USING A MILITARY CHASSIS FOR AN
Overland / Expedition Build
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you intend to purchase and use a military chassis for an overlander expedition vehicle build
If you do not intend taking the vehicle out of the UK then the information on this page does not apply to you since it is perfectly legal to purchase an ex military vehicle, modify it and drive it on UK roads with the appropriate registration and licence.
If however you intend to build a vehicle with the intention of going abroad then this information does apply and is very important so please read carefully.
Firstly it is important to know that anything considered to be “SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MILITARY USE” requires an export licence if being taken out of the United Kingdom for any reasons whatsoever.
For more information on export licencing use the link provided.
A change of colour
DOES NOT REMOVE THE NEED FOR A LICENCE
A V5 STATING MOTORHOME (OR SIMILAR)
DOES NOT REMOVE THE NEED FOR A LICENCE
Turning it into an overland expedition vehicle
DOES NOT REMOVE THE NEED FOR A LICENCE
Temporary relocation outside of the UK i.e. holidaying
DOES NOT REMOVE THE NEED FOR A LICENCE
What is the WASSENAAR Arrangement?
The Wassenaar Arrangement is an agreement between a number of countries whereby any items that are deemed “specially Designed for Military Use” require an export licence if being transported to a location outside of the UK.
What this means…
It means that if you have purchased an ex army vehicle and converted or intend to convert it into an overland expedition vehicle and then take it out of the UK you will need to apply for an export licence. It additionally means that if (for example) you took the vehicle to France you may need to apply to the French government for an export licence to take the vehicle out of France which includes returning it to the UK. The same rule applys (in theory) to each of the member countries if visited (see list below of member countries).
We regularly receive calls from people looking to purchase a truck to construct an overland expedition vehicle and we always ask the question as to where the vehicle will be used which other sellers may not ask and thereby pave a path to what could be a very costly mistake both monetarily and legally if the rules are not followed.
We are aware that many people own and run such vehicles and probably don’t have any notion that each time they take it out of the UK without an export licence they are breaking the law. DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT!
Member countries signed up to the agreement:
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States.
Have a Question?
If you have a question regarding ex military vehicles being used for overland / expedition vehicle builds then please do not hesitate to give us a call or drop us a line via email or our social media pages at Facebook or Instagram
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