VRT – vehicle registration tax – is the charge incurred by all vehicles brought into Ireland and must be paid when it is first given an Irish number plate. Hickey spoke to The Irish Times about a potential misapplication of VRT over the costs imposed on his importing of a BMW 5 Series. Even if the VRT is treated as internal taxation, the treatment of your imported car raises concerns under the provision.”The Irish Times put these concerns to Revenue. In response, a spokesperson said: “Vehicle Registration Tax is not an import tax and does not constitute a Charge of Equivalent Effect. Revenue says “if a taxpayer believes that the rate of VRT levied on their vehicle is incorrect, they may appeal that decision”.

Source: The Irish Times January 26, 2026 08:51 UTC