Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import

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Sat 8 Dec 2012 22:08
Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import - AmandaT

Hi,

We are looking into buying a car for the Mother in Law and have found one that ticks all the boxes. However we have just found out that it has been imported from Japan as of April this year.

Everything still check out with the car as we have done a check on the MOT etc.

However, we have been told that it is £135 tax due to it not being reclassified by the DVLA (does not have a UK emission certificate). Apparently this is something we can arrange, at a cost, but I have been unable to find anything on the great God google about it.

Can anyone help or point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance,
Amanda

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Sat 8 Dec 2012 23:07
Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import - iFocus

If you can get a certificate of conformity from Smart UK then you are able to change the tax band fairly easily at either a local DVLA office or post with Swansea.

I've done it myself with an ex-MOD car that was registered on 01/03/2001 but when registered as a cilivian car in 2004 got put on the old tax band. Took one call to Vauxhall who issued a COC for around £70 but eventually I broke even with the tax band savings...

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Sat 8 Dec 2012 23:52
Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import - AmandaT

Fantastic, thank you!

At least I know what I need to request so I can move forward :)

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Sun 9 Dec 2012 08:19
Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import - daveyjp
What is so special about this smart over the thousands of UK cars which are available?

Remember as far as insurance is concerned it will always be a grey import.
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Sun 9 Dec 2012 08:50
Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import - jc2

Be warned that a COC may not be issued.Japan's safety standards are totally stand alone and bear little or no relation to EU or FMVSS(USA) standards.

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Sun 9 Dec 2012 09:39
Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import - Collos25
What is so special about this smart over the thousands of UK cars which are available? Remember as far as insurance is concerned it will always be a grey import.

My sentiments entirely, people make it really difficult forthemselves and seem to enjoy it.If it was a rare unsual car perhaps I could understand it but a Smart it really takes some believing maybe its a windup.

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Sun 9 Dec 2012 22:15
Smart Two/Four - Reclassification of tax band on import - AmandaT

I did not know about the safety standards being different, so we have decided not to even go and look at the car. It's for my MIL and believe it or not, I quite like her, so I would feel awful if something happened.

We had no special reason for going for this one, it just ticked a lot of the boxes, but I am sure another will come along.

Thank you all for the advice, I do appreciate it.

Amanda

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