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Imported a UK car to New Zealand? Check its service history

Verify the full UK service history for imported cars in New Zealand. Protect your money, boost resale value, and avoid hidden repairs. Quick results.

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Prove your car's full service history — and sell it for what it's worth.

Enter your registration and we will recover the records that show a buyer your car has been looked after — and is worth more.

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  1. 1 Enter your registration.
  2. 2 We confirm your car and recover its service history.
  3. 3 You get an evidence-backed report a buyer can trust.

Simply enter your registration and we'll handle the rest

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Register the vehicle on the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) portal and book entry certification before shipping.

Choose a shipping route from Southampton, Bristol or Felixstowe to Auckland, Wellington or Lyttelton with a trusted carrier.

Prepare for border inspection, cleaning and potential GST or duty on arrival.

1. Documentation and entry certification

Ensure the vehicle has a clear UK title, service history and MOT where available. Book the vehicle into an NZTA-authorised entry certifier before it ships.

Vehicles must meet frontal impact, emissions and lighting standards. Gather manufacturer compliance letters if the model is uncommon in New Zealand.

  • Original UK registration (V5C) or export certificate.
  • Proof of ownership and bill of sale.
  • Completed MR2A application from your entry certifier.

2. Shipping from the UK to New Zealand

Most importers use roll-on/roll-off vessels. Container shipping is an option for classic or high-value cars that need extra protection.

Sailings take around 45 days. Confirm the vessel will call at an approved transitional facility so the car can be inspected immediately after unloading.

  • Major departure ports: Southampton, Bristol, Felixstowe.
  • Main arrival ports: Auckland, Wellington, Lyttelton, Tauranga.
  • Clean the vehicle thoroughly to satisfy Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requirements.

3. Border clearance, taxes and compliance

On arrival, the vehicle undergoes an MPI biosecurity inspection and NZ Customs clearance. Prepare a quarantine declaration and cleaning certificates.

GST at 15% applies to the landed value (purchase price plus shipping and insurance). Duty is uncommon but can apply to certain vehicle types.

  • Arrange transport to the entry certifier once MPI clearance is granted.
  • Entry certification covers structural, brake and odometer checks.
  • After certification, complete registration and licensing with Waka Kotahi.

Do UK cars need modifications for New Zealand?

Most modern UK vehicles meet New Zealand requirements, but some need lighting adjustments, immobiliser installation or speedometer changes to show km/h. Entry certifiers will specify any required work.

Will I pay GST when importing to New Zealand?

Yes, GST at 15% applies to the Customs value of the vehicle unless you qualify for an exemption, such as returning resident concessions. Keep purchase invoices and shipping receipts for calculation.

How do I register the car once it arrives?

After the vehicle passes entry certification, the certifier issues an MR2A form. Take it to an NZTA agent (AA, VTNZ or similar) with identification and insurance to register and plate the vehicle.

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