How to Scrap an Imported Car in the UK: A Complete Guide

3rd Jun, 2025

Scrapping a UK-registered car is usually simple. But if you want to scrap an imported car, there are extra steps. Many owners are unsure how to dispose of foreign cars. This is especially true if the vehicle was never registered with the DVLA in the UK. People often worry about needed documents and the car’s original country.

The steps to scrap an imported car depend on its registration. The process changes if the car is fully UK-registered or still registered overseas. Following the correct procedure is vital. It helps you avoid problems or ongoing costs in the car’s home country. This guide explains how to scrap an imported car. It covers DVLA rules, international needs, and tips for the best scrap price.

What to Consider Before Scrapping an Imported Car

First, understand your imported car’s official status. This is key to the scrapping process. UK rules treat imported cars differently based on their registration.

UK-Registered vs. Non-UK-Registered Cars

Imported cars in the UK generally fit into two types:

UK-Registered Imported Cars:

• These cars were made or used in another country.
• They were then officially imported and registered with the DVLA.
• They have a UK number plate and a V5C logbook (vehicle registration document).
• Scrapping these cars is much like scrapping any standard UK car. You tell the DVLA. You take the car to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF). You get a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). An ATF is a licensed scrap yard.

Non-UK-Registered Imported Cars (Foreign-Plated Cars):

• These cars are in the UK.
• They still have foreign number plates.
• They are not registered with the DVLA.
• They might be here temporarily.
• Or, the owner may not have finished the import process.
• To scrap these imported cars, the process is more complex.
• The owner usually must deregister the car with its home country’s vehicle licensing office.
• This often means showing proof of official disposal in the UK. This proof could be a CoD from a UK ATF.

Scrapping UK-registered imported cars is fairly easy. But for non-UK-registered cars, foreign authorities have strict rules. You must follow these rules carefully. This avoids ongoing paperwork and costs in that country.

HMRC’s Role for New or Unregistered Imports

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) might need to know if you scrap an imported car that:

• Has arrived in the UK recently.
• Was imported but never registered with the DVLA (e.g., used off-road or stored).

This is important if you still owe import duties or VAT. Telling HMRC proves you are scrapping it by the rules. This helps avoid tax issues. If you are unsure about your car’s tax status, ask HMRC or a customs expert for advice.

Step-by-Step: How to Scrap an Imported Car in the UK

Scrapping an imported car needs a careful plan. Here are the main steps:

Step 1: Check Your Car’s Registration Status

First, find out if your imported car is UK-registered or still registered abroad.

• If the car has a UK logbook (V5C), it is UK-registered. Scrapping it will be similar to any standard UK car. You will use the V5C to tell the DVLA.
• If the car has foreign plates and no V5C, it is non-UK-registered. You must tell the foreign registration office. Then, follow their specific deregistration steps.

For non-UK-registered cars, research the scrapping rules of that foreign country. Some countries have strict rules. They may need official proof of disposal from a UK ATF. This could be special documents or forms from that country.

Step 2: Inform the Right Authorities

Who you need to tell depends on the car’s registration.

For UK-Registered Imported Cars:

• You must tell the DVLA you are scrapping the car.
• Use Section 9 of the V5C logbook. This section is for “Selling or transferring your vehicle to a motor trader, insurer or dismantler.”
• Fill in the ATF’s details in this section.
• Send the completed Section 9 to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. Some ATFs can do this online for you.
• The ATF must give you a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) within seven days of scrapping. This CoD is your official proof. It shows the car is destroyed and deregistered. The ATF also updates the DVLA’s records.

For more details on telling the DVLA when scrapping a car, see our guide on how to tell the DVLA your car has been scrapped.

For Foreign-Plated Cars (Non-UK Registered):

• Contact DVLA for Guidance: The DVLA does not deregister these cars. However, they might offer advice. They can confirm if any UK notices are needed. This is especially true if the car has been in the UK for a long time.
• Notify HMRC (if needed): If the car was imported but never DVLA-registered, or if there are customs issues, tell HMRC. This confirms it is being scrapped by the rules.
• Notify the Car’s Original Registration Authority: This step is crucial. Contact the vehicle licensing office in the car’s registered country. They will explain how to deregister it. You will often need to send:
  • Proof of ownership.
  • The car’s original registration papers.
  • A Certificate of Destruction (CoD) from a UK ATF (this is a common requirement).
  • Specific deregistration forms from that country.

Step 3: Choose a Licensed Scrap Yard (Authorised Treatment Facility – ATF)

In the UK, you must use an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) to scrap any car, imported or not. ATFs are licensed by bodies like the Environment Agency (England), Natural Resources Wales, or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

ATFs have the right tools. They safely depollute and dismantle cars. When scrapping an imported car, especially a non-UK-registered one, some ATFs may not know about the extra paperwork. So, when picking an ATF:

• Ask if they accept imported or non-UK-registered cars. Be clear about your car’s status.
• Make sure they issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD). This is vital for DVLA records (if UK-registered) and for foreign deregistration.
• Ask if they have experience with imported cars. Some ATFs might help with foreign notifications, but this is usually your job.
• Check their ATF licence. You can often do this on the Environment Agency’s public register or similar UK websites.

To learn more about the overall car scrapping process and ATFs, you can read about the general car scrapping process.

Step 4: Prepare Documents and Hand Over the Car to the ATF

Gather all your necessary papers. Do this before the ATF collects your car or you take it to them.

For UK-Registered Imported Cars:

• V5C logbook (needed for DVLA notification).
• Photo ID (e.g., passport or driving licence).
• Proof of address (e.g., a recent utility bill).

For Non-UK-Registered Imported Cars:

• Proof of ownership (e.g., original sales receipt, foreign registration document in your name).
• The car’s foreign registration papers.
• Photo ID and proof of address.
• Any forms needed by the car’s country of origin.

When you hand over the car, fill in your part of any forms (like Section 9 of the V5C, if it applies). Make sure you understand what the ATF will do and the next steps, especially about the CoD.

Step 5: Get and Use the Certificate of Destruction (CoD)

After the ATF processes your imported car, they will issue a Certificate of Destruction (CoD).

For UK-Registered Cars:

• The ATF logs the CoD with the DVLA. This officially confirms your car is scrapped and removed from UK records.
• Keep a copy for your records. This frees you from further responsibility for the car in the UK (e.g., road tax).

For Non-UK-Registered Cars:

• The CoD is your main proof for the foreign registration office. It shows the car is officially and permanently disposed of in the UK.
• You will likely need to send them a copy. Some authorities may need a certified or notarised copy.

DVLA notification and CoD issuance are vital. For more information, our guide explains how to tell the DVLA your car has been scrapped.

Step 6: Notify the Car’s Original Country (Crucial for Non-UK Registered Cars)

Do not forget this step for non-UK-registered cars. You must formally deregister the car in its home country. Each country has its own rules, forms, and documents.

• Find Out Requirements: Contact the embassy or consulate of the car’s home country in the UK. Or, check their vehicle licensing authority’s website.
• Send Documents: Typically, you will send the CoD from the UK ATF. Also, send the original car registration papers and any specific deregistration forms. Some countries may need these documents translated or officially certified.

Problems if You Do Not Notify:

If you do not deregister the car properly in its home country, you could face:

• Ongoing road tax charges, fines, or penalties in that country.
• The car staying active on their records. This could cause issues if its identity is misused.
• Problems if you later try to import another car from, or travel to, that country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes when scrapping an imported car:

• Assuming all imported cars scrap the same way: The difference between UK-registered and non-UK-registered is big.
• Using an unlicensed scrap dealer: Only ATFs can officially scrap cars and issue CoDs.
• Not telling the DVLA (for UK-registered cars): This could leave you responsible for the car.
• Not telling the foreign authority (for non-UK-registered cars): A big error with serious effects abroad.
• Not getting or losing the Certificate of Destruction: This is your key proof of disposal.
• Ignoring HMRC rules if they apply: This can lead to tax problems.

EU vs. Non-EU Imported Cars: General Points

The UK ATF process is standard. However, dealing with foreign authorities can differ:

EU Countries:

• Often have more similar (though still distinct) deregistration processes.
• The CoD is generally well understood.
• Communication might be easier, even after Brexit.

Non-EU Countries:

• Processes can vary a lot.
• Language barriers, different systems, and unique document needs can make deregistration harder.
• It is vital to get exact information directly from their authority.
• Some may have less formal ways to confirm disposal abroad. This might mean you need to follow up more.

Getting the Best Scrap Value for an Imported Car

Several things affect the scrap value when you scrap an imported car:

• Weight and Materials: This is the main factor. Value depends on current metal prices (steel, aluminium, etc.). Heavier cars usually get higher prices.
• Completeness and Condition: A full car with all its main parts (engine, gearbox, catalytic converter) is worth more than an empty shell.
• Make, Model, and Age: Some imported cars, especially rare or classic ones, might have valuable parts. An ATF might offer a bit more if they can save and sell these parts.
• Location and Collection: Many services offer free collection. But your car’s location can slightly change the price if it is in a very remote area.
• Demand for Parts: Some imported models might have specific parts (e.g., unique engine parts, left-hand drive panels) that are in demand in the UK.

For current value insights, see our scrap car prices guide for the UK.

To get the best value:

• Make sure the car is as complete as possible.
• Get quotes from several ATFs or trusted scrapping networks.
• Be honest about the car’s condition and registration status.

Recommended Services for Scrapping an Imported Car

For easy and compliant foreign car disposal, consider these trusted services:

• Scrap Car Network: We offer instant online quotes and free UK-wide collection through our ATF network. We can also guide you on DVLA paperwork. We work with ATFs used to various car types. Get an instant quote to scrap any car with us today.
• CarTakeBack: Another well-known service. They scrap many types of cars, including imported and damaged ones. They often give good prices through their ATFs.
• Remove My Car: This service works with ATFs nationwide. They focus on proper car recycling and following rules.

When picking any service, check how they handle imported cars. Make sure they guarantee a CoD. To start, you can get a scrap car quote today.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Foreign Car Disposal

Scrapping an imported car in the UK needs more care than a standard UK car. This is especially true if it is not UK-registered. Pay close attention to the rules in both the UK and the car’s home country. Tell the DVLA (if needed), your chosen ATF, and the foreign authorities. Give them the right documents. This avoids future issues, like ongoing road tax or compliance problems.

To scrap an imported car smoothly:

• Know its registration status.
• Choose a licensed ATF with experience.
• Carefully follow the home country’s deregistration steps.

Using a professional scrapping service helps. They understand these details. They make sure everything is handled correctly and in an eco-friendly way.

If you need help or are unsure about any part of the process, services like Scrap Car Network can offer solutions for imported cars. Discover the advantages of choosing Scrap Car Network and get a free, no-obligation scrap car quote to see what your imported vehicle could be worth.