How Much Does It Cost To Import A Car From The UK To The US In 2025?

The United Kingdom remains a popular source for U.S. imports—from classic Jaguars and Aston Martins to modern Land Rovers and specialty models. Since April 2025, tariff treatment can significantly affect total cost depending on origin and HTS classification—not all vehicles are impacted the same way.

Why a full cost breakdown matters

Accurate planning means itemizing tariffs/duties, compliance, right-hand-drive considerations, and fees. This guide covers 25-year classics that qualify for established tariff exemptions and modern vehicles that may need EPA/DOT modifications.

Critical update on 2025 tariffs

• Base duty (most passenger cars): 2.5% (HTS 8703.x).

• 10% baseline tariff (2025 update): May apply in addition to the base duty depending on origin and HTS classification.

• Section 232 (finished vehicles): 25% for non-exempt countries. Trade-agreement partners (e.g., USMCA) can be exempt if rules-of-origin are met. For UK-origin vehicles, applicability can vary with current policy—confirm at entry.

• 25-year exemption: Vehicles 25+ years old, when properly coded under HTSUS 9903.94.04, are exempt from the 25% Section 232 tariff and typically pay only the 2.5% base duty.

What this means: Depending on origin/content and HTS coding on CBP Form 7501, the duty load could be 2.5%, 12.5% (2.5%+10%), or up to 37.5% (2.5%+10%+25%).

Current shipping costs UK → USA

• Ocean freight (Southampton/Felixstowe/Liverpool/London Gateway → New York): ~$2,750 with ~26-day transit (typical, not guaranteed).

• Cost variability: Fuel surcharges, congestion, equipment availability, seasonality, and carrier adjustments can move rates materially.

UK port infrastructure & Brexit notes

• Primary export hub: Southampton (frequent U.S. services, competitive rates, mature auto handling).

• Alternatives: Felixstowe, Liverpool, London Gateway with established schedules.

• Documentation: Post-Brexit customs formalities add admin steps but remain manageable with experienced forwarders.

Method & optimization

• Containers: Highest protection; single-vehicle or consolidated (shared) options that can reduce per-car cost in optimal multi-vehicle consolidations (often up to ~50%).

• Special handling: Climate-controlled/enhanced security adds $1,500–$4,000.

Market factors

• Fuel surcharges: Often add ~$200–$400.

• Terminal/booking: Advance booking helps during tight capacity periods.

2025 duties & established exemptions (UK)

UK-origin vehicles follow the U.S. framework above; actual tariff outcome depends on origin, classification, and exemptions.

Tariff structure (effective April 2025)

• Base duty (passenger cars): 2.5% (HTS 8703.x).

• 10% baseline tariff: May apply in addition to base duty (origin/HTS dependent).

• Section 232 (finished vehicles): 25% for non-exempt countries.

• 25-year exemption: HTS 9903.94.04 exempts qualifying classics from the 25% Section 232; the 2.5% base duty typically still applies.

Light trucks (“Chicken Tax”)

Certain light-truck classifications (often HTS 8704) are subject to a 25% Chicken Tax. Whether additional tariffs (10% baseline and/or 25% Section 232) apply is not automatic and must be confirmed by HTS coding on CBP Form 7501.

Other notes

• Timeline: Section 232 for finished vehicles applies to entries on/after April 3, 2025; automotive parts enforcement began May 3, 2025 (may affect retrofit costs).

• Documentation: Keep complete records for five years; ensure Form 7501 lists the base HTS and any exemption codes (e.g., 9903.94.04).

• Avoid speculation: Do not cite unimplemented “EU/UK tariff ceilings” or “U.S.-content proration” as ways to lower 232—stick to proper HTS/RoO treatment reflected on Form 7501.

Mandatory processing fees (typical)

• Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of the import entry’s value as determined for HMF purposes (valuation rules can differ—confirm with your broker).

• Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value; min $31.67 / max $634.62.

• Customs bond: Usually ~10% of declared value; common costs $150–$500 depending on bond type/vehicle value.

Real-world duty scenarios (UK)

Classic British sports car (£32,000 / $40,000) — 25-year exemption qualified

• Shipping (to NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Duty (2.5%): $1,000 (Section 232 exempt via 9903.94.04)

• HMF (~0.125%): ~$50.00

• MPF (~0.3464%): ~$138.56

• Bond: ~$400

• Total duties & fees: ~$4,339 (illustrative; exemption yields major savings)

Modern UK luxury SUV (£60,000 / $74,500) — show three outcomes

• Shipping (to NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Scenario A (Base only): 2.5% = $1,862.50

• Scenario B (Base + Baseline): 12.5% = $9,312.50

• Scenario C (Base + Baseline + Section 232, non-exempt): 37.5% = $27,937.50

• HMF/MPF/Bond (illustrative): HMF ~$85, MPF ~$235, bond ~$745

• Note: Final treatment depends on origin, content, and HTS coding on Form 7501.

EPA/DOT compliance (UK)

Modern (<25 years): U.S. compliance is required via Registered Importer (RI) or ICI.

• Indicative RI costs:

   

  • Lighting: $2,500–$6,000

  • Emissions: $4,500–$14,000

  • Safety systems: $3,500–$11,000

  • Cluster/speedo: $700–$1,800

  • Typical RI total: $11,200–$32,800 (excludes any optional RHD→LHD conversion)

   

Right-hand drive (RHD):

• Federal: RHD is legal; no federal requirement to convert.

• State considerations: Some states impose extra inspection/insurance hurdles or usage limitations; others register RHD routinely.

• Optional conversion: Professional RHD→LHD conversions can run $15,000–$35,000 but are not generally required.

ICI path (when RI not available):

• EPA: $20,000–$45,000

• DOT testing (full crash is rare): variable

• Admin/certification: $8,000–$20,000

• Typical ICI total: $43,000–$105,000 (reserved for unique/high-value cases)

25-year rule: Vehicles 25+ years old usually require no EPA/DOT modifications and, when coded under 9903.94.04, are exempt from Section 232 (2.5% base duty typically applies).

Additional cost considerations

• Customs brokerage: $450–$900 (complexity dependent).

• UK pre-purchase inspections: $350–$800.

• UK collection to port: $400–$900.

• U.S. delivery: Typically $900–$1,200 (distance/equipment dependent).

• State registration/taxes: Registration $100–$800 plus state/local sales tax; some states require extra inspections ($200–$800).

• Transport coverage: International coverage typically 0.5–2% of vehicle value; optional climate-control/security increases apply.

• EVs: Battery/ADR handling and charging compatibility can add $1,500–$3,000 to logistics.

Complete UK import cost examples

Classic British import (1998 Jaguar XK8 Convertible) — 25-year exemption qualified

• Purchase: £25,000 ($31,000)

• UK collection: $500 (est.)

• Ocean freight (Southampton→NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Duty (2.5%): $775 (Section 232 exempt via 9903.94.04)

• Processing fees (HMF/MPF): ~$125

• Customs brokerage: $600

• U.S. delivery: $1,000

• Estimated total: ~$36,750 (illustrative; exemptions apply)

Modern luxury import (2019 Range Rover Sport)

• Purchase: £60,000 ($74,500)

• UK collection: $600 (est.)

• Ocean freight (Southampton→NY): $2,750 (est.)

• Duty scenarios:

   

  • Base only 2.5% = $1,862.50

  • Base + baseline 12.5% = $9,312.50

  • Base + baseline + Section 232 (non-exempt) 37.5% = $27,937.50

   

• Processing fees: ~$300

• RI modifications (luxury SUV est.): $18,000

• Customs brokerage: $800

• U.S. delivery: $1,300

• Estimated total: Varies widely by tariff scenario and compliance pathway.

Cargo Damage Protection

Even with professional handling and secure loading, unexpected incidents can occur during international shipping. West Coast Shipping offers Cargo Damage Protection to safeguard your vehicle from potential loss or damage while in transit. This optional coverage provides peace of mind and ensures that, in case of unforeseen events, your investment remains protected.

This comprehensive protection covers various scenarios that standard shipping coverage may not address, including damage during loading/unloading, weather-related incidents, and handling mishaps. For valuable British vehicles, particularly classic sports cars or rare models, this additional protection represents a small investment relative to potential financial exposure.

Professional UK Import Services

West Coast Shipping specializes in UK vehicle imports with comprehensive services designed to navigate post-Brexit complexities, tariff structures, and right-hand drive considerations while minimizing total costs.

Comprehensive UK Import Support

25-Year Exemption Verification: Expert confirmation of established tariff exemptions under HTSUS section 9903.94.04 for qualifying classic British vehicles, ensuring maximum duty savings.

Post-Brexit Documentation Management: Professional handling of additional UK export paperwork and customs requirements introduced by Brexit, ensuring smooth processing.

Pre-Purchase Consultation: Expert guidance on UK vehicle selection considering exemption eligibility, right-hand drive implications, compliance pathway availability, and total cost optimization.

Specialized Services for UK Imports

Classic British Vehicle Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of British automotive history, model authenticity verification, and collector market values for iconic UK brands.

RHD Consultation: Professional guidance on right-hand drive implications including state-specific restrictions, conversion costs versus benefits, and registration strategies.

Compliance Pathway Assessment: Accurate evaluation of available RI certifications and realistic compliance costs for specific UK vehicles, avoiding unnecessary expenses.

State Requirement Navigation: Expert guidance on state-specific RHD requirements and registration processes, ensuring legal operation after import.

For comprehensive information about importing vehicles from other countries and comparing costs across different automotive markets, visit our complete country-by-country import cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Importing Cars from the UK to the US

How much does it cost to import a car from the UK to the US?

Totals depend on the duty scenario (base 2.5% only; base + 10% baseline = 12.5%; or base + baseline + 25% Section 232 = up to 37.5%), plus compliance and logistics.

• Classic example (1998 Jaguar XK8 — qualifies for 25-year exemption): ~$36,750 all-in (purchase, ~$2,750 ocean, 2.5% duty, typical fees, domestic delivery).

• Modern example (2019 Range Rover Sport, ~$74.5k purchase):
  roughly $100k – $126k, depending on duty scenario (includes ~$2,750 ocean, typical fees, ~$18k RI mods):

• 2.5% duty: ~$100k

• 12.5% duty: ~$108k

• Up to 37.5% duty (non-exempt Section 232): ~$126k

  (A single mid-case using 27.5% duty lands around $119k. Final treatment depends on origin/content and HTS coding on CBP Form 7501.)

Do UK right-hand drive cars need to be converted?

No federal requirement to convert. Some states add inspection/insurance hurdles or usage limits, while others register RHD routinely. Professional RHD→LHD conversion is optional and typically $15,000–$35,000. Check your state’s rules before importing.

Are classic British cars cheaper to import?

Yes. Vehicles 25+ years old typically pay only the 2.5% base duty when properly coded under HTSUS 9903.94.04 (exempt from the 25% Section 232 tariff) and don’t need EPA/DOT mods, saving about $11,200–$32,800 versus modern cars.

How long does shipping take from the UK to the US?

From Southampton/Felixstowe/Liverpool → New York is typically ~26 days and ~$2,750 (not guaranteed). West Coast arrivals add about a week and additional cost.

Get Your UK Import Cost Assessment Today

Importing vehicles from the United Kingdom to the United States in 2025 offers access to iconic British automotive heritage, though careful consideration of new tariff structures, right-hand drive implications, post-Brexit documentation, and compliance requirements substantially impacts total investment.

Contact our UK import specialists today to discuss your specific vehicle requirements and receive detailed cost breakdowns considering current tariff rates, RHD factors, applicable exemptions, and compliance pathways. Our experienced team provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from initial UK market consultation through final US registration and delivery.