Importing used cars has become far more complicated and expensive

Before January 1, Irish motorists buying a vehicle from Britain were not subject to paying Vat unless the car was less than six months old, or there was less than 6,000km on the clock. Picture: Larry Cummins

Thousands of Irish motorists looking to import high-end cars from Britain have been warned that the procedure to do so has now become far more complicated and costly following Brexit — even with a deal in place between the EU and its former member.

Before January 1, Irish motorists buying a vehicle from Britain were not subject to paying Vat unless the car was less than six months old, or there was less than 6,000km on the clock. There was also no import duty payable once it was brought in.