My statement is accurate, though is a generalisation. Most of our business is overseas, and most of that is to the EU, so selling and despatching to the EU is what we do everyday (so we need to know the rules!).
However, there are other factors if you drill down into the detail. For example, if you buy a new car from the EU, but a major component such as the engine had been made outside of the EU, there would be an additional duty to pay. Which is why, for example, the Ford Fiesta has gone up in price here, as while it’s is built in the EU, the engine is built (I think) in the US.
I’m not up to speed with rules specifically related to the import of used cars, so you could well be correct with regards to your particular example. Factors such as whether and where VAT was paid originally may have a factor, as well as where it was built and it’s age. But as I say, while I’m up to speed on the general rules regarding trading with the EU and do so every day, the specifics of importing old used cars from Italy isn’t my speciality so I can’t help there I’m afraid.
But if you are in any doubt about your potential import, do call the VAT office, as we always find them very helpful.
