New UK import tax regulations highlighted

The details of a new UK tax requirement for the importation of powered construction equipment are being discussed by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The NOVA registration system introduced by HMRC earlier this year, affects all companies that import powered construction equipment into the UK – from Europe or the rest of the world.

The scheme was devised to crack down on VAT evasion, and the CEA said the scope had been clarified to confirm that NOVA required registration for all construction equipment and machinery. This includes excavators, dumper trucks, bulldozers and any crawler-tracked vehicle.

The CEA said that the UK government’s registration body, the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency), was also refusing registration to any machine that was not registered under NOVA or one of its approved secure systems.

Rob Oliver, the CEA’s CEO, said, “It is important to note that NOVA registration is required for all imported machines, regardless of whether road use is envisaged, and a penalty system is now being enforced. The CEA is in dialogue with HMRC on the details.”

Vehicles brought permanently into the UK must be notified to HMRC within 14 days, and any VAT due must be paid or accounted for.