Who should import a classic motorbike: a motorbike company or a classic car company?
Both handle classic motorcycles, so the better question is what the bike needs. Motorbike Import handles motorbikes and scooters of any age. The Classic Import Co. handles cars and classics and also publishes a guide to classic motorcycles. A classic motorbike can qualify for 0% duty and an effective 5% VAT only if it is at least 30 years old, in original state and of a model no longer in production, and HMRC's guidance names motorcycles, but each bike is confirmed before 5% is promised.
- 0% duty and 5% VAT need all three conditions: at least 30 years old, original state, model no longer in production.
- MOT exemption: built or first registered more than 40 years ago with no substantial changes.
- Vehicle tax: built before 1 January 1986 can stop paying from 1 April 2026, if you apply.
- Approval: a bike over 10 years old is listed as exempt in the DVSA manual.
Not sure how this applies to your bike? Get a price for your bike and we tell you what applies.
What counts as a classic for import tax?
The UK Trade Tariff note for heading 9705 says the vehicle must be in original state without substantial changes to the chassis, body, steering, braking, transmission, suspension or engine, at least thirty years old, and of a model no longer in production. Repairs and restoration are allowed, and modernised or modified vehicles are excluded. The tariff note says "motor vehicles" without naming motorcycles, while HMRC's import VAT guidance names them, so we confirm the bike before promising the 5%. Otherwise duty is 8% up to 250cc and 6% above, plus 20% VAT.
Which exemptions apply once it is registered?
| Exemption | Condition |
|---|---|
| MOT | Built or first registered more than 40 years ago, and no substantial changes |
| Vehicle tax | Built before 1 January 1986: can stop paying from 1 April 2026 |
GOV.UK's historic vehicles page sets both, and you must apply for the tax exemption. The vehicle must still be taxed, at a nil rate. An exempt vehicle must still be kept roadworthy. Before it is registered, though, HMRC has to hear about the bike through NOVA within 14 days, and the import declaration comes first.
Send the make, model and year and we start from there.
Which company handles what?
| Situation | Company |
|---|---|
| A classic motorcycle, or any motorbike or scooter | Motorbike Import |
| A classic car, or a classic car and a motorcycle in one project | The Classic Import Co. |
| Transport, or an inspection of a bike abroad | Cars Import UK |
| An independent value for insurance or probate | Bassett Valuations |
What does DVLA want for an old bike?
The original foreign registration certificate, which DVLA does not give back (see our DVLA registration guide), so photograph it first. If you do not have it, DVLA might accept other proof of the manufacture date, for example a letter from the manufacturer or a vehicle enthusiast club. We obtain dating letters where DVLA needs them.
What we do for you
Send us the make, model, year and the papers you have, and we tell you whether the bike looks like it qualifies before you pay. We make the customs declaration, work out the VAT and duty, submit NOVA and prepare each DVLA form, including the V55/5: you just sign and post. We do not test, approve or modify bikes.
Quick answers
Is a 30-year-old bike automatically 5% VAT?
No. It also needs original state and a model no longer in production, and we confirm each bike first.
Does a bike over 40 years old need an MOT?
Not if it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago with no substantial changes, according to GOV.UK.
Does an old bike need an approval test?
A bike over 10 years old is listed as exempt in the DVSA MSVA manual (our MSVA guide has the detail). Whether a bike with rebuilt parts counts is for DVLA to confirm.
Can a classic car company import a motorcycle?
The Classic Import Co. publishes a guide to classic motorcycles. Ask the company about your bike.
Official sources, checked on 3 November 2026: trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/chapters/97 · gov.uk/guidance/how-to-value-goods-for-import-vat · trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/headings/8711 · gov.uk/historic-vehicles · gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/registering-an-imported-vehicle