Home / Guides / Valuation or import service

Trusted Partners

Valuation or Import Service? Which UK Specialist You Need

Published 3 November 2026 · 6 min read

A valuation and an import service are different jobs. A valuation is an independent opinion of what a vehicle is worth. An import service files the customs declaration, tells HMRC through NOVA and prepares the DVLA forms. Some situations need only one, some need both, and for the import side there is a specialist for each kind of vehicle.

This page is a map, not a ranking. We prepare valuations, and for the import side we point people to the specialist that fits the vehicle. They are different specialisms; none is better than another.

Need an independent figure for a vehicle? Get a price for a vehicle valuation.

Get a price for a vehicle valuation

Your price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.

What does a valuation cover, and what does it not?

We write independent valuation reports for situations such as HMRC, DVLA registration, insurance, probate and divorce. The report sets out the vehicle, the date and the comparables behind the figure. It does not submit anything to HMRC or the DVLA. GOV.UK asks for the invoice or bill of sale when you tell HMRC about a vehicle bought in the last 6 months, and for a current valuation carried out in person in the UK by a garage, dealership or other recognised business if you bought it earlier, so check what your case needs before you order a report.

Which specialist handles the import itself?

Your vehicle	Specialist
A car, or a classic at least 30 years old	The Classic Import Co.
A motorhome, camper or RV	Motorhome Import
A motorbike or scooter	Motorbike Import
Any vehicle, or transport and an inspection abroad arranged with it	Cars Import UK

Our pages on classic and overseas imports, general imports, motorhomes and motorbikes say more about each.

What is the same for every import?

The order of the steps. GOV.UK says a shipping company or customs agent makes the import declaration for a private importer, and VAT and any duty are paid at the border. You then tell HMRC within 14 days of arrival with NOVA, get approval if the vehicle needs it, and register it with the DVLA for £55. GOV.UK says you can be prosecuted for using the vehicle on a public road before then, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT or approval test.

When do you need both?

When the import is done and you also need a documented value, for example for insurance on an unusual vehicle, for probate on an imported car, or where HMRC or a dispute asks for evidence of value. Start with whichever problem is more urgent.

Frequently asked questions

Is a valuation the same as an import service?

No. A valuation is an independent opinion of value. An import service files the customs declaration, submits NOVA and prepares the DVLA forms. We prepare valuations and do not handle customs declarations or NOVA.

Which specialist should I use to import a motorhome or a motorbike?

Motorhome Import for motorhomes, campers and RVs, and Motorbike Import for motorbikes and scooters. Cars Import UK handles any vehicle and also arranges transport and inspection abroad, and The Classic Import Co. focuses on cars and classics.

Can I ride or drive an imported vehicle before the steps are finished?

Not on a public road. GOV.UK says you can be prosecuted if you use the vehicle before you complete the import steps, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test.

Does a valuation replace the invoice for NOVA?

Not automatically. GOV.UK asks for an invoice or bill of sale if you bought the vehicle in the last 6 months, and otherwise for a current valuation carried out in person in the UK by a recognised business. Check what applies to your case first.