UK’s rich history and major contributions to the world aren’t unknown to anybody if you’ve noticed; most of the major luxury brands have the UK as their birthplace. So, it really comes as no surprise that exporting luxury cars from the UK is so common. While it is not a particularly complicated affair, it is detailed and requires knowledge of international regulations, shipping methods, and customs requirements. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a rundown of the entire process.

Understanding Exporting Terms

When going through the exporting process, you’re likely to come across two terms: temporary export and permanent export. Here is what they mean:

Temporary Export: This kind of luxury car export, as the name might suggest, is a temporary one and involves moving the luxury car out of the UK for only a limited amount of time. This might be for attending a car show, using the car for business, or repairs. The intention is to return the car to the UK once the temporary period is over.

Permanent Export: This indicates a car is permanently leaving the UK soil and moving abroad forever. These usually take place if the owner is moving and wants their car with them or is perhaps selling it to an international buyer.

The Process of Exporting Luxury Cars From the UK

Exporting a luxury car from the UK might sound complex, but once you understand the steps, it’s not that difficult. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Choose a Reliable Luxury Car Exporter

The very first step is finding a reliable Luxury Car Exporter. Several companies specialise in exporting high-end vehicles from the UK, like GVE London. It’s best to check the track record of the exporter you’ve chosen and ensure that they not only arrange the transportation but also handle the necessary paperwork. This includes customs declarations, vehicle registration documents, and export licences.

Understand Import Regulations in the Destination Country

Each country has a unique set of rules regarding vehicle imports. Take some time to thoroughly understand the import regulations of your car’s new home.

Some countries have very specific emission and safety standards, whereas others might impose restrictions on a vehicle due to its age. Other countries may be less stringent.

Prepare the Vehicle for Export

Once you’ve understood and sorted out the paperwork, which is arguably the most annoying part of the entire ordeal, it is time to prepare your car for its journey across the sea; time to prepare it. Certain specific modifications might be required, depending on the standards of the importing country, and these ought to be done before shipping. You might need additional paperwork, such as an export certificate, proof of ownership, and a bill of sale. Your Luxury car exporter can help ensure that all documents are in order.

Also, it is best to click a picture and make a video of the entire guy before bidding it farewell. This will make filing a claim much easier in case something goes wrong with it.

Select a Shipping Method

You’ll need to choose between container shipping (more secure and often used for higher-end cars) or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping (faster and cheaper but less protective).

Luxury car exports are usually performed using container shipping and Air Freight, which is the fastest but most secure and expensive form of vehicle transport. These are usually reserved for ultra-high-end models or deliveries that are time-sensitive.

Track Your Shipment

Once the car embarks on its journey to the unknown, all you can do is wait. Tracking becomes the next step. Ideally, you’ll want to stay updated throughout its journey. Most exporters do provide tracking tools to help you do this.

Final Delivery

Once your car reaches its destination, it must clear customs. Once it gets clearance, only then would it be delivered to the doorstep of the buyer or a dealership. To be legally driven in the destination country, the car must complete some formalities, which your luxury car exporter can assist with or recommend a trusted local service provider for the same.

Conclusion

Performing a luxury car export, with the right planning, is a rather smooth process. However, there are several factors to consider, which can often get a bit overwhelming for a single individual. If you’d like some assistance with it, get in touch with GVE London. We take care of pre-shipment services, repairs, and modifications of your luxury car, as well as handling the entire exporting process.