The UK has the deepest stock of classic VW campervan parts in the English-speaking world. Post-Brexit, sourcing from UK suppliers is still viable — but the import duty and VAT add a meaningful cost. Here's the current picture and the smartest approach for Irish buyers.
What changed after Brexit
Before Brexit, buying parts from UK suppliers was effectively the same as buying domestically — no customs duty, VAT reclaimed at EU rates. After January 2021, everything from GB (Great Britain, not Northern Ireland) attracts:
- Import duty: typically 3.7% on vehicle parts (HS chapter 87 headings vary)
- VAT at 23%: applied to the total of parts price + shipping + duty
The net effect on a €500 parts order is roughly €130–€160 added in duties and VAT. That's significant, but on parts that aren't available elsewhere, it's often still worthwhile.
The real cost increase
| UK parts order | Pre-Brexit landed cost | Post-Brexit landed cost | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| €100 | €115 (inc. shipping) | €160–€175 | ~50% |
| €500 | €535 | €680–€720 | ~35% |
| €2,000 | €2,100 | €2,550–€2,700 | ~28% |
The percentage increase is highest on small orders (where fixed shipping costs dominate) and lower on large orders. This strongly favours bulk ordering — consolidate your parts list and order everything at once rather than placing multiple small orders.
Recommended UK suppliers
These suppliers are well-known in the classic-VW community and have been shipping to Ireland post-Brexit. All prices are exclusive of customs duty and VAT when ordering from Ireland.
- Just Kampers (justkampers.com) — the largest UK classic-VW parts retailer. Extensive stock for T2, T3, T4, T5. Good website, reliable shipping. Now offer a "DDP" (Duties and Taxes Paid) option on some orders to Ireland — worth checking.
- VW Heritage (volkswagenheritage.com) — strong on NOS (new-old-stock) and high-quality reproductions. Particularly good for T2 trim items and body panels.
- The Bus Depot (thebusdepot.com) — US-based but ships worldwide. Good for items that UK suppliers don't stock; US import duties apply in addition.
Suppliers based in Northern Ireland (BT postcodes) remain within the UK VAT area but under EU single-market rules for goods — meaning some goods can cross the border to the Republic without the same customs friction as GB imports. If you can source from NI-based suppliers, it may reduce your import costs. Check with the supplier before ordering.
Sourcing strategy for Irish buyers
- Plan your parts list upfront: Before starting a restoration, compile a complete parts list. Price everything, then place one large order rather than many small ones.
- Check if a customs agent is worth it: For orders over €2,000, a customs broker can often reduce the effective duty rate and handle the paperwork for a flat fee of €100–€200.
- Use a parcel forwarding address: Some Irish buyers use forwarding addresses in Northern Ireland. This is legally complex — get proper advice before trying this approach.
- Buy at Irish rallies and events: Parts sold at Irish VW events don't attract import duties. The VW Bus Festival Ireland and similar events are worth attending for parts as well as community.
German suppliers
Germany — as the origin of the VW Bus and home of the largest classic-VW community — has excellent parts suppliers. Ordering from the EU (including Germany) now has an advantage over UK sourcing: no UK-Brexit-specific duties. EU-origin parts attract only Irish import VAT (23%), not additional customs duty, because Ireland is in the EU customs union.
Key German suppliers: Kammwagen, Wolfsburg West (though US-based, has EU shipping), and smaller specialist dealers found on the major German VW forums.
Irish sources
A small number of Irish businesses stock classic-VW parts or can source them. Cosy Campers (cosycampers.ie) focuses on modern conversion parts, but some classic-camper accessories are available. For classic mechanical parts, sourcing from specialists in the UK or Germany remains necessary for most items.