Selling Caravan to EU Buyer

DSAJones
DSAJones Forum Participant Posts: 4
edited June 2023 in Caravans #1

Hi everyone.  I guess this isn't really a technical question but couldn't find a suitable topic area.

We're selling our caravan via a classified listing on eBay and have had some good interest.  But out of the blue we had an offer from a German buyer.  He very much wants our van, which is a Fifth Wheel Company Celtic Rambler so not a widely available van, and has plans for it so he has made a good offer over the asking price.  He's dealing with all transport logistics and costs and I've been doing my usual due diligence to try and make sure there isn't any sort of scam involved.  Not 100% there yet but so far my instincts are that it's a genuine offer.  No wheels will turn from the storage yard until I see proof of the money in my account!!!

So the question I'm trying to get answered is to do with export/brexit/customs etc.  If I'm a private seller and not a business, are there any customs regulations or costs that I would be hit with if I'm selling to an individual in an EU country?  Has anyone had any experience of doing this since the latest rules came in to force?  Can anyone point me in the right direction for official guidance?  I've had a good search on various .gov.uk sites but everything seems to be geared towards a business selling in to the EU and not an individual.

Many thanks in advance
David

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,135 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2023 #2

    My feelings are that you are free to sell it to whoever you choose irrespective of their nationality or where they live. Once ownership is transferred, the responsibility is no longer yours so it’s up to the buyer to sort out export etc.

    I guess you could consult the club's legal team for advice.

  • DSAJones
    DSAJones Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited June 2023 #3

    Thanks Tinwheeler.  I did look at the various options available on the member's area but couldn't see one related to legal matters.  I'll call the general enquiry number tomorrow.

    Cheers

    David

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,135 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2023 #4

    Yep, give it a try.

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited June 2023 #5

    The onus is on the buyer to sort out all the necessary paperwork. The only thing that you must provide is the type approval Certificate of Conformity. Without it it will not be possible to get it registered in Germany, which I presume is the intention of the buyer. The CoC is vital. A proper contract of sale giving details of, most importantly, the chassis number and the purchase price would also have to be drawn up. 

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited June 2023 #6

    I forgot to add that you as the seller will not be faced with any costs so long as you provide the paperwork mentioned above. The buyer will have to pay VAT based on the purchase price (no customs duty payable as far as I know) when in enters Germany. When he comes to pick it up he will need insurance coverage and bring German number plates with him (temporary transit plates if he hasn't been able to register it beforehand).

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