Importing Lotus UK to Spain Post Brexit

Importing a Lotus from the UK into Spain (Post-Brexit)

Overview

This guide describes the process of importing a Lotus vehicle from the UK into Spain after Brexit, based on a real case:

• Vehicle: Lotus Exige 390 Final Edition
• Year: 2021
• Registration: Post-Brexit
• Total process time: ~5 months

Important: This applies primarily to vehicles registered after 01/01/2021 (Brexit transition end). Pre-Brexit vehicles typically follow a simpler process.

Key Authorities

• ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos)

 Spain’s official vehicle inspection and homologation body (similar to UK MOT + approval for registration)

• Spanish Ministry of Industry

 Responsible for homologation framework and recognition of authorised signatories

Step 1 – Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Expected

• Manufacturer-issued CoC

How to get a CoC

The recommended first step to obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for a Lotus is to contact your local Lotus dealer and ask them to request and supply the document on your behalf. In many cases, dealers can access the manufacturer systems directly and may simplify the process. If this route is not successful, you can then contact Lotus Customer Care directly, typically via email or by phone through their UK headquarters, with requests often handled. You will need to provide your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), proof of ownership such as the V5C or purchase invoice, and your contact details, and sometimes identification. The CoC usually costs between €150 and €200 and is delivered within one to three weeks, depending on the vehicle and availability of records. It is typically issued as a PDF and signed by Lotus. However, for vehicles registered after 01/01/2021 (post-Brexit), the CoC alone may not be sufficient for registration in Spain, and it is advisable to request additional documentation at the same time, such as a homologation codes letter, technical conformity letter, type approval confirmation, and signatory authorisation. Keeping all correspondence is important, as it may be required by ITV during the registration process.

Reality (Post-Brexit)

• CoC may NOT be sufficient
• Additional documentation often required, especially for:
  • Post-Brexit vehicles
  • Small series homologation vehicles

Step 2 – Homologation Number (Critical)

Example format

E4*KS07/__*____*__

Breakdown

• E4 → Approval authority (Netherlands)
• KS → Kleine Serie (Small Series approval)
• Remaining digits → Directive / variant / version

Where to Find Homologation Numbers

For a Lotus vehicle (and most EU-approved vehicles), the homologation number (type approval number) can be found in several locations.

1. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Primary source.

The homologation number is always listed on the CoC.

Look for fields such as:

• "Type approval number"
• "EC type-approval number"

Example format:

e4*KS07/__*____*__

This is the most reliable and official reference.

2. Vehicle Identification Plate (VIN Plate)

The homologation number may also appear on the manufacturer’s plate on the vehicle.

Typical locations:

• Front compartment (Elise/Exige) on Door sill

3. Registration Documents

In some cases, the homologation number may appear on registration paperwork:

• UK V5C (Logbook)

Summary

The homologation number is most reliably found on the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), but it also appears on the vehicle plate.

Step 3 – Homologation Codes Document

Requirement

A manufacturer-issued document listing homologation codes, Lotus calls this document "DOCUMENT CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATED ACTS FOR VEHICLES FOR PRE-REGISTRATION INSPECTIONS"

Format

• Typically 1–2 pages (example: in my case 2 pages)

Content

• EU regulatory references
• System-level approvals:
  • Lighting
  • Emissions
  • Braking
  • Noise
  • Safety systems
• Cross-reference to type approval framework

Purpose

Provides detailed technical compliance evidence beyond the CoC

ITV Feedback

• Content: Accepted
• Issue: Signature validation (see below)

Step 4 – Authorised Signatory Issue

Requirement

ITV may require confirmation that the signatory is: Recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Industry

Problem

• No public register exists
• Manufacturers (including Lotus) do NOT maintain Spain-specific lists
• Even when:
  • Documents are correct
  • Authority is confirmed

→ ITV may still reject based on signature

Step 5 – Ministry of Industry Escalation

Observed behaviour

• Regional ITV offices escalate to Madrid
• Focus on:
  • Traceability of signatory
  • Recognition in Spanish system

Outcome

• No clear standard process
• Interpretation varies

Taxation (Post-Brexit Imports)

For vehicles imported from the UK into the EU:

• 21% VAT (IVA in Spain)
• ~10% import duty

Important: These taxes generally apply to any UK → EU vehicle import post-Brexit (subject to origin rules).

Manufacturer Support (Lotus)

Support from Lotus was critical:

• Responsive Customer Care
• Provided all required documentation
• Confirmed signatory authority
• English-speaking support
• Helpful and approachable ("simpáticos")

Contacting Lotus Customer Care

Contact Details

• Email: ukcustomercare@eu.lotuscars.com
• Telephone (UK): +44 (0) 3300948047

Customer Escalations Team

• Email: escalations@eu.lotuscars.com

Notes

• Expect follow-ups, they return calls, without their help it wouldn't have been possible.

Key Learnings

• CoC alone may not be sufficient
• KS (Small Series) homologation is valid but not widely understood
• Expect detailed technical documentation requests
• Signature validation can block progress
• Process varies between ITV stations
• Time required: ~5 months

Recommendation

Would this process be recommended?

No

Due to:

• Administrative complexity
• Lack of clarity
• Time required
• Tax burden (21% + 10%)

Summary

Importing a post-Brexit UK Lotus into Spain is feasible but complex, especially for:

• Small series vehicles
• Non-standard homologation formats

Expect a documentation-heavy process with possible escalation to authorities.