Not sure how this applies to yours? Get a quote for my motorhome import and we will tell you before you spend anything.
What does "origin" actually mean for a motorhome?
This is where most people go wrong, so it's worth being precise. HMRC's guidance on rules of origin says the origin of goods "is where they have been grown, produced, or manufactured" and "may not be the country where they are shipped or bought from".
So three things do not decide your duty rate:
- the country where you bought it
- the country where it was registered
- the nationality of the dealer or seller
What decides it is where the vehicle was made, and whether it meets the product rule in the trade deal. For motorhomes (tariff heading 8703) under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK tariff lists the rule as "MaxNOM 45% (EXW)". In plain words: enough of the vehicle has to be made in the EU for it to count as EU-originating. You, as a private buyer, can't see the parts list. That's why proof matters.
What rates does the UK tariff actually give?
According to the UK Integrated Online Tariff, motorhomes pay:
- 10% third-country duty (the standard rate)
- 0% preferential duty for the European Union, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Turkey, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa and others
- 10% for the USA, which has no preferential rate
Then import VAT is charged at 20%. gov.uk says VAT is charged on the total cost of the vehicle plus accessories, delivery and extra charges, and customs duty, so the duty rate also changes your VAT bill. Our cost guide has worked examples.
Send us the details before you pay. We tell you what the import involves, then handle the customs, the NOVA and the DVLA paperwork.
What proof do I need for the 0% rate?
For a motorhome from the EU, gov.uk says a claim for the preferential rate needs one of two things:
- A statement on origin that the product is originating, made out by the exporter
- Importer's knowledge that the product is originating
For Japan, the UK tariff lists the same two types of proof for this heading. Importer's knowledge has to be based on information that shows the vehicle really meets the origin rule. It is not "I'm fairly sure it's German".
There's a useful safety net for EU vehicles: gov.uk says you can claim the preference after import, "within 3 years of the importation date", with a valid proof of origin, and the duty is repaid.
Is my motorhome EU-originating? Three real examples
Three typical cases. Each is a question to check, not a verdict.
A Fiat Ducato base built in Italy, converted into a motorhome in Germany. Base vehicle and habitation work both happened in the EU, which is a good start. The question is whether you can get proof: a statement on origin from the exporter, or enough information to support importer's knowledge. With a new motorhome from a dealer, that conversation is usually simpler. With a 12-year-old one from a private seller, it may not be.
An American RV bought from a Dutch dealer. It was built in the USA. HMRC's sentence that origin "may not be the country where they are shipped or bought from" covers exactly this case. Buying it in the EU doesn't make it EU-originating, so plan for 10% duty.
A Japanese camper. Japan has a 0% preference with the UK, and the tariff's rule for this heading is "MaxNOM 45% (EXW); or Regional Value Content - RVC 60% (FOB)". The same proof question applies: who can confirm the origin of a used van bought at auction or from a private seller? Our Japanese campervan guide goes through the rest of that route.
Can I always get proof from a private seller?
Honestly, not always. A private seller of a used motorhome isn't an exporter used to writing statements on origin, and the official guidance doesn't spell out how a private buyer proves origin for an older vehicle. That's why we never promise 0% duty. We look at the paperwork before you buy and tell you whether a preference claim looks realistic, or whether you should budget for 10%.
If you're negotiating with a dealer, ask early whether they can provide a statement on origin. On a motorhome costing tens of thousands, 10% is a lot of money to leave on the table.
Myths you'll read online
"Duty depends on where it was registered." It doesn't. You may read that an EU-registered motorhome pays no duty and a non-EU one pays 10%. The deciding factor is where it was manufactured, plus proof.
"Motorhomes pay 6.5% duty." That is not what the UK tariff says. The UK rates on these codes are 10% standard and 0% preferential.
"Japanese vehicles pay 10%." The UK tariff gives 0% for Japanese-originating vehicles. You still need proof, but 10% isn't the starting point.
"Imported motorhomes are duty free." Only if they qualify for a relief (such as moving to the UK) or a 0% rate you can support.
Which tariff code does a used motorhome go under?
The UK tariff has separate "motor caravan" codes, but only for new vehicles (for example 8703 32 11 for diesel between 1,500 and 2,500cc). A used motorhome goes under the "used" code for its engine band, such as 8703 32 90 or 8703 33 90 for diesels. The duty rates are the same; the code still has to be right on the import declaration. A motorhome that qualifies as a historic collectors' vehicle goes under a different heading altogether: see our classic motorhome guide.
What we do for you
We make the customs import declaration, work out the duty and import VAT and pay them, including any claim for the preferential rate when the proof of origin supports it. Before you buy, we look at the documents and tell you which rate to plan for. We then do the NOVA notification to HMRC and prepare your DVLA registration pack, and we can arrange transport to the UK if you need it.
Quick answers
I paid 10% duty but later found proof the motorhome is EU-built. Can I get it back?
For EU-originating goods, gov.uk says a claim can be made within 3 years of the import date with a valid proof of origin, and the duties are repaid.
Does the duty rate change the VAT I pay?
Yes. Import VAT is charged on the vehicle cost plus delivery, extras and the customs duty, so 10% duty means more VAT too.
Who decides if my motorhome is originating?
The claim is made on the import declaration, and gov.uk says it must rest on a statement on origin from the exporter or on the importer's knowledge. The badge on the bonnet isn't proof.
Official sources, checked on 27 September 2026: gov.uk/guidance/check-your-goods-meet-the-rules-of-origin; trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/headings/8703; gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/paying-vat-and-duty; gov.uk/guidance/proving-originating-status-and-claiming-a-reduced-rate-of-customs-duty-for-trade-between-the-uk-and-eu; trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/chapters/97.