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Import a 1981 Vespa from Switzerland

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  • 28-03-2019 2:21pm
    #1
    lucaluca
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭


    Hi,
    I have a Vespa in my home country (Switzerland) that I would like to import here.
    I moved to Dublin about 1 year ago.

    The Vespa is under my name and it has not Swiss plates.

    Which papers do I need to get in order to import it here?

    So far I understood that I need to : (in order)
    - to convert my Swiss license into an international one.
    - import normally (don't need special papers.. but I'm unsure) without Swiss plates
    - Register to the VRT within 7 days of the arrival and get an inspection within 30 days
    - Get plate
    - Get insurance

    I don't need to pay VAT as the vehicle is older than 30 years.

    What I am unsure of is if I need plates, papers saying that I'm importing it to Ireland and what I need to do at the border between Switzerland and France

    Sorry for my broken english.


Comments

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    #2
    macplaxton
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 2,957 Mod ✭✭✭✭macplaxton


    lucaluca wrote: »
    to convert my Swiss license into an international one.

    You can exchange your Swiss licence for an Irish one as it is a "recognised state" which Ireland permits exchanges with.
    lucaluca wrote: »
    Hi,
    I don't need to pay VAT as the vehicle is older than 30 years.

    You don't need to pay VRT as the vehicle is older than 30 years. VAT is a different tax not applicable in this case.


    You'll need some paperwork with the vehicle details on it. Does the Swiss authorities offer some form of export certifcate/plates to enable you to produce the equivalent to a Vehicle Registration Certificate to the NCTS?


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    #3
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    lucaluca wrote: »
    Hi,
    I have a Vespa in my home country (Switzerland) that I would like to import here.
    I moved to Dublin about 1 year ago.

    The Vespa is under my name and it has not Swiss plates.

    Which papers do I need to get in order to import it here?

    So far I understood that I need to : (in order)
    - to convert my Swiss license into an international one.
    - import normally (don't need special papers.. but I'm unsure) without Swiss plates
    - Register to the VRT within 7 days of the arrival and get an inspection within 30 days
    - Get plate
    - Get insurance

    I don't need to pay VAT as the vehicle is older than 30 years.

    What I am unsure of is if I need plates, papers saying that I'm importing it to Ireland and what I need to do at the border between Switzerland and France

    Sorry for my broken english.


    All you need is your Kfz-schein (or Swiss equivalent), a record of when you bring it in (freight, or ferry ticket), your i.d. etc, book your VRT inspection, and on the day of inspection you'll get your new reg no. Pretty painless tbh. (make sure you know where the VIN is for them: under r.h. engine cover I assume ;) )

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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    #4
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,993 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    lucaluca wrote: »
    Hi,
    I have a Vespa in my home country (Switzerland) that I would like to import here.
    I moved to Dublin about 1 year ago.

    The Vespa is under my name and it has not Swiss plates.

    Which papers do I need to get in order to import it here?

    So far I understood that I need to : (in order)
    - to convert my Swiss license into an international one.
    - import normally (don't need special papers.. but I'm unsure) without Swiss plates
    - Register to the VRT within 7 days of the arrival and get an inspection within 30 days
    - Get plate
    - Get insurance

    I don't need to pay VAT as the vehicle is older than 30 years.

    What I am unsure of is if I need plates, papers saying that I'm importing it to Ireland and what I need to do at the border between Switzerland and France

    Sorry for my broken english.

    You'll need the Vehicle Registration Document(VRD), you need this for any vehicle you are driving/riding internationally.

    Are you planning on riding in over or transporting it? Because if riding you'll need to get plates and insurance. If in a van you'll need the VRD for whatever you are carrying the bike in, you'll also need proof of insurance for this vehicle. You will need that for the VRT office also. I doubt you'll even be stopped leaving Switzerland. I've been in and out a good few times and have never been stopped.


  • Options
    #5
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Del2005 wrote: »
    You'll need the Vehicle Registration Document(VRD), you need this for any vehicle you are driving/riding internationally.

    Are you planning on riding in over or transporting it? Because if riding you'll need to get plates and insurance. If in a van you'll need the VRD for whatever you are carrying the bike in, you'll also need proof of insurance for this vehicle. You will need that for the VRT office also. I doubt you'll even be stopped leaving Switzerland. I've been in and out a good few times and have never been stopped.

    You don't need any insurance info for VRT'ing a vehicle at VRT office. The bike/car doesn't even have to be roadworthy: this is a Revenue inspection only.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Options
    #6
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,993 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    galwaytt wrote: »
    You don't need any insurance info for VRT'ing a vehicle at VRT office. The bike/car doesn't even have to be roadworthy: this is a Revenue inspection only.

    The OP will need insurance if they plan to ride it from Switzerland.


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    #7
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Del2005 wrote: »
    The OP will need insurance if they plan to ride it from Switzerland.

    Oh true, but I assumed it was in a van or on a trailer or something.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Options
    #8
    IrishGrimReaper
    Registered Users Posts: 1,033 ✭✭✭IrishGrimReaper


    If he plans to ride that from Switzerland to here he deserves a medal.


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    #9
    CoBo55
    Registered Users Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭CoBo55


    IrishGrimReaper wrote: »
    If he plans to ride that from Switzerland to here he deserves a medal.

    LHD too... He'll never get insurance...


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    #10
    lucaluca
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭lucaluca


    Guys thanks a lot for the answers!!
    Sorry for the late reply, but I thought that boards.ie sends email when someone answer to your thread. I didn't check the thread as I didn't get any email.

    So my Vespa is on his way to Dublin on a van. It has Swiss plate and insurance.
    Can I drive it? If yes, for how long before being forced to have Irish plate and insurance? I've been living in Ireland for about a year now.

    So I'll book and appointment for the VRT inspection as soon as the Vespa arrives in Ireland.

    How do I get the plate? Do I need to do the insurance first?

    Any suggestion on a good insurance?
    I also need a garage that I can trust when the Vespa breaks. Is there any garage that specialises in old motorbikes?

    Thanks in advance!


  • Options
    #11
    galwaytt
    Registered Users Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    You can drive it temporarily, but do make the booking for VRT with NCTS, here; https://www.ncts.ie/1145 Make sure you know where the VIN is and that it's legible (under r.h. side engine cover, on the body, adjacent to the coil usually : ) probably reads "VNX 2T" or similar )

    Have your paperwork in order: Swiss registration document, shipping document (ferry ticket, invoice etc). You will need your i.d. and your PPS number etc.

    For insurance, start with the 'usuals'
    www.principalinsurance.ie
    www.carolenash.ie
    www.liberty.ie
    www.axa.ie

    I'm not 100% sure who works on old Vespa's in Dublin tbh, but have a look here and ask: https://www.facebook.com/vespaclubofireland/

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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