Import a Car from New Zealand to Ireland
VRT, customs duty and VAT guide for New Zealand imports
Calculate Import VRT →New Zealand Import VRT Calculator
Estimate VRT for a vehicle imported from New Zealand.
Importing from New Zealand to Ireland
The EU-New Zealand FTA removes customs duty. VRT and 23% VAT apply.
The VRT itself is the same CO2-based calculation used for every Irish import. What changes with New Zealand is the customs duty and the currency conversion (prices are typically quoted in NZD). Always budget for VRT plus customs duty plus 23% VAT when calculating your total landed cost.
Step-by-step New Zealand import process
- Buy the vehicle and obtain the registration document and proof of purchase.
- Arrange shipping/transport to Ireland.
- Clear customs and pay any duty (0% (EU-NZ FTA)) and Irish VAT at 23%.
- Book a VRT appointment and present the Certificate of Conformity with CO2 and NOx data.
- Revenue assesses OMSP, charges VRT, and you receive Irish plates.
New Zealand Import Cost Example
For a car with an Irish OMSP of EUR 40,000 and CO2 of 140g/km (20% band), the VRT would be EUR 8,000 before age depreciation. Add customs duty of 0% (EU-NZ FTA) on the value and 23% Irish VAT on the combined figure. Use the calculator above to model your specific vehicle.
New Zealand Vehicle Imports
New Zealand enjoys 0% customs duty under the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, making it an interesting source for right-hand drive vehicles. New Zealand is a major importer of Japanese used cars, which means there's a large pool of well-maintained Toyota, Honda, and Mazda models available at competitive prices. The most popular imports to Ireland from NZ are Toyota Corollas, Honda Civics, and Subaru Outbacks — all vehicles with proven reliability and low running costs.
The currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and car prices are generally moderate. A 2020 Toyota Corolla can be found for NZD 25,000–35,000 (roughly €14,000–€20,000). Shipping from Auckland or Wellington to Dublin takes 6–8 weeks via container, costing approximately €1,600–€2,200. New Zealand vehicles are right-hand drive, so they're compatible with Irish roads. However, NZ uses its own fuel economy testing standard (NZVCS), which means you'll need an independent emissions test to provide WLTP CO2 and NOx data for Revenue. Allow extra time for this. Check our VRT rates page for the current band schedule.
New Zealand Import FAQs
What customs duty applies to New Zealand imports?
Customs duty from New Zealand is 0% (EU-NZ FTA). It is charged on the vehicle value before Irish VAT.
How is VRT calculated for a New Zealand car?
VRT uses the Irish OMSP and the CO2-based bands, identical to any other import. The country of origin only affects customs duty and VAT, not the VRT rate.
Do I pay VAT on a New Zealand import?
Yes. Irish VAT at 23% applies to the vehicle value plus any customs duty. This is separate from VRT.