Importing a Harley-Davidson into the United Kingdom has become more complex in the post-Brexit era, particularly for modern models registered in the EU or purchased directly from the United States. Whether you are bringing a U.S.-spec Harley through Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval, converting an EU-registered bike under the GB conversion IVA process, or deciding which side of the Channel offers the best deal, you need a clear roadmap for inspections, modifications, and registration.
This guide walks through three key UK Harley-Davidson import pathways: MSVA for non‑type‑approved bikes, a post‑Brexit decision framework for choosing between UK and EU import, and GB conversion IVA for motorcycles already holding EU type approval. Use it alongside West Coast Shipping's international motorcycle shipping rates page to plan logistics, costs, and timelines for getting your Harley from the USA to UK or EU roads.
Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) is the UK's primary compliance route for bikes that do not have European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval or are arriving from outside the EU. For Harley-Davidson riders importing U.S.-spec models—or older, modified or custom Harleys—MSVA is the gateway to legal UK registration.
MSVA is run by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and ensures that motorcycles meet UK construction, safety, and environmental standards before they can be registered with the DVLA. Unlike an MOT test, which checks condition and roadworthiness, MSVA is a design‑and‑construction assessment based on the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval Inspection Manual and relevant UK regulations.
For Harley-Davidson imports, MSVA typically applies when:
The bike was originally built and sold for the U.S. market and has no EU type approval.
The motorcycle has been heavily modified or built as a one‑off/custom.
The bike is imported from a non‑EU market without a valid Certificate of Conformity.
Modern Harleys (especially 2020s models) that were sold new in the EU with a valid Certificate of Conformity usually follow the GB conversion IVA route instead, which is covered later in this guide.
Want to see the full step‑by‑step process for inspections, modifications, and DVLA paperwork? Check out our dedicated guide, UK MSVA Guide for Harley-Davidson Imports.
The MSVA examination focuses on whether the motorcycle's design complies with UK construction standards rather than its wear and tear. The inspection manual sets out checks across multiple systems, including:
Lighting and visibility: Dipped beam must not dazzle oncoming traffic; for UK roads, the headlight beam pattern must be appropriate for driving on the left. Indicator color, spacing, and brightness are also checked.
Speedometer: The speedo must display miles per hour, either as the primary scale or clearly alongside km/h.
Mirrors: Correct number, size, and placement according to the motorcycle category.
Braking: Front and rear braking performance is tested against prescribed stopping‑distance and efficiency thresholds.
Exhaust and noise: Noise levels must fall within limits applicable to the bike’s age and engine capacity; excessively loud aftermarket exhausts are a common fail point.
Emissions: Newer motorcycles must meet the Euro emissions standard applicable to their year of first use.
VIN and identification: The frame must carry a legible 17‑digit Vehicle Identification Number; identity plates must meet layout and legibility rules.
U.S.-spec Harley-Davidsons are designed for right‑hand traffic, often with different lighting patterns and equipment compared to UK/EU models. To pass MSVA, most U.S.-spec Harleys require at least the following work.
Headlights designed for right‑hand traffic throw more light to the right, which will dazzle oncoming drivers in the UK. Options include:
Replacing the headlight with a UK or EU‑spec unit designed to dip correctly for left‑hand traffic.
Adjusting the beam angle and pattern where the design permits (for some modern LED units this may not be possible).
In limited cases, using beam deflectors; however, for MSVA, a permanent compliant solution is strongly preferred and often expected.
MSVA requires that the motorcycle’s speedometer shows miles per hour. For many U.S. Harleys, MPH is already the primary scale and no change is needed. For EU‑spec Harleys showing only km/h, common solutions are:
Replacing the speedometer cluster with a dual‑scale MPH/kmh unit.
Reprogramming digital instruments to display MPH (often possible on recent Harleys).
Fitting an overlay or replacement dial that adds MPH markings, with supporting documentation from the workshop that performed the work.
Depending on the specific model and year, you may also need to address:
Rear lighting and indicators: Ensure colors (red rear light, amber indicators) and positions comply with UK rules; some U.S. bikes use combined brake/turn functions that need separation.
Side reflectors: U.S. side markers may need repositioning or removal if they do not align with UK requirements.
Exhaust: Loud aftermarket pipes may fail MSVA noise limits; many riders temporarily refit OEM exhausts for the test.
Once your Harley is modified to UK standards, you can book an MSVA test with the DVSA.
Complete the MSVA application form from GOV.UK (motorcycle single vehicle approval section).
Provide technical details about the bike, including VIN, engine size, and maximum speed.
Pay the test fee. MSVA test fees for motorcycles are published in the DVSA fee schedule; as of early 2026, they typically fall in the £150–£250 range depending on vehicle category and test type. Always check the latest DVSA fee table before booking.
Book a test slot at a designated DVSA approval test station.
Arrange transport to the test site; an unregistered bike must be trailered or transported, not ridden on public roads.
If the bike does not meet one or more requirements, the examiner issues a fail sheet listing all reasons. You can then:
Complete the required repairs or modifications.
Rebook a partial retest. A reduced retest fee applies if the follow‑up test is within the timeframe and scope specified by DVSA.
Lighting, speedometers, and exhaust noise are among the most common MSVA fail points for Harley-Davidsons; using a workshop familiar with MSVA standards can dramatically reduce rework.
When your Harley passes MSVA, DVSA issues a Minister’s Approval Certificate. To register with the DVLA, you will need:
The MSVA certificate.
Proof of ownership (U.S. title, bill of sale, or export certificate).
NOVA clearance from HMRC showing that VAT and duty have been accounted for.
A completed V55/5 application for first registration.
Once processed, DVLA issues a V5C registration certificate and UK plate. At that point your Harley is fully legal for UK roads and can be taxed and covered under your chosen policy.
Brexit has fundamentally changed how Harley-Davidson owners should think about importing and registering bikes in Europe. For U.S. riders, dealers, and expats, the choice between UK and EU registration now hinges on tariffs, type approval, and future flexibility.
The European Union imposed retaliatory duties on U.S.-manufactured motorcycles as part of broader trade disputes:
In June 2018, the EU added an extra 25% duty on U.S.-made motorcycles on top of its standard 6% duty.
In June 2021, the EU increased the additional duty to 50%, meaning many Harleys became subject to a combined duty of about 56% when you add the standard 6% motorcycle duty.
In practice, importers often describe the EU burden as “around 56% duty” on the customs value of a U.S.-built Harley. Official communications sometimes present the additional duty differently in relation to base duty, so the exact wording can vary, but the bottom line is that EU duty on U.S.-origin Harleys is significantly higher than standard motorcycle tariffs. Measures and disputes may evolve, so importers should confirm the current tariff status with customs authorities or a licensed broker before buying stock.
Production‑location strategies and rulings affecting origin treatment for Harleys built outside the U.S. have also been under scrutiny in recent years. If you are relying on non‑U.S. assembly plants, confirm how origin will be treated for customs purposes before you commit to a purchase.
Want to compare tariffs, approval routes, and long‑term flexibility side by side? Read Import Your Harley to UK or EU? Post‑Brexit Decision Framework (2024–2026).
Post‑Brexit, the UK sets its own tariff schedule separate from the EU. As of early 2026:
U.S.-spec Harleys entering the UK generally fall under HS code 8711 (motorcycles).
This code carries a standard UK import duty of about 6%, plus 20% VAT calculated on the duty‑paid value.
The UK does not currently apply the same additional Harley‑specific retaliatory duties that the EU does.
This creates a significant difference in landed cost between importing a new Harley directly to the UK versus importing the same bike into an EU member state.
Tariffs are only part of the picture; type approval and registration flexibility also matter.
You use MSVA, because the bike lacks EU type approval.
Once registered, the bike is straightforward to keep and ride in the UK.
Moving the same bike into the EU later would trigger EU import duty and VAT, plus national approval processes (for example, German TÜV or French DRIRE).
You will face the EU’s high combined duty (often around 56% on U.S.-origin machines), plus VAT and any national fees.
You must pass the national approval or single vehicle approval process in that EU country.
Once registered in the EU and type‑approved, subsequent moves to other EU states are simpler, but moving it to the UK will still trigger UK import duty and a need for GB conversion IVA or MSVA.
The bike already has an EU Certificate of Conformity.
You qualify for GB conversion IVA, a lighter documentary process that recognizes EU type approval with a few UK‑specific modifications.
The motorcycle stays attractive to buyers on both sides of the Channel because it retains EU type‑approval heritage.
Consider a 2025 Harley-Davidson touring model purchased in the USA for $28,000, shipped from New York to Europe by container:
Shipping to the UK: You might budget around $1,050–$1,200 for a standard car in a shared container from New York to Bremerhaven or similar North Sea ports; motorcycle slots are typically cheaper but follow similar routing.
Shipping to the EU: The calculator can show routes like New York–Fos‑sur‑Mer around $1,150 in 25–29 days and New York–Bremerhaven around $1,050 in 30–33 days for cars; motorcycles again scale down per unit but on the same sailings.
Using simplified numbers for illustration:
UK path (duty 6%, VAT 20%):
CIF (bike + shipping): say $31,500
Duty 6%: $1,890
VAT 20% on (CIF + duty): $6,678
Total taxes: $8,568
Landed cost before MSVA and local fees: around $40,000
EU path (duty about 56%):
CIF: $31,500
Duty 56%: $17,640
VAT 20% on (CIF + duty): $9,828
Total taxes: $27,468
Landed cost before national fees: around $58,968
Exact figures will vary by exchange rate, declared value, and country, but the pattern is clear: the UK route is significantly cheaper for a fresh U.S.-spec Harley.
Your main base is the UK and you do not expect to live long‑term in the EU.
Upfront price matters more than future EU resale options.
You are importing a U.S.-spec bike without EU type approval.
You are based in an EU country and will use the bike primarily within Schengen.
You want long‑term EU type approval and easier cross‑border movement within the EU.
You are buying an EU‑registered Harley where EU duty was already paid.
Whichever route you choose, start by estimating sea‑freight costs via West Coast Shipping’s international motorcycle shipping rates and overlaying local taxes and approval requirements.
If you already own a Harley-Davidson registered in the EU—or you are buying one from a European dealer—and want to bring it into the UK, you usually do not need full MSVA. Instead, you can leverage its existing EU type approval via the GB conversion IVA process.
GB conversion IVA is a post‑Brexit scheme run by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). It covers vehicles that:
Were type‑approved to EU standards.
Hold a valid EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Were not originally built specifically for the UK market.
Rather than a physical inspection, GB conversion IVA is a documentary process: you demonstrate that the motorcycle meets UK‑specific requirements (primarily headlight aim, speedometer units, and rear fog lights where applicable) by submitting evidence.
Want to reuse your EU Harley’s type approval instead of starting from scratch? Check out our step‑by‑step guide to GB conversion IVA in GB Conversion IVA for Harley Imports: EU to UK Guide.
Your Harley is typically eligible for GB conversion IVA if:
It has a full EU Certificate of Conformity listing 51 or 52 numbered items.
It is under 10 years old from first registration. (Motorcycles over 10 years old generally do not require this route; they can be registered directly with DVLA, subject to DVLA’s age‑related rules.)
The bike has not been radically modified from its original EU‑approved specification.
If the CoC explicitly states that the motorcycle is suitable for left‑hand traffic and shows MPH on the speedo, you may be able to register directly with DVLA without GB conversion IVA; however, most EU‑market Harleys are configured for right‑hand traffic and km/h.
GB conversion IVA focuses mainly on three areas:
The dipped beam must be suitable for driving on the left. For most EU‑market Harleys, that means:
Fitting a UK‑spec headlamp unit, or
Adjusting the existing lamp to remove any kick‑up to the right and produce a flat or left‑biased pattern.
You must provide proof that the headlamp is UK‑appropriate. This can be:
A garage invoice describing the new headlamp and confirming it is suitable for UK use.
A statement from a VAT‑registered garage or MOT testing station confirming the beam pattern is correct.
The speedometer must display miles per hour. Many recent Harleys allow easy switching between units in the instrument menu; others require a new cluster or dial.
Acceptable evidence includes:
A workshop invoice for reprogramming or replacing the speedometer.
A signed statement on garage letterhead confirming the speedo now shows MPH (either exclusively or prominently alongside km/h).
If your Harley has a rear fog light, UK rules generally require it to be:
Positioned centrally or on the offside (right) of the vehicle.
Some EU bikes have the fog light on the wrong side. You may need to relocate or replace it and provide supporting evidence.
Once modifications are complete, you apply to VCA for a GB conversion IVA certificate.
EU Certificate of Conformity (original or manufacturer‑supplied duplicate).
Evidence for headlamp, speedometer, and fog light modifications (recent invoices or statements).
Clear note of the VIN and registration details.
Download the latest “Application for GB Conversion IVA – Motorcycles (MR‑002)” from GOV.UK. Fill in:
Vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year).
CoC information.
A checklist of modifications and evidence provided.
Step 3: Pay the fee
The GB conversion IVA fee is paid via GOV.UK Pay or by cheque. As of early 2026, the VCA application charge is typically around £70, but you should confirm the exact amount against the current VCA fee schedule before submitting.
Send your completed form and supporting documents:
By email (PDF scans) to the VCA vehicle importing address, or
By post if you are paying by cheque or prefer paper submissions.
VCA assesses the documents. If satisfied, they issue a GB conversion IVA certificate and return any original documentation. If information is missing or unclear, they will request clarification or additional evidence.
Common pitfalls include:
VIN mismatches: Ensure the VIN on the CoC, registration document, and frame all match exactly.
Weak evidence: Generic workshop printouts without dates or explicit statements about UK compliance are often rejected.
Out‑of‑date CoC: If you only have partial documentation, contact the manufacturer or a dealer to obtain a proper EU Certificate of Conformity.
Using the wrong route: If the bike is heavily modified or lacks a CoC, VCA may advise that MSVA is the correct path instead.
Getting these details right can shave weeks off the import timeline.
Once you have your GB conversion IVA certificate:
Complete NOVA with HMRC if the bike is being imported from the EU after Brexit.
Fill in the appropriate V55 form (V55/4 or V55/5, depending on whether you are a business or private individual).
Attach:
GB conversion IVA certificate.
EU registration document (if applicable).
CoC copy.
Proof of identity and address.
Send the package to DVLA.
DVLA will issue a UK registration number and V5C, allowing you to tax and ride the bike legally.
| Item | GB Conversion IVA | Full MSVA |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | VCA | DVSA |
| Typical use case | EU‑approved Harley moving to the UK | U.S.-spec or non‑type‑approved Harley |
| Application/test fee | Approx. £70 (check current VCA fee) | Approx. £150–£250 (check DVSA fee schedule) |
| Physical inspection | No (documentary) | Yes (on‑site test) |
| Typical modifications | Headlight, speedometer, fog light | More extensive: lighting, brakes, exhaust, etc. |
| Modification cost | Roughly £300–£600 | Often £800–£1,500+ |
| Processing time | Around 2–4 weeks | Around 3–6 weeks including scheduling |
| Retest fee | Not applicable | Reduced retest fee if only some items fail |
For a modern EU‑registered Harley-Davidson, GB conversion IVA is almost always quicker and cheaper than going through MSVA from scratch.
Whether you are importing a U.S.-spec Harley via MSVA, relocating an EU‑registered bike through GB conversion IVA, or weighing UK versus EU registration in a post‑Brexit world, accurate logistics costs are the foundation of a good decision.
With clear approval pathways (MSVA or GB conversion IVA), a realistic view of tariffs, and accurate ocean transit costs, you can bring your Harley-Davidson into the UK or EU with far fewer surprises—and get back to focusing on the ride.