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Wednesday, 3 October 2023

Motoring

A guide to the Mutual Recognition scheme

This scheme helps with the permanent import of a car, motorcycle or light goods vehicle into the United Kingdom (UK). The vehicle must be built to a European specification, and must have originated from another European country.

Registering your vehicle in the UK

To register a vehicle in the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) must be sure it is suitable for use on UK roads. Further information can be found in ‘Registering an imported vehicle’.

The Mutual Recognition process

The process is sometimes also known as the Commission Notice Procedure. You will be asked to make a number of declarations about the suitability of the vehicle for use in the UK. Once we have all the paperwork we need from you, along with the appropriate administration fee, the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) will issue a certificate.

The certificate will need to be presented to the DVLA in support of your application for UK registration.

Note that alterations to the vehicle may be required to ensure that it meets UK Construction and Use legislation and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations. You will also be asked to provide garage receipts as evidence of having made these alterations.

You can download an application form that includes guidance notes on the various requirements and procedures involved.

If you would like to find out whether your vehicle qualifies for treatment under the Mutual Recognition scheme, please telephone 0117 952 4191. If telephoning from outside the UK telephone number is +44 117 952 4191).

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