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Import problem?

Posted: 07 Jun 2016 08:29
by Broadbandylegs
Hi - Not sure if I have a problem here, but hopefully someone with more experience than me can offer some advice.
Two years ago I bought a basket case Gilera Saturno Anniversary Edition from Germany. Private sale. I had the bike delivered by courier and stored it in my shed while I worked out what needed doing to restore it.
I went for the bike at the time, as these models hardly ever come up for sale, although I wasn't in a position to do anything about it at the time.
I didn't contact DVLA or HMRC at that time - possibly a mistake - but I didn't think I needed to do anything.
Now I've sorted most of the problems with the bike and started to look into registering it. I've looked at Gov.uk and that material seems to indicate I could be fined for not registering within 14 days!
Couple of questions:-
Am I now liable for VAT and import duty?
Can I be 'fined' for not registering immediately?
Anyone been in this position before who could offer any helpful advice? I've never imported a bike before and having read over some of the stuff on Gov.uk about this I'm worried that I may have inadvertently made a mistake by not registering immediately.
Thanks for reading!
Rob

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 07 Jun 2016 10:25
by EVguru
DVLA really screwed things up for HMRC.

You need to contact HMRC and ask for a paper copy of the form. Fill in what minimal details you have and send in with a covering letter.

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 07 Jun 2016 12:17
by Broadbandylegs
Thanks Paul. I'll do that and keep fingers crossed!

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 07 Jun 2016 13:32
by Stevie67
Importing a motorcycle and then dealing with HMRC is such fun because I've just done it helping a mate import a Ducati Desmosedici RR from Norway and getting the NOVA completed and registered. If you have all the import paperwork from the shipper it may show that you have already paid VAT at the point of entry. You'll also have to prove that the vehicle is suitable for UK roads etc (speedo and lights etc) you can do this via an MOT but you'll also need a type approval certificate from the manufacturer. This may be difficult for you so you may be able to get around this with a MSVA inspection certificate which you may be able to do at the same time as the MOT which will be identified via the VIN number. You will need to jump through hoops just to get the NOVA approval. Once you've got this be prepared to start jumping though hoops again with the DVLA. Good luck.

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 07 Jun 2016 13:46
by Broadbandylegs
Hi Stevie - it was a private sale so all I have is the German registration document and a receipt. Looks like it might be fun? I called HMRC and they're emailing me the Nova form...

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 07 Jun 2016 14:43
by EVguru
Stevie67 wrote: You'll also have to prove that the vehicle is suitable for UK roads etc (speedo and lights etc) you can do this via an MOT but you'll also need a type approval certificate from the manufacturer.
Only if less than 12 years old.

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 08 Jul 2016 21:12
by Broadbandylegs
Following Paul's advice I wrote an accompanying letter explaining the situation. Reply from HMRC arrived today and everything's fine. No VAT due and I can now register the bike with DVLA.
Vehicle Import Pack now applied for - hopefully straightforward from now on.
Restoration work continues...
Thanks for your help guys - much appreciated!

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 14 Jul 2016 16:54
by Bison
You lucky lucky man!. I've been looking for a Bialbiero for quite a while!, folks seem to be asking silly money for them now, I hope I haven't missed the boat!.
I would be very interested to hear your opinion about how it compares to a 3 1/2 if that's what your Morini is. Oh and how about a photo?.
Good luck with the registering, I've just done it again with my imported T100R Daytona. I found the tax people and the DVLA quite efficient and understanding, although it took a few weeks as I had to wait or a dating certificate from the VMCC so I could get an age related number.
Cheers
Alan (from the East coast)

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 20 Jul 2016 15:15
by Broadbandylegs
Hi Alan - this is my second Saturno. First was a lovely all-red one - immaculate condition and really low mileage. I part exchanged it for a Guzzi and missed it as soon as it went. Shouldv'e kept it and just paid outright for the Guzzi :cry:
If you're used to old Brit bikes then the Saturno will probably surprise you - high revving and quite peaky/buzzy for a single.In fact it doesn't feel like a single cyclinder bike. But great fun to ride - light, easy to handle and agile and certainly turns a few heads. My Sport has Tarozzi adjustables so the riding position is comparable, although I always feel like I'm sitting in the Saturno rather than on it - very nice. Saturno definitely feels more modern, unsurprisingly, but I like both of them.
I bought this one as a bit of a 'case' from Germany and was completely ignorant of import processes! Being an 'Anniversary' model, it's black with gold twin pinstripes and the old Gilera tank decals and gold wheels. Very traditional looking and not too many around!
There are usually a couple for sale - eBay, Carandclassic etc - £5-6K seems to be about top asking price - not over the top for what is a very rare bike.
Anyway, the DVLA pack has arrived and I'm a bit confused about some of the Type Approval areas of the form, so I guess a couple of phone calls are needed.
If I could work out how to post photos, I would...

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 20 Jul 2016 16:43
by MickeyMoto
I think you have to declare for Nova in 14 days, not sure if registration has a time limit.

Saturno? 50s or 80s? Always fancied an 80s one.....

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 20 Jul 2016 17:02
by Broadbandylegs
Nuovo - 91 Anniversary model. A 50's one is a bit beyond my means :)
HMRC have given me the go ahead to register - now I'm struggling to get my head around all the info on Gov.uk. I'll be calling them with a long list of questions!

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 20 Jul 2016 17:37
by MickeyMoto
Nice!

Re: Import problem?

Posted: 21 Jul 2016 13:22
by Bison
If you PM me I can send you a copy of a very useful VMCC page entitled "How to register your machine with the DVLA", goes into detail about what to put in the boxes.
Alan.