Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Customs clearance CH-GB

Hello together
I would like to have my car repaired and improved in England (still running), but what do I need to do regarding customs? The vehicle is registered in Switzerland (with number plates) and would be transported on a trailer. We would take the route Switzerland - France - England and back again. I have already asked 5 customs clearance specialists, but so far no solution. Can anyone help me?And if there is a specialist among you, I would be happy to hand over the work (paid of course).And if there is a specialist among you, I would be happy to hand over the work (paid of course). I will call others on Monday, but it seems very complicated....

Thank you very much for your help
Patrick

Could the car be made ready to be driven to UK? I'm sure that would simplify matters.

I believe that if you are not permanently importing the car to the UK then it wouldn't need any special Customs clearance (after all, you wouldn't need it if you were driving here on holiday). I've imported several cars and haven't needed to pay any Customs on them.

My son has a business which restores Morgans and would be happy to help/do the restoration. Try www.langleyclassics.co.uk and/or email him james@langleyclassics.co.uk

Hello together

Thank you very much for your answers. The vehicle works and could be driven. It is also registered in Switzerland.

I read an article that someone wanted to do the same thing (customs-wise) in Germany. As this was not declared and approved in advance at customs, they had to pay over 20'000.- Euro - VAT, fees and penalty. (Border crossing Germany - Switzerland, vehicle redeemed in Switzerland) The vehicle was also confiscated until payment was made. Since I am not allowed to have an entry in the criminal record (profession), everything must of course be in accordance with the rules. And now after Brexit everything is new, which brings advantages and disadvantages.

Ambrose: Your son is doing a great job, the homepage looks great. I already have a company. But if I want to do something with the next vehicle, I'll be happy to contact him. Thank you very much.

My experience travelling by and through Switzerland 20 + years ago was that no issues in a van empty even on weekends but severe control's when loaded with goods even when transitting through with correct T forms.

On one occasion though I was bringing back a rebuilt London taxi engine for a friend in Italy. Swiss customs required an onerous deposit to guarantee I transitted through the country with goods. Not only did I not have the cash available but strongly suspected there would be issues getting the refund. I left the engine with them and Italian friend and I had to travel back the following day to collect after demonstrating engine was for a privately owned vehicle.

PMB .... surely things will be the same as before between Switzerland and the EU .... post-Brexit only the last bit to and from the UK will have changed?

K

PMB
It might be worthwhile phoning Sarah at Brands Hatch Morgan. They have many continental customers as they are in Kent and she might know if they have any problems getting to the UK.
I took a van to Switzerland a few years ago and the only check was at the tunnel getting back in to Britain.
As Switzerland is in the Schengen Agreement there were no checks at any other borders.
If you leave Switzerland via Basel you can save a fortune on french tolls by travelling via Luxembourg and Belgium. I reckon I save €50 each way and that’s without a trailer.

Just drive it here as though you were coming on holiday. I can't see that being a problem as long as the Swiss paperwork matches your name and the car registration if anyone checks it. It's only a problem I believe if you try to ship through a third party. Friend is having problems having his car being shipped from UK to Italy for a Classic car event

Seems Harry had his Alfa trucked down to Brescia for the Mille Miglia and he flew down drove the car around the event, flew back after the event and the car was again trucked back home..? Perhaps the trucking company might offer a few hints and tips..? The name of the company is on the side of the truck, 4min 55 in to pick up on the trucking company.

https://youtu.be/nlFjqBmRBhc

Hello together

So, I've been through the procedure....

When leaving Switzerland:
-Passive refinement
-transfer via EU territory with a T1
-deposit of approx. 30% of the vehicle value (EU territory)

Entering England:
-Clearance T1
-Temporary import vehicle
-Deposit again of approx. 30% of the vehicle value (England)

Exit England:
-Export Temporary Imported Vehicle
-transfer across EU territory with a T1
-Deposit of approx. 30% of the vehicle value (deposit can be taken over)

Entry Switzerland:
-Clearance T1
-Active refinement

Was time-consuming and complicated. But legal. Without VAT, the fun cost approx. 950 pounds for all documents.
A big part could be saved by the VAT (about 2/3), and the more you spend, the bigger the saving.
(This was calculated without Swiss VAT)

Many greetings and hopefully I can help someone, as this is the only way to get English VAT back if you have your vehicle optimised or repaired.

Patrick