Its exact age
Under ten years old means an IVA test here. Ten and over means an MOT. It also tells you whether a PARF rebate is still in play on the Singapore side.
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Buying a car in Singapore to import
Right-hand drive, built for Asian markets and kept in a small country. Here is what to check before you commit to a purchase.
Who gets the rebate
The LTA pays rebates to whoever deregisters the car. Agree that with the seller first, and make sure the price reflects it.
The paperwork
Proof of ownership and a purchase invoice showing what you paid. Duty and VAT are worked out from the value, so the invoice matters.
Climate and condition
Heat and humidity are hard on interiors, rubber seals and air conditioning. Worth a proper look, or a local inspection, before you pay.
Service history
A stamped book or dealer records make the car easier to live with here, and easier to sell on one day.
What it will need
Usually the speedo to mph and maybe some lighting. Right-hand drive means no headlight conversion. We confirm it from the details.
How we help buyers
Send us the make, model, year and what you're paying. We'll tell you what it needs to be registered here and quote the whole import, door to door, before you commit to the car.
Once you've bought it, we work with you and the seller on the Singapore side: when it is deregistered, when we collect it, and which sailing it goes on. Then it's the same journey as every other car. Shared container, our customs team, our yard, our IVA lane, the DVLA.
Bought it from a dealer? Many will handle the deregistration for you. Just make sure they know it is being exported, not scrapped.
Who gets the PARF and COE rebate if I buy a car to export?
The rebate is paid to the registered owner when the car is deregistered. If the seller deregisters it, they receive it. Agree who deregisters before you settle on a price, because it changes what the car is really worth to each of you.
Will I pay duty and VAT on a car I buy in Singapore?
Yes. Transfer of Residence relief is for people moving home with a car they already own, so a purchase pays 10% import duty on the value and then 20% VAT on the value, shipping and duty combined.
Can you check a car before I buy it?
We can tell you what a specific make, model and year will need to be registered here, and what the whole import will cost, before you commit. Send us the details through the quote form.
Get a quote before you buy
Tell us the make, model, year and where the car is. We reply with a written, itemised quote, usually the same working day.
Get a quote
Or call 01332 810442
From Singapore: +44 1332 810442