Where to start?
When we made the decision to buy our Hymer Free s600 we had absolutely no idea about how we were going to export it to Jersey. We do not pay VAT in Jersey but do need to pay a 5% GST charge (plus VED) on imported goods above a certain value. Luckily we had quite a few months to plan while the van was being built. The company we purchased from (Leisure first) had not exported a vehicle outside of the UK before either and on top of this, we were planning to be in Asia at the time our Camper was due to arrive at Leisure First in the UK.
Initially, we started by contacting Customs in Jersey to get their perspective and they explained it would be as simple as driving it from the ferry on arrival in Jersey straight to DVS (Driver and vehicle standards) to get it registered once we had made & paid the GST & VED online via their portal. With their comments we were very optimistic that it would be a straight forward process but there was still many questions unanswered.
However, further down the line we were contacted by Leisure first who had a plan of their own. They had been doing some research and speaking with local dealers in Jersey and had managed to find a local dealer who was willing to complete the import paperwork and collect the vehicle on our behalf. We did mention about the simplicity of picking it up ourselves but for their paperwork, I believe it was more beneficial for Leisure First to show HMRC that they had exported the vehicle to a dealer in Jersey in order for them to not charge us VAT. To be honest, we were also looking for the simplest method and this would take the headache of paperwork out of the way. So we agreed on this process.
Top Tip – If importing a vehicle to the island of Jersey, Check and triple check the VED rates as these increase yearly. The increase from 2023 – 2024 was mind blowing and something we had not factored into overall costs. You can view the VED rates on the Jersey Gov website by clicking here!.
Our process!
A company in Jersey who specialised in importing high value vehicles kindly assisted us with the import and while he did charge for this service, the cost was covered mostly by Leisure first. The process went very smoothly and took a lot of stress away from us. We were in Asia at the time the vehicle arrived in the UK so I can only thank both parties for helping us through this process as they stayed in contact with us throughout the steps below.
The Steps
- Jersey company receives vehicle invoice in the Jersey client’s name and the pre-registration German document.
- Jersey company used these details to lodge an export notice with HMRC on behalf of Leisure First.
- Jersey company then booked a freight sailing from Portsmouth to Jersey for the vehicle and then shared the manifest and consignment details with HMRC.
- HMRC recorded a pre lodgement advice noting the UK departure port, vessel and sailing date (specifically for Leisure First in order to release the shipment VAT free).
- Leisure First then delivered the vehicle to Portsmouth to the Condor Freight Office.
- The HMRC agent then sent a post export advice notice on arrival of the freight vessel in Jersey and unloading of the motor home. The post lodgement advice from HMRC is Leisure First’ evidence for the correct export of a VAT Qualifying Vehicle.
- On the vehicles arrival in Jersey, The company collected the vehicle from the docks, released on their VAT account with their trade plates to avoid any dock charges.
- At this stage, we then went online and declared the import in our name on the Jersey Customs CESAR System and settled the local GST Tax and VED tax in order to generate a declaration to show DVS.
- Note – You need to add the freight charge to the sale invoice to calculate the 5% GST tax and you need to upload the invoice and German pre-reg documents to the Customs portal to calculate the VED.
- Once this was done and confirmation sent to the Jersey company, they booked the vehicle for its pre-registration inspection with DVS and attended with the vehicle.
- Our Camper van then stayed stored at the Jersey company’s secured lock up.
- The Jersey company then (on completion of the registration formalities) made up and fit the new License plates and we picked up the vehicle shortly after.
As I was saying earlier, while this can likely be done without the intermediary, the above shows there is a lot of back and forth and paperwork needed to be completed and I am pleased we had both parties working together to import the vehicle to Jersey as it was very stress free for us so we cannot thank them or recommend them both enough.
If you would like any assistance or have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
