Romania ↔ UK car shipping post-Brexit 2026: the complete guide (customs, price, documents, transit)

Romania ↔ UK car shipping post-Brexit 2026: the complete guide

TL;DR: After Brexit, car shipping between Romania and the United Kingdom requires customs clearance on both sides (UK export + Romanian import). The Cargo Brothers (TCB) handles the full end-to-end process: pickup in the UK, road transport via Eurotunnel or ferry, customs on both ends, delivery at your Romanian address. Indicative price 1,800-2,400 EUR. Transit time 8-14 business days. Romanian VAT 19% on vehicle value + transport · excise duty if the vehicle exceeds age / emissions thresholds.

**Calculate your UK → Romania car shipping price** — instant, no account needed.

Contents

1. What changed after Brexit

2. How much does it cost in 2026

3. How long does it take

4. Mandatory post-Brexit documents

5. UK export customs (HMRC)

6. Romanian import customs (ANAF)

7. VAT and excise duty on import

8. How Copart UK auction pickup works

9. Step-by-step TCB shipment

10. Frequently asked questions

1. What changed after Brexit

Before 1 January 2021, car shipping between Romania and the UK counted as intra-community transport (EU → EU). No customs. No additional VAT. Pure transport.

After Brexit, the UK became a third country. This means:

• Customs mandatory on both directions (UK export + Romanian import or vice versa).

• Romanian VAT 19% is payable on import to Romania (on vehicle value + transport cost).

• Excise duty if the vehicle exceeds Romanian emissions or age thresholds (e.g. diesel cars older than 10 years can carry higher excise).

• Additional documents: commercial invoice, EORI if shipped under a business, proof of vehicle origin.

The process became more complex BUT the experience for the buyer remains transparent if you work with a freight forwarder that has in-house customs (such as TCB).

2. How much does it cost in 2026

Price components:

Component · Indicative cost

Road transport UK ↔ RO (open carrier, sedan) · 1,600-2,100 EUR

UK export customs · 80-150 GBP (~95-180 EUR)

Romanian import customs · 250-400 EUR

Romanian VAT (19% on vehicle + transport) · Variable · e.g. 22,000 EUR vehicle → ~4,500 EUR VAT

Excise duty (if applicable) · 0-1,500 EUR

Typical total ex-VAT for a mid-size vehicle · 1,945-2,680 EUR

Concrete 2026 example:

• Car bought in London: 18,000 GBP (~21,000 EUR)

• Open transport London → Bucharest: 1,900 EUR

• UK export customs: 130 EUR

• Romanian import customs: 320 EUR

• Romanian VAT: 19% × (21,000 + 1,900) = 4,351 EUR

• Total delivered Bucharest: 27,701 EUR (from 21,000 EUR vehicle)

For an exact price on your situation, use the TCB calculator.

3. How long does it take

Stage · Indicative duration

UK pickup scheduling · 1-3 business days

Road transport UK → RO (via Eurotunnel or ferry) · 4-6 days

UK export customs (HMRC) · 1-2 days (in parallel with transport)

Romanian import customs (ANAF) · 1-2 days

Final delivery · 1-2 days

Typical total · 8-14 business days

Transit may extend in peak periods (year-end, summer tourist season) or if the vehicle requires extra border inspections.

4. Mandatory post-Brexit documents

Supplied by you (buyer):

• Bill of Sale (purchase invoice) — signed by the seller

• V5C — Vehicle Registration Certificate (UK logbook)

• Power of attorney from the previous owner if the transfer is not direct on your name

• ID or passport of the buyer

• Romanian EORI (if shipped under a business) — TCB can assist with obtaining one if you don't have it

Generated by TCB:

• UK export declaration (HMRC)

• Romanian import declaration (ANAF)

• CMR (international transport letter)

• TCB fiscal invoice for transport + customs service

Generated by you after delivery:

• Vehicle registration in Romania (at the local town hall + RAR) — separate from the TCB process

• Excise duty payment if applicable (RAR issues the payment notice)

5. UK export customs (HMRC)

HMRC = Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (UK customs authority).

Stages:

1. Export registration in CDS (Customs Declaration Service)

2. V5C verification (vehicle is not stolen, no unpaid fines)

3. Value confirmation based on invoice

4. Master Reference Number (MRN) issuance

5. Permission to leave UK territory (Eurotunnel or ferry)

TCB works with an HMRC-accredited UK customs broker. UK export customs cost is 80-150 GBP, included in the TCB package.

6. Romanian import customs (ANAF)

ANAF = National Agency for Fiscal Administration (Romanian customs + tax authority).

Stages:

1. Import declaration in RAVA (Romanian Customs Administration System)

2. VAT + excise duty calculation

3. VAT + excise payment

4. Customs import form issuance

5. Continued delivery to final address

TCB has an in-house ANAF-authorised customs broker team. The process typically takes 1-2 business days at the Romanian border.

7. VAT and excise duty on import

Romanian VAT (19%)

Applied on the taxable base = vehicle value per invoice + transport cost + other accessory charges.

Example: 21,000 EUR vehicle + 1,900 EUR transport = 22,900 EUR base → 4,351 EUR VAT.

Excise duty

Applied especially for:

• Diesel cars older than 10 years

• Vehicles with emissions above Euro 4 threshold

• Exceptions: hybrids, electric vehicles (zero or reduced excise)

Exact excise calculation is done by RAR (Romanian Automotive Registry) after registration. TCB does not pay excise directly but informs you of the estimated value before transport.

8. How Copart UK auction pickup works

Copart UK is one of the largest online auctions for used and damaged vehicles in the UK. Many Romanian buyers participate for:

• Damaged cars at reduced prices for repair

• Used cars at below-market prices

• Returned lease vehicles

TCB does pickup directly from Copart yards:

1. After winning the auction, send TCB: lot number + Copart Buyer ID + Copart invoice

2. TCB schedules pickup from the specified Copart yard (Birmingham, Bristol, Sandwich, etc.)

3. Vehicle transported UK → RO

4. UK export + Romanian import customs

5. Delivery to your address

Indicative cost Copart pickup + transport + RO customs: 2,100-2,500 EUR (for a standard vehicle).

Transit: 10-14 business days from pickup.

9. Step-by-step TCB shipment

1. Instant quote on the TCB calculator → estimate in 5 seconds

2. Submit exact data: UK pickup address + RO delivery address + make / model / year / VIN + invoice + V5C

3. Receive firm quote within 12 hours

4. Accept the offer → pay advance (10-30%) by bank transfer

5. TCB schedules UK pickup → driver name and phone 24h ahead

6. Pickup → driver collects the vehicle · you sign condition report + 8-12 photos

7. UK → RO transport via Eurotunnel or ferry (4-6 days)

8. UK export customs (in parallel with transport)

9. Romanian import customs at border (1-2 days)

10. Final address delivery → you sign proof of delivery · settle final invoice

11. RAR registration (your step · TCB hands over all required documents)

10. Frequently asked questions

Can I ship a damaged car bought from Copart UK to Romania?

Yes. TCB ships vehicles with mechanical defects or light damage, as long as they can be loaded via winch onto the platform. At auction pickup, TCB confirms vehicle condition with photos at collection.

How much VAT do I pay when importing a car from the UK?

19% VAT applies to the vehicle invoice value + transport cost. Example: 21,000 EUR vehicle + 1,900 EUR transport = 22,900 EUR base → 4,351 EUR VAT.

Is there excise duty for used cars from the UK?

Yes, for diesel vehicles older than 10 years or emissions above Euro 4. Hybrids and electric vehicles have zero or reduced excise. Exact calculation is done by RAR at registration.

How long does customs take for a Romania ↔ UK shipment?

Typically 1-3 business days on top of the actual transport. TCB has an in-house customs team that processes declarations directly, without outsourcing — which reduces delays.

Can I import a car from the UK under my company (SRL)?

Yes. Requires a Romanian EORI registered under the SRL. If you don't have an EORI, TCB can assist with the procedure (no extra cost).

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport for the UK route?

For standard vehicles, open transport is sufficient and 30-60% cheaper. For collector, exotic or high-value vehicles (above 50,000 EUR), we recommend enclosed transport with full protection.

Can I track the shipment in real time?

Yes. TCB provides GPS tracking and status updates via email/SMS at each stage: pickup, channel crossing, export customs, import customs, delivery.

What happens if Romanian customs holds the car?

Holds are rare and usually due to incomplete documents. TCB performs pre-import verification to prevent such situations. If a hold does occur, the customs team intervenes directly to resolve.

Next step

**Calculate your UK → Romania car shipping price** (instant) or **request a firm quote in 12 hours**.

Read also:

• Romania ↔ Europe car shipping 2026: prices, transit times, documents

• Auction pickup EU (Copart, IAAI): how it works with TCB

Source of figures: 2026 indicative prices and transit times based on actual TCB Romania ↔ UK routes from the last 12 months. Romanian VAT rate 19% per the 2026 Fiscal Code. For a firm quote, contact us.

© 2024-2026 The Cargo Brothers · Label Room SRL · Sibiu, Romania.