you want the car on UK plates it can go straight into testing on the same site. Which test it needs depends mostly on its age:
- Under 10 years old
- IVA test, on our own lane, plus any changes it needs
- 10 to 40 years old
- MOT, usually with a rear fog light added
- Over 40 years old
- No MOT needed
We run one of only seven privately operated IVA centres in Great Britain, and our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Registration at My Car ImportQuestions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from Moldova to the UK?
Usually 1 to 4 weeks, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Moldova?
Cars from Moldova usually come by road rather than sea, so we price each one individually. Ask for a quote and a person on our team will price your actual route.
Will I pay import tax?
A car from Moldova usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from Moldova?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
