Car Shipping from the UK to Hong Kong | RORO & Container Services

Does Hong Kong Charge Import Duty or VAT on Vehicles?

No. This is one of the most important facts about shipping a car to Hong Kong — and one that surprises most buyers.

Hong Kong is a free port. It does not levy import duties or VAT on vehicles or most other goods imported for direct consumption. This is fundamentally different from the European Union, Japan, Canada, and most other major shipping destinations.

The main vehicle-related tax in Hong Kong is the First Registration Tax (FRT) — a registration tax payable when the vehicle is formally registered with the Hong Kong Transport Department. FRT is separate from import duty, and it does not apply to vehicles that qualify for the Personal Importation Scheme exemption (see below).

Source: Hong Kong Transport Department (TD)

What Is the First Registration Tax (FRT) in Hong Kong?

The First Registration Tax is a tiered tax applied to the taxable value of the vehicle when it is first registered in Hong Kong. FRT rates for private cars are calculated progressively:

How Much FRT Will I Pay in Practice?

Example: A vehicle with a taxable value of HKD 400,000 (approximately £40,000) would attract FRT of approximately HKD 310,000 (approximately £31,000) — meaning FRT can exceed the vehicle’s purchase price for premium cars.

This makes FRT the single largest financial consideration when shipping a car to Hong Kong for permanent use — and it makes the Personal Importation Scheme (FRT exemption for qualifying new residents) critically important to understand before shipping.

Always verify current FRT rates with the Hong Kong Transport Department at td.gov.hk before importing — rates are subject to revision.

Can I Get an FRT Exemption When Importing My Car to Hong Kong?

Yes — qualifying new Hong Kong residents can be fully exempt from FRT under the Personal Importation Scheme (also referred to by the Transport Department as the Concessionary First Registration Tax Scheme for New Arrivals).

Who Qualifies for the Personal Importation Scheme?

To be eligible for the FRT exemption, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You must have resided outside Hong Kong for at least 12 months immediately before your relocation
• You must be establishing permanent residency in Hong Kong
• The vehicle must have been owned and used by you for at least six months prior to your relocation
• Applications must be made to the Transport Department and approved before the vehicle is imported — this exemption cannot be applied retrospectively

How Do I Apply for the FRT Exemption?

Applications are made through the Hong Kong Transport Department (td.gov.hk). Search for “Concessionary First Registration Tax Scheme for New Arrivals” or “Personal Vehicle Import” on the TD website. Allow sufficient time for approval before your vessel sailing date — this is not a same-day process.

The FRT exemption can save tens of thousands of pounds on premium vehicles. If you believe you qualify, this should be your first step — before booking any shipment.

Are UK Right-Hand Drive Cars Legal in Hong Kong?

Yes — and Hong Kong is one of the most practical Asian destinations for UK car exports for this reason.

Hong Kong drives on the left side of the road — the same as the UK. UK right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are fully road-legal in Hong Kong without any steering conversion, modification, or additional approval. This contrasts sharply with most other Asian destinations (China, Japan, Thailand) where RHD vehicles cannot be registered for road use.

For UK expats relocating to Hong Kong, this means you can bring your existing UK car and drive it immediately after registration — with no modification costs to factor in.

What Shipping Methods Are Available for Car Shipping to Hong Kong?

Ship Cars Ltd offers both RoRo and container shipping options for vehicles travelling from the UK to Hong Kong.

What Is the Container Shipping Service to Hong Kong?

Dedicated container shipping is the primary and recommended method for shipping a car to Hong Kong. Your vehicle is loaded into a dedicated sole-use container (FCL) or a shared container at London Gateway, providing maximum protection throughout the 25–30 day voyage.

Container shipping starts from £990 for a standard small car. A 40ft container may be required for larger vehicles — contact Ship Cars Ltd for a specific quote.

Container shipping is suitable for:

• All vehicle types including non-running vehicles
• Luxury, classic, and high-value cars
• Electric and hybrid vehicles (a hazard surcharge of £295 applies for EVs)
• Vehicles where personal effects need to be shipped alongside (subject to Hong Kong regulations — all items must be declared)

Is RoRo Shipping Available to Hong Kong?

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is also available for standard operational vehicles shipping to Hong Kong, starting from £1,265 for a standard car.

RoRo requirements:

• Vehicle must be fully operational and driveable
• No personal belongings permitted inside the vehicle
• Hybrid and electric vehicles are not permitted on RoRo services — container shipping only

How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle the UK-Side Process?

Once your booking is confirmed, Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process from London Gateway:

• Vehicle collection: by transporter (secure delivery to London Gateway) or trade plate driver (valid MOT required), or self-delivery to port
• Pre-shipment condition report: documented inspection — provided free of charge when we collect your vehicle, or £35 if self-delivered; this is a mandatory document for comprehensive insurance cover and is strongly recommended for Hong Kong’s TD vehicle examination
• UK export customs declaration: managed by Ship Cars Ltd on your behalf
• Bill of Lading: issued before your vehicle sails

On the Hong Kong side, the TD vehicle examination, FRT payment (or exemption application), and final registration must be managed locally. We advise on this process at the point of booking.

What Does Shipping a Car to Hong Kong Cost in Total?

What Are the UK Sea Freight Prices?

Prices cover UK departure port (London Gateway) to Hong Kong sea freight only. All Hong Kong-side costs are additional (see below).

What Additional Costs Should I Budget for in Hong Kong?

Beyond the sea freight price, the full cost of getting your car registered and on the road in Hong Kong includes:

• Hong Kong port handling and customs clearance fees — payable to the port and Hong Kong Customs
• Transport Department vehicle examination fee — mandatory TD inspection before registration
• First Registration Tax (FRT) — if not eligible for the Personal Importation Scheme exemption; see the FRT table above
• Clearing agent fees — for customs declaration and TD liaison in Hong Kong
• Vehicle examination fee — issued by the TD after passing their roadworthiness inspection
• UK collection — transporter or trade plate driver service to London Gateway
• Marine insurance — based on declared vehicle value (see insurance section)
• EV hazard surcharge — £295 for electric vehicles shipped by container

Request a comprehensive quote from Ship Cars Ltd with a full UK-side and Hong Kong-side cost breakdown.

What Are Hong Kong’s Import Regulations for Vehicles?

What Vehicle Age Restrictions Apply in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has stringent age limits for vehicle registration. New vehicles are strongly preferred, and older vehicles face significant hurdles:

• Vehicles over 7 years old may face restrictions on registration or attract significantly higher First Registration Tax rates
• Confirm current age thresholds directly with the Hong Kong Transport Department (td.gov.hk) and your Hong Kong clearing agent before shipping any vehicle that is near or over the 7-year threshold

What Vehicle Standards Does Hong Kong Require?

All imported vehicles must meet Hong Kong’s safety and environmental standards:

• Type Approval — vehicles must comply with Hong Kong’s vehicle type approval requirements; a certificate of compliance from the manufacturer may be required
• Emissions Standards — verified by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)
• TD Vehicle Examination — all imported vehicles must pass a physical roadworthiness examination by the Transport Department before they can be registered for road use in Hong Kong

What Is Temporary Importation into Hong Kong?

Temporary importation is generally restricted and not a common route for personal vehicles. It is typically limited to diplomatic purposes, official use, or specific exhibitions, and requires special permits from the Transport Department and Customs and Excise Department. It is not available for tourism or personal use.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Hong Kong?

What UK Export Documents Are Required?

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf. Standard documents required before sailing:

• V5C logbook (original) — do not leave inside the vehicle or container
• Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner
• Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old
• Purchase invoice or proof of ownership — confirms the declared vehicle value for Hong Kong Customs
• Pre-shipment condition report / condition inspection certificate — provided free of charge when Ship Cars Ltd collects; £35 if self-delivered
• Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form

What Documents Are Required in Hong Kong for Registration?

Your appointed Hong Kong agent will require the following:

• Bill of Lading — primary shipping document, issued by the shipping line
• Hong Kong Customs Declaration — for imported goods
• Proof of ownership — original V5C and Bill of Sale
• Passport — identification of the vehicle owner
• First Registration Tax Concession Approval Letter — if applying for the Personal Importation Scheme exemption (must be pre-approved before the vehicle is imported)
• Invoice — showing the declared value of the vehicle
• Insurance Certificate — valid for Hong Kong
• Vehicle Examination Certificate — issued by the Transport Department after the vehicle passes their mandatory inspection

What Insurance Is Available for Car Shipping to Hong Kong?

Ship Cars Ltd offers two levels of marine transit insurance for the voyage from London Gateway to Hong Kong:

Eligibility: Vehicle must be no older than 10 years for either cover.

Condition report: Mandatory for comprehensive cover — provided free of charge when Ship Cars Ltd collects, or £35 if self-delivered. This report is also valuable documentation for the Hong Kong TD vehicle examination.

What Items Are Prohibited or Restricted When Shipping to Hong Kong?

• Hazardous materials — flammable, explosive, corrosive, or toxic substances
• Illegal items — drugs, unlicensed firearms, or counterfeit goods
• Products from endangered species — CITES-protected animal products
• Counterfeit goods — or items infringing intellectual property rights

What Restrictions Apply to the Vehicle and Its Contents?

• Personal belongings in containers: permitted alongside the vehicle in a dedicated container but must be declared; all items must comply with Hong Kong import regulations; heavy items must be secured to prevent movement during transit
• Fuel: tank must be nearly empty for safety
• Vehicle condition for RoRo: must be fully operational and driveable; non-working vehicles require container shipping
• Hybrid and electric vehicles on RoRo: not permitted — container shipping only (£295 EV hazard surcharge applies)

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping from the UK to Hong Kong

How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Hong Kong?

Dedicated container shipping from London Gateway to Hong Kong starts from £990 for a standard small car. This covers UK departure port to Hong Kong port, container hire, and sea freight. Hong Kong First Registration Tax (FRT), Transport Department vehicle examination fees, port handling, and clearing agent fees are all payable separately in Hong Kong. Get a free personalised quote here.

How long does car shipping from the UK to Hong Kong take?

Sea transit from London Gateway to Hong Kong takes approximately 25–30 days, with weekly sailings (approximately four per month). Including UK collection, Hong Kong vehicle examination, FRT payment or exemption processing, and registration, allow 8–10 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being registered and on Hong Kong roads.

Does Hong Kong charge import duty or VAT on vehicles?

No. Hong Kong is a free port — it does not levy import duties or VAT on vehicles or most goods. The main tax is the First Registration Tax (FRT), payable when registering the vehicle with the Transport Department. FRT is tiered and can be substantial for high-value vehicles. Qualifying new residents may be exempt from FRT under the Personal Importation Scheme. Verify current FRT rates at td.gov.hk.

What is the First Registration Tax exemption for new Hong Kong residents?

New Hong Kong residents who have resided outside Hong Kong for at least 12 months, are establishing permanent residency, and have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before relocating may apply for a full FRT exemption under the Personal Importation Scheme. Applications must be made to and approved by the Transport Department (td.gov.hk) before the vehicle is imported. This exemption can save tens of thousands of pounds on premium vehicles.

Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Hong Kong?

Yes. Hong Kong drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal without any conversion or modification. Hong Kong is one of the most practical Asian destinations for UK vehicle exports, alongside Australia and New Zealand.

Does Ship Cars Ltd handle the UK export documentation for Hong Kong?

Yes. Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process — vehicle collection to London Gateway, pre-shipment condition report, export customs declaration, and Bill of Lading. The Hong Kong side — TD vehicle examination, FRT payment or exemption processing, and registration — must be managed locally. We advise on Hong Kong-side requirements at the point of booking.

Further reading before you ship:

• Container shipping explained
• How to prepare your car for international shipping
• How to avoid damage during international shipping
• Top 10 mistakes people make during international car shipping

We also provide efficient and reliable car shipping to:

• Car Shipping to China
• Car Shipping to Japan
• Car Shipping to Philippines