Car Shipping to Hong Kong from the UK: The Complete Guide
Quick answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Hong Kong takes approximately 25–30 days at sea, with the full process — from booking through to a registered, road-legal vehicle — taking around 8–10 weeks in total. Container shipping starts from approximately £990 for a standard car; RoRo starts from approximately £1,265. Hong Kong is a free port: it levies zero customs import duty and zero VAT on vehicles. However, the First Registration Tax (FRT) — a progressive tax on the vehicle’s taxable value — applies on registration and can reach up to 115% on values above HKD 500,000, making it the dominant cost consideration for most UK car imports. UK right-hand drive vehicles are road-legal in Hong Kong without any steering conversion, as Hong Kong drives on the left.
Can I Ship My UK Right-Hand Drive Car to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong drives on the left — the same as the UK — so UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal in Hong Kong without any steering conversion. This makes it one of the most practically accessible Far East destinations for UK car owners.
There are four specific eligibility points to confirm before booking.
Check 1 — Vehicle age and registration restrictions
Vehicles over 7 years old may face restrictions at the Hong Kong Transport Department (TD) registration stage, including potential FRT loading or registration refusal depending on the vehicle’s condition and compliance status. ShipCars’ marine insurance for this route also requires that the vehicle is no older than 10 years for Comprehensive cover.
If your vehicle is over 7 years old, confirm its eligibility for Hong Kong registration with ShipCars and a licensed Hong Kong import agent before booking.
Check 2 — Hong Kong type approval and emissions compliance
Every vehicle registered in Hong Kong must meet Hong Kong vehicle type approval standards, administered by the Transport Department. This covers safety, construction, and equipment. UK vehicles built to European type approval standards are generally compatible, but a manufacturer certificate of compliance may be required.
Emissions compliance is verified separately by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Most modern UK vehicles meeting Euro 6 standards comply — but older vehicles should be confirmed with a Hong Kong import agent before shipment.
Check 3 — Transport Department (TD) vehicle examination
Every imported vehicle undergoes a mandatory physical roadworthiness examination by the Transport Department before it can be registered and driven on Hong Kong roads. This is a pass/fail inspection covering safety, lighting, emissions, and construction standards. If the vehicle fails, modifications must be made and re-inspection arranged. Factor in time and potential cost for this step.
Check 4 — Electric and hybrid vehicles: container only
Electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) must travel by dedicated container — RoRo is not available for EVs or hybrids on the Hong Kong route. Standard non-plug-in hybrids should also travel by container; confirm with ShipCars at the time of booking.
If your vehicle passes all four checks, visit the ShipCars car shipping to Hong Kong service page or get a free quote.
Container or RoRo: Which Method for UK–Hong Kong Car Shipping?
Both container shipping and RoRo are available on the UK–Hong Kong route, with important restrictions on which is suitable for your vehicle.
Container shipping (FCL — Full Container Load) — the most versatile option
Container shipping encloses your vehicle in a dedicated steel container, protecting it from the sea environment, port handling, and salt air during the 25–30 day transit. It is the right choice for a wider range of vehicles and the only option for EVs, hybrids, non-running vehicles, and classic or high-value cars.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting price | From approximately £990 (standard small car — indicative; see price note) |
| Method | Enclosed dedicated container; full protection from sea air and port handling |
| Sea transit | 25–30 days from London Gateway |
| Sailing frequency | Weekly (approximately four per month) |
| EV/PHEV hazard surcharge | ~£295 additional |
| Personal effects | Permitted inside the container — must be declared; see Personal Effects section |
| Best for | All vehicle types including EVs, hybrids, non-running vehicles, classic cars, luxury vehicles |
| Condition report | Free on ShipCars collection · £35 on self-delivery to depot |
For full details on container shipping, see ShipCars’ container car shipping service page.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) — cost-effective for standard running vehicles
RoRo is the most cost-effective method for standard operational vehicles. Your car is driven onto a specialist car-carrier vessel and secured on an open deck for transit.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting price | From approximately £1,265 (standard car — indicative) |
| Method | Driven onto vessel; open deck environment |
| Sea transit | 25–30 days from London Gateway |
| Sailing frequency | Weekly |
| Best for | Standard running, driveable vehicles |
| Not suitable for | Electric vehicles; plug-in hybrids; standard hybrids (confirm with ShipCars); non-running vehicles; classic/luxury vehicles |
| Personal effects | Not permitted — no personal belongings on RoRo |
Price note: The ShipCars Hong Kong page shows different starting prices across different parts of the page — £990 (container, standard small car, in the body) and a separate reference to a lower figure in page metadata. The most consistently stated figure for container shipping of a standard small car from the page body is £990. For large vehicles (requiring a 40ft container), contact ShipCars for a specific quote — no standard price is listed. These prices are indicative and subject to change; confirm current pricing with ShipCars at the time of booking.
For full details on RoRo shipping, see ShipCars’ RoRo car shipping service page.
UK Departure Port and Hong Kong Arrival Port
UK departure: London Gateway
Sailings to Hong Kong depart from London Gateway (Thames Estuary, Essex). ShipCars arranges vehicle collection from anywhere in the UK mainland and transports the vehicle to London Gateway for loading.
Hong Kong arrival port
The ShipCars source page does not name the specific Hong Kong terminal — confirm the arrival port with ShipCars at the time of booking. Hong Kong’s main vehicle import terminals are in the Kwai Tsing Container Port area; your Hong Kong import agent will coordinate port release and Transport Department examination from there.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Hong Kong?
Total cost divides into UK sea freight (paid to ShipCars at booking) and Hong Kong in-country costs (FRT, TD examination fees, port handling, clearing agent fees). The FRT is far and away the largest cost for most UK car imports to Hong Kong — see the tax section below.
Sea freight costs (ShipCars)
| Shipping method | Vehicle example | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container (FCL) | Standard small car | From £990 | Indicative; large cars — contact for quote |
| RoRo | Standard car | From £1,265 | Indicative; running vehicles only |
| EV / PHEV hazard surcharge | — | ~£295 | Additional to container freight |
Marine insurance (ShipCars — selected at booking)
| Coverage type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Loss cover | 1% of declared vehicle value plus shipping cost | Total loss from fire or major water damage |
| Comprehensive cover (recommended) | 1.5% of declared vehicle value plus shipping cost | Vehicles up to 10 years old; condition report required |
Hong Kong in-country costs (payable in Hong Kong)
| Cost item | Rate / range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Customs import duty | 0% | Hong Kong is a free port — zero duty on vehicles |
| VAT / GST | 0% | None in Hong Kong |
| First Registration Tax (FRT) | 40–115% of taxable value | Progressive; see FRT section — the dominant in-country cost |
| Transport Department vehicle examination fee | Variable | Mandatory roadworthiness inspection before registration |
| Port handling / storage | Variable | Charged by the terminal; payable on release |
| Clearing agent fees | Variable | Hong Kong import agent; required for port release |
| Hong Kong motor insurance | Variable | Required before vehicle can be driven |
For a full overview of costs across all destinations, see our international car shipping costs guide.
Hong Kong’s Tax Structure: Zero Import Duty But First Registration Tax (FRT) up to 115%
This is the most important financial section for anyone shipping a vehicle to Hong Kong. The headline is genuinely positive — Hong Kong levies zero customs import duty and zero VAT on vehicles — but the First Registration Tax (FRT) is a substantial progressive tax that applies when the vehicle is registered with the Transport Department, and it is the main cost most people do not anticipate.
Import duty and VAT: zero
Hong Kong operates as a free port and does not impose customs duty or VAT on vehicles or most goods. This is the best duty environment of any destination in this guide series.
First Registration Tax (FRT): 40% to 115% on taxable value
The FRT is Hong Kong’s primary vehicle tax mechanism, administered by the Transport Department. It applies to the taxable value of the vehicle (broadly the market value of the vehicle as assessed by TD) at the time of first registration in Hong Kong — not to the UK purchase price or the shipping cost.
FRT progressive rate structure:
| Taxable value band (HKD) | FRT rate |
|---|---|
| First HKD 150,000 | 40% |
| Next HKD 150,000 (HKD 150,001–300,000) | 75% |
| Next HKD 200,000 (HKD 300,001–500,000) | 100% |
| Above HKD 500,000 | 115% |
Illustrative FRT calculation (for a vehicle with a taxable value of HKD 400,000):
| Band | Taxable value in band | Rate | FRT in band |
|---|---|---|---|
| First HKD 150,000 | HKD 150,000 | 40% | HKD 60,000 |
| Next HKD 150,000 | HKD 150,000 | 75% | HKD 112,500 |
| Next HKD 200,000 | HKD 100,000 | 100% | HKD 100,000 |
| Total FRT | HKD 272,500 |
Note on source page figures: The ShipCars source page states HKD 310,000 FRT on a HKD 400,000 vehicle. Applying the published rate bands gives HKD 272,500. The discrepancy likely reflects a TD assessment that differs from the vehicle’s headline value — TD uses its own assessed taxable value, which may vary from the declared UK purchase price. The figures above reflect the published rate structure only. Actual FRT depends on TD’s assessment of taxable value for your specific vehicle — confirm with a licensed Hong Kong import agent before shipping.
FRT in cross-series context:
| Destination | Effective import tax on CIF (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Japan (standard passenger car) | ~10% consumption tax |
| Kuwait / Bahrain | ~5% |
| UAE / Oman | ~5% |
| Hong Kong (FRT on taxable value) | 40–115% (progressive on taxable value — not on CIF) |
| Jordan | ~50%+ on CIF |
| China | ~40%+ on CIF |
| India | ~150–200%+ on CIF |
The FRT base (taxable value as assessed by TD) is not the same as CIF value — for high-value or luxury UK vehicles, TD’s assessed taxable value may be close to the vehicle’s market value, making the effective FRT very significant for premium cars.
Verify current FRT rates: Hong Kong FRT rates are set by the Hong Kong Transport Department and may be revised. Confirm current rates with the Hong Kong Transport Department or a licensed import agent before shipping.
FRT Personal Importation Scheme: Concession for New Residents Relocating to Hong Kong
The most significant cost-saving mechanism for UK nationals permanently relocating to Hong Kong is the FRT Personal Importation Scheme (also called the Concessionary First Registration Tax Scheme for New Arrivals). This can substantially reduce — and in some cases eliminate — the FRT liability on a vehicle imported as part of a genuine relocation.
Eligibility criteria (all must be met)
- The applicant must have resided outside Hong Kong for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before relocating to Hong Kong
- The applicant must be establishing permanent residence in Hong Kong (not a temporary posting or visit)
- The vehicle must have been owned and used by the applicant for at least 6 months prior to relocation
- Approval from the Transport Department must be obtained before the vehicle is imported — the concession cannot be applied retrospectively
Critical rule: apply before shipping, not after
This is the point most people miss. The TD approval must be in place before the vehicle sails. If you arrive in Hong Kong and then apply for the FRT concession on a vehicle that has already cleared customs, the application will be refused.
The process:
- Apply to the Transport Department for FRT concession approval before the vehicle is shipped
- Receive written approval from TD
- Ship the vehicle (providing the FRT concession approval letter at Hong Kong customs)
- Present the approval letter at registration — FRT concession is applied at that stage
Verify your eligibility: The FRT Personal Importation Scheme criteria, application process, and the extent of the concession are determined by the Hong Kong Transport Department. Rules can change. Engage a licensed Hong Kong import agent to submit the pre-approval application on your behalf before any shipping decision is finalised. This is not a legal or financial advice service — confirm all details with TD directly.
Type Approval, Emissions, and Transport Department (TD) Examination
Beyond FRT, every vehicle imported to Hong Kong must clear two compliance steps before it can be registered:
Hong Kong vehicle type approval
Hong Kong requires vehicles to meet its own type approval standards for safety, construction, and equipment. Most UK vehicles built to European whole-vehicle type approval (WVTA) are broadly compatible, but:
- A manufacturer certificate of compliance may be required to demonstrate that the UK specification meets Hong Kong’s standards
- Non-standard modifications to the vehicle (aftermarket lighting, suspension changes, engine modifications) can complicate type approval
Emissions verification (Environmental Protection Department — EPD)
Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department verifies that the vehicle meets Hong Kong emissions standards. Modern UK Euro 6 vehicles generally meet HK requirements. Older vehicles — pre-Euro 5 in particular — should be assessed for emissions compliance before shipping.
Transport Department vehicle examination
After the vehicle clears Hong Kong Customs, it undergoes a mandatory physical examination by the Transport Department at a TD examination centre. This covers:
- Roadworthiness and construction (brakes, steering, lights, tyres, bodywork)
- Safety equipment
- Emissions (in conjunction with EPD verification)
- VIN and documentation matching
If the vehicle passes, a vehicle examination certificate is issued and registration can proceed. If it fails, repairs or modifications must be made and re-examination arranged — which adds time and cost.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car to Hong Kong from the UK?
UK export documents (before shipment — ShipCars handles the UK export declaration)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Original V5C logbook | Do NOT leave it inside the vehicle or container — hand it to ShipCars separately |
| Passport photo page copy | |
| Proof of address | Utility bill or bank statement; must be under 3 months old |
| Purchase invoice or proof of ownership | Establishes vehicle value for insurance and customs purposes |
| Pre-shipment condition report | Completed by ShipCars on collection (or at depot); required for Comprehensive insurance |
| ShipCars booking form | Completed at the time of booking |
Hong Kong import documents (via your local clearing agent)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bill of Lading | Issued by the shipping line; required for port release |
| HK Customs declaration | Filed by your Hong Kong clearing agent on arrival |
| Original V5C | |
| Bill of Sale / Purchase invoice | Declares vehicle value for FRT assessment |
| Passport | |
| Invoice showing declared value | Used by TD for FRT taxable value assessment |
| Hong Kong motor insurance certificate | Required before the vehicle can be driven after registration |
| Vehicle examination certificate | Issued by TD after passing the mandatory examination |
| FRT concession approval letter | If claiming the Personal Importation Scheme concession — must be pre-approved by TD before the vehicle sails |
Can I Ship an Electric or Hybrid Car to Hong Kong?
Electric vehicles (BEV)
Electric vehicles must travel by dedicated container — RoRo is not available for EVs on the Hong Kong route. Requirements:
- Battery charged to below approximately 40–50% at loading
- An EV hazard surcharge of approximately £295 applies in addition to container freight
- The vehicle must pass the Transport Department examination and meet Hong Kong EV standards for registration
- Hong Kong has strong EV infrastructure and incentives; confirm whether your specific EV model’s charging system (Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO) is compatible with Hong Kong’s charging network before shipping
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV)
PHEVs must travel by dedicated container with the EV hazard surcharge (~£295). Subject to TD examination on arrival.
Standard (non-plug-in) hybrid vehicles
Standard self-charging hybrids: confirm with ShipCars at the time of booking whether RoRo is available — the source page notes hybrids are not permitted on RoRo, which would make container the required method. No EV hazard surcharge for non-plug-in hybrids.
Hong Kong has historically offered incentives for EVs and hybrids — confirm current FRT treatment for your specific vehicle type with the Transport Department or your Hong Kong import agent.
Can I Ship a Classic Car to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong does have a collector and enthusiast market for classic European and British vehicles, but the FRT structure is particularly onerous for high-value classic cars. A classic vehicle assessed by TD at a high taxable value will attract FRT at the upper progressive rates (100% and 115%), making the total in-country cost very significant.
For classic and high-value vehicles:
- Container shipping is mandatory — enclosed dedicated container protects against the 25–30 day sea transit in a salt-air environment
- Pre-shipment compliance assessment with a Hong Kong import agent is essential — type approval documentation and EPD emissions compliance for classic vehicles can be complex
- FRT liability should be modelled before any shipping decision is made — factor in the TD-assessed taxable value (which may differ from purchase price) at the applicable progressive rate
For specialist shipping, packing, and crating, see ShipCars’ classic car shipping service.
Can I Include Personal Effects in My Vehicle Shipment?
Container only. Personal effects may be included inside the container alongside the vehicle, subject to the following rules:
- All personal effects must be declared on the shipment documentation — undeclared items are a customs offence
- Items must comply with Hong Kong import regulations — prohibited and restricted items include hazardous materials (flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic substances), illegal items (drugs, unlicensed firearms, counterfeit goods), CITES-protected species products, and IP-infringing goods
- Items must be properly secured inside the container
- The vehicle’s fuel tank must be nearly empty — this is a port and vessel safety requirement regardless of whether personal effects are included
RoRo: no personal effects permitted. Any items found inside a vehicle on RoRo may be removed before loading.
Hong Kong Customs note: Hong Kong’s status as a free port means most personal effects are not liable for duty, but specific categories of goods (tobacco, alcohol, certain electronics) may attract excise duty. Declare everything accurately — your Hong Kong clearing agent can advise on what is liable.
Marine Insurance for Car Shipping to Hong Kong: What You Need to Know {#insurance}
The 25–30 day transit from London Gateway to Hong Kong covers a long sea route including passage through multiple ocean zones. Marine insurance is strongly recommended.
| Coverage level | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Loss | 1% of declared vehicle value plus shipping cost | Covers total loss from fire or major water damage |
| Comprehensive (recommended) | 1.5% of declared vehicle value plus shipping cost | Adds cosmetic and handling damage; vehicle must be 10 years old or younger; condition report required |
What the insurance covers and does not cover
| Item | Total Loss | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| Sinking, fire, total destruction | ✅ | ✅ |
| Collision or stranding damage | ✅ | ✅ |
| Water ingress damage | ❌ | ✅ |
| Loading / unloading handling damage | ❌ | ✅ |
| Scratches, dents, cosmetic damage | ❌ | ✅ |
| Pre-existing damage | ❌ | ❌ |
| Personal effects inside the container | ❌ | ❌ |
Important: Vehicles over 10 years old are not eligible for Comprehensive cover — Total Loss is the available option. Given that vehicles over 7 years old may also face Hong Kong registration restrictions, this compounds the case for confirming age eligibility before booking.
Step-by-Step: The Complete Process from Booking to Driving in Hong Kong {#howto}
Step 1 — Confirm eligibility and FRT position before booking
Check the vehicle’s age (7-year registration restriction risk; 10-year insurance limit). Confirm type approval and emissions compliance with a Hong Kong import agent. Model your FRT liability at current TD rates based on the expected taxable value. If you may qualify for the FRT Personal Importation Scheme, apply to the Transport Department for pre-approval before the vehicle sails — this step cannot be done retrospectively.
Step 2 — Engage a licensed Hong Kong import agent
A local clearing agent handles port release, Hong Kong Customs declaration, TD vehicle examination coordination, and registration. Engage them before the vehicle sails so they are briefed on the vehicle’s specification, age, declared value, and FRT concession status.
Step 3 — Prepare UK export documents and the vehicle
Gather the original V5C (to hand to ShipCars separately — do not leave it in the vehicle), purchase invoice, proof of address, and passport photo page copy. Notify DVLA of permanent export if applicable. Reduce fuel to a minimal level. Document all existing damage with dated photographs.
Step 4 — Book shipment with ShipCars and choose container or RoRo
Book with ShipCars, specifying your chosen method (container for EVs, hybrids, classic/luxury/non-running vehicles; RoRo for standard running vehicles). ShipCars arranges UK collection from anywhere in the UK mainland (or accepts self-delivery to the depot), the pre-shipment condition report, UK export customs declaration, and issues the Bill of Lading. Weekly sailings from London Gateway.
Step 5 — Sea transit — 25 to 30 days
Your vehicle travels from London Gateway to Hong Kong. Weekly sailings mean the next available sailing after booking is typically within 7 days.
Step 6 — Hong Kong Customs clearance
Your clearing agent files the Hong Kong Customs declaration, presents the Bill of Lading and supporting documents, and arranges port release. Hong Kong levies zero import duty and zero VAT, so there are no duty payments at this stage. Port handling and storage fees apply.
Step 7 — Transport Department vehicle examination
Your clearing agent arranges the mandatory TD examination. The vehicle is inspected for roadworthiness, safety, construction, and emissions compliance. Pass: examination certificate issued; registration can proceed. Fail: arrange repairs and re-examination.
Step 8 — FRT payment and vehicle registration
Pay the FRT at the applicable progressive rates on the TD-assessed taxable value (or reduced rate if FRT concession approval was pre-granted). Vehicle is issued Hong Kong registration plates. Arrange Hong Kong motor insurance before driving.
Total timeline: 8–10 weeks from UK booking to a registered, road-legal vehicle in Hong Kong.
Pre-Shipment Checklist Before Your Car Sails to Hong Kong {#checklist}
- Vehicle confirmed as right-hand drive — legal in Hong Kong (same left-hand traffic)
- Vehicle age confirmed — over 7 years may face HK registration restrictions; over 10 years ineligible for Comprehensive marine insurance
- Hong Kong type approval and EPD emissions compliance checked with a HK import agent for your specific vehicle
- FRT liability modelled at current Transport Department rates for your vehicle’s expected taxable value
- FRT Personal Importation Scheme — if eligible, TD pre-approval obtained before the vehicle sails (cannot be applied retrospectively)
- Licensed Hong Kong import / clearing agent engaged and briefed on vehicle, declared value, and FRT status
- Shipping method confirmed — container (EVs, hybrids, classic/luxury, non-running) or RoRo (standard running vehicles)
- Original V5C logbook ready to hand to ShipCars separately — must NOT be left inside the vehicle or container
- Purchase invoice / proof of ownership prepared
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, under 3 months old)
- Passport photo page copy prepared
- ShipCars booking form completed
- All existing damage photographed thoroughly with dates
- Marine insurance selected — Total Loss 1% or Comprehensive 1.5% (recommended; vehicle ≤10 years old and condition report required)
- Condition report arranged (free on ShipCars collection; £35 on self-delivery; required for Comprehensive cover)
- Fuel reduced to a minimal level — port and vessel safety requirement
- EV / PHEV? — container confirmed; battery below 40–50% at loading; ~£295 hazard surcharge confirmed; HK NEV compatibility checked
- Personal effects in container? — all items declared, comply with HK import rules, properly secured
- HK motor insurance arranged (required before driving after registration)
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping to Hong Kong
Does Hong Kong charge import duty on a UK car?
No. Hong Kong is a free port and levies zero customs import duty and zero VAT on vehicles. This is the best duty environment in this guide series. However, the First Registration Tax (FRT) — a separate progressive registration tax — applies at 40% to 115% on the taxable value assessed by the Transport Department, and is the dominant cost for most UK car imports to Hong Kong.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Hong Kong?
Container shipping starts from approximately £990 for a standard small car (indicative, from London Gateway). RoRo starts from approximately £1,265 for a standard car (indicative). Hong Kong in-country costs are separate and include FRT at 40–115% of TD-assessed taxable value, TD examination fees, port handling, and clearing agent fees. Get a current quote from ShipCars.
What is the First Registration Tax (FRT) in Hong Kong?
The FRT is Hong Kong’s progressive vehicle registration tax, levied by the Transport Department when a vehicle is first registered in Hong Kong. The rate is 40% on the first HKD 150,000 of taxable value, rising progressively to 115% on the portion above HKD 500,000. It is applied to the TD-assessed taxable value of the vehicle — not to the UK purchase price. It is the main cost consideration for importing a UK car to Hong Kong.
Can I get an FRT exemption when relocating to Hong Kong?
Yes — the FRT Personal Importation Scheme provides a concession for qualifying individuals permanently relocating to Hong Kong. Eligibility requires: at least 12 consecutive months residing outside Hong Kong immediately before relocating; establishing permanent residence in Hong Kong; the vehicle owned and used by the applicant for at least 6 months before relocation; and — critically — TD approval obtained before the vehicle is shipped. Applications cannot be made retrospectively after the vehicle has cleared customs. Confirm eligibility and apply with the Hong Kong Transport Department before booking.
Can I drive my UK right-hand drive car in Hong Kong?
Yes. Hong Kong drives on the left — the same as the UK — and UK right-hand drive vehicles are road-legal in Hong Kong without any steering conversion. The vehicle must still pass the mandatory Transport Department examination and meet Hong Kong type approval and emissions standards before it can be registered.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Hong Kong?
Sea transit is approximately 25–30 days from London Gateway. After arrival, customs clearance, the Transport Department vehicle examination, FRT payment, and registration add further time. Allow 8–10 weeks total from UK booking to a registered, road-legal vehicle in Hong Kong.
Can I ship an electric car from the UK to Hong Kong?
Yes. EVs must travel by dedicated container (not RoRo), with the battery below approximately 40–50% at loading and an EV hazard surcharge of approximately £295. The vehicle undergoes the Transport Department examination after arrival and must meet Hong Kong EV registration standards. Confirm charging compatibility (Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO) with Hong Kong’s infrastructure before shipping.
Can I put my belongings inside the container with the car?
Yes — personal effects may be included in the container alongside the vehicle, provided all items are declared on the shipping documentation and comply with Hong Kong import regulations. Prohibited items include hazardous materials, drugs, unlicensed firearms, counterfeit goods, and CITES-protected species products. Hong Kong’s free-port status means most personal effects are not liable for duty, but specific goods (alcohol, tobacco) may attract excise duty. Personal effects are not covered by the vehicle’s marine insurance.
What documents do I need for the UK export side?
The essential UK export documents are: the original V5C logbook (handed to ShipCars separately — do not leave it in the vehicle); proof of address (utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old); purchase invoice or proof of ownership; passport photo page copy; and the completed ShipCars booking form.
Published: 22 October 2026 | Last updated: 22 October 2026 | Reviewed by: Navdeep Singh, Director, ShipCars Ltd
