The dreaded ESVA - Camper Vans don't need one !!!

[Supercamper.co.uk]

The dreaded ESVA, it's what all car importers dread.

Any vehicle under 10 years old has to pass the "Enhance Single Vehicle Approval" or ESVA test that was introduced to see whether an imported car passes strict european emmisions and safety tests. It is conducted by approved VOSA technicians.

It costs about 500 pounds (minimum) for the test, plus extra work modifying parts to get it to pass, which on average usually comes out at around an extra 500 pounds. So in all it costs about £1000 on top of all your other import costs to bring in a vehicle that was manufactured after October 1998 (at the time of this article).

The rule is rolling so every year it will change, so that you will be able to bring in cars manufactured in 1999 next year (2009) without having to put the vehicle through an ESVA.

Thankfully, if you can prove that your vehicle is true Camper Van, has all the usual camper van ameneties etc, then VOSA will let it through without needing an ESVA test.

They are getting stricter though, as some "dodgy" traders have been trying to bring in normal vans disguised as Campers! By putting a make shift table and bed in the back, they declare it as a camper to try and get it through the system!

So, all in all, you can target camper vans that are newer than 10 years without worrying about the ESVA test.

Cheers,

Jon @ Supercamper.