GUIDANCE ON THE EXPORT OF USED PARTS.

Over recent weeks there have been a number of enquiries to the MVDA office about the export of used parts.  This blog contains information on consignments of vehicle parts for reuse provided by the Environment Agency.

Some companies sell parts ‘ex-works’ to companies/ individuals that carry out the export, whereas others actually carry out the export themselves.  The following information will prove useful in both cases.

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This note outlines the steps ATFs can take to ensure that working vehicle parts intended for ‘reuse’ overseas for their ‘original purpose’ can be clearly distinguished from waste that requires greater control. The EA is unlikely to view shipments of reusable parts as waste where these parts have been competently assessed as working and they are satisfied they are intended for reuse for their original intended purpose. Other competent authorities overseas may take a different view and may insist on such parts being notified as waste or may prohibit their import altogether.

It should be borne in mind that in the event that any shipment of fluid containing parts (e.g. engines, gearboxes) that are judged to be waste, by either the EA or overseas regulators, will be classified as hazardous waste, with the concurrent significant repatriation charges.  For this reason it is recommended that these procedures are followed.

Preparing parts for reuse

The EA developed the following procedures in partnership with experienced UK operators. They are not compulsory but are considered a helpful and practical means of fostering a common understanding between ATFs and regulators both here and overseas for exporting parts for reuse.

Assessment

All parts intended for reuse should be assessed by the operator to ensure that they are suitable for re-use without modification or repair.

Engines should be assessed as suitable for re-use prior to depollution of the ELV and removal of the engine. Engines should be drained of oil and bunged prior to export, retaining no more oil than necessary to prevent corrosion during storage and transit. Engines that leak oil in transit are a pollution risk and carry a significant risk of being detained or repatriated at the cost of the operator.

Other fluid containing components (e.g. gearboxes) should also be drained of fluids if a drain point is available & drainage does not damage the unit.  Once drained, any holes should be plugged to prevent leakage of oils.  ‘Sealed for life’ units (e.g. shock absorbers) do not need to be drained. 

Tyres intended for reuse should be assessed as suitable for re-use as per the UK part-worn tyre regulations (having regard to tread wear, side wall damage etc.). Tyres that would not be road legal in the UK are regarded as waste regardless of the whether or not they would be road legal in the destination country.

Information about the parts

To support the claim that the parts are intended for reuse without further treatment, the following information should accompany each consignment of parts:

Engines & gearboxes

•                     Donor vehicle make/ model
•                     Engine size (cc)
•                     Engine number (where applicable/ possible)
•                     Fuel type
•                     Unit value

Other parts

•                     Item description (e.g. door panel, wing mirror, rear light etc.).
•                     Quantity of item (e.g. Doors x6, rear lights x12 etc.)
•                     Unit value

Other information to accompany the consignment

Statement that:  “All items listed originate from de-registered UK vehicles and are sold as working used parts for reuse only”.

Details of the seller, including:

•                     Full company name
•                     Full company address
•                     VAT number
•                     ELV ATF permit number
•                     Telephone number
•                     Fax and email details if available
•                     Contact name

Details of the purchaser, including:

•                     Full company name
•                     Full company address
•                     Telephone number
•                     Fax and email details if available
•                     Contact name
•                     Regulation Authority reference if applicable

Seller’s company stamp signed over by the company’s authorised person and dated.

Paperwork to include

•                     Total number of containers in consignment
•                     Shipping container seal number if applicable

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office

Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association of Great Britain Office 5, Top Floor,
Charrington House, 17A Market St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6JX, UK.

Email: info@mvda.org.uk
Tel: (01543) 254 254
Fax: (01543) 254 274 

Image courtesy of Salvage Wire Ltd (www.salvagewire.com)

Reducing fire risk at waste management sites

Fires are one of the biggest problems facing the Waste Management industry today.  Apart from the obvious danger to staff and neighbours, and destruction of site infrastructure, buildings and stock, a significant site fire can have even further reaching consequences.  It could lead to prosecution for failure to undertake legal requirements, liability for environmental clean-up, and difficulties in obtaining on-going business insurance (or even refusal of a claim).

The Waste Industry Safety & Health (WISH) forum has recently issued a 2^nd draft of its ‘lengthy (100-page) Fire Control Guidance.  Contributors to the WISH guidance include the English & Scottish Environment Agencies, Health & Safety Executive, Chartered Institute of Waste Management, Chief Fire Officers Association and the insurance industry.

It would appear that the EA will eventually ‘adopt’ this document, meaning that members are likely to come under increasing pressure to ensure they comply with its recommendations.

A copy of the report can now be found here.

If you have any questions about fire risk on your site, please contact Phil Wass on (01773) 541 441 or 07970 166298, by e-mail at wassmanagement@aol.com

Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association of Great Britain Office 5, Top Floor,
Charrington House, 17A Market St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6JX, UK.

Email: info@mvda.org.uk
Tel: (01543) 254 254
Fax: (01543) 254 274 

Company Director jailed for twelve months for selling badly repaired write-offs.

Imran Kayani, director of a second-hand car dealership has been sentenced to one year in prison after knowingly selling two unsafe vehicles.

Kayani, aged 34, of Longwood Gardens, Clayhall, was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week after a four-day trial; he is the director of Essex and East London Cars, based in Ley Street, Ilford.

The court heard how Trading Standards had received two complaints from customers who had purchased cars from the company.

The customers had not been told that both cars had been involved in serious accidents.

The customers believed they had been sold unsafe cars; the faults were only discovered when recovery drivers looked at the cars after they had broken down.

Trading Standards then had both cars examined and it was found they had been involved in serious accidents and poorly repaired.

The first car was discovered to have a bent frame and poor quality welding meant the vehicle would have little protection in the case of a full frontal accident. Any impact on the side could have led to the front of the car being sheared off.

The second car had erratic handling and its tyres were severely worn away due to misalignment. The tyres also rubbed on the body of the car when the steering wheel was in full lock.

Kayani was also charged with failing to disclose that both vehicles had been subject to major accident damage, contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
This was factored into his sentence.

Kayani failed to make a declaration that one of the cars had been in a serious accident and in the case of the other, he said the vehicle had been a category C insurance total loss but misrepresented that this had been caused by a light scrape to one side.

He was given six months for both offences and the sentences will run consecutively.

Thanks to ABP Club website. http://www.abpclub.co.uk

Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association of Great Britain Office 5, Top Floor,
Charrington House, 17A Market St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6JX, UK.

Email: info@mvda.org.uk
Tel: (01543) 254 254
Fax: (01543) 254 274 

Library Picture from Salvage Wire (www.salvagewire.com)

Prevent Illegal Waste Exports - Make sure you comply.

Illegal waste exports are clearly continuing to cause problems.  

Green list waste includes 'fully depolluted ELVs'.   Undepolluted ELVs are 'red list waste’.

If you yourself export waste (including waste vehicles) then this is relevant to you.

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The Environment Agency is responsible for regulating waste shipments under the European Waste Shipments Regulations EC 1013/2006 (WSR) and the UK Trans-frontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 (TFS).

Everyone involved in a shipment of waste (e.g. producer/collector/exporter/broker/importer) may be liable under the WSR and has a responsibility to ensure that the shipment is lawful. The export of Green List waste listed in Annex III, IIIA or IIIB of the WSR is regulated by Article 18 of the WSR, and you must check that you are compliant with it.

What do you need to do?

Green List waste must be accompanied by an Annex VII form. Checks must be made to ensure that this happens.

• If you are the person arranging the shipment, you must ensure that the Annex VII form is completed, prior to the shipment taking place. You must also sign the declaration on the form certifying that all the information contained in the Annex VII is complete and correct and that you have an effective written contract with the importer/consignee.

• The Annex VII form must be fully completed in order to provide relevant details of everyone involved in the shipment and an auditable trail for the shipment of waste from its starting point in the country of dispatch through to its recovery operation in the country of destination.

• The Annex VII form must then be signed by the consignee and the recovery facility when the waste shipment is received. All three signatories must keep a copy of the document for at least 3 years from the date the shipment started.

What will happen if you do not comply?

It is a criminal offence to export Green List waste other than in accordance with a fully completed Annex VII form or without a valid contract in place. Such offending shows a failure of duty of care and creates an uneven playing field for those who make the effort to comply with the law.

The Environment Agency will take appropriate enforcement action (including the use of Fixed Penalty Notices) against such offences. Persistent offenders, or those engaging in fraud or mis-description, will be subject to more serious enforcement action, including prosecution.

Can you leave gaps in the Annex VII form because of commercial confidentiality?

No. The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Annex VII form must be fully complete and the requirements of Article 18 of the WSR are more important than a right to the protection of business secrets or commercial confidentiality.

The Environment Agency may ask to see any Annex VII form (or the information it contains) and any Article 18 contract for inspection, enforcement, planning and statistical purposes.

When does Article 18 WSR apply?

Article 18 controls generally apply to waste listed in annex III, IIIA, or IIIB of the WSR. Such waste is known as Green List, destined for recovery in the EU, OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and non-OECD countries. However, you must check for any further restrictions, higher level of control or even prohibition for your country of destination and any countries of transit. A list of OECD countries, Competent Authorities and the level of controls can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/importing-and-exporting-waste#waste-shipment-controls.

What is an Article 18 contract?

Article 18(2) requires a valid written contract between the person who arranges the shipment and the consignee for recovery. The contract must include an obligation, where the shipment of waste or its recovery cannot be completed or the shipment is illegal, on the person who arranges the shipment or (if they cannot) the importer/consignee to take the waste back or ensure its recovery in an alternative way. They must also, if necessary, arrange to store the waste in the meantime.

For further guidance on how to complete an Annex VII form, see the enclosed example or visit https://www.gov.uk/importing-and-exporting-waste#import-or-export-article-18-controls.

Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association of Great Britain Office 5, Top Floor,
Charrington House, 17A Market St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6JX, UK.

Email: info@mvda.org.uk
Tel: (01543) 254 254
Fax: (01543) 254 274 

VIC Scheme update

The first industry meeting scheduled by DfT following the announcement of the abolition of the VIC scheme took place in early July.

The purpose of the meeting was to inform industry about what would happen to VIC in the run up to its cessation in October 2015, and to consider what, if any, action is needed to address the many concerns raised during the 2012 ‘consultation’.

It was confirmed that there was no intention to terminate VIC early & that it would continue to run on until October 2015.  Government said it was working to ensure that this didn’t result in further inconvenience in obtaining VIC appointments.

The main focus, however, of the meeting was to discuss whether there really were problems in the following areas, whether any action needed to be taken, by whom, when and how this would work:         

• Avoidance of the Salvage COP by self-insured fleets etc.·         
• Sale, repair & export of category B vehicles (& other waste vehicles)·         
• Category manipulation·         
• Repair standards·         
• Making consumers aware of ‘write-off’ history

At the meeting were representatives of the dismantling & salvage industry, vehicle manufacturers, body repairers, insurers, and of course Government (Police, DfT, EA, DVLA, BIS, VOSA etc.).  Lots of opinions were expressed & ideas suggested, often contradictory, some of which MVDA supported and some of which it opposed.  But it was never intended that this meeting would produce firm proposals.  Indeed DfT suggested that it was unlikely that anything would be in place before VIC ceased, and if it required legislation, probably considerably longer.  Once again it was made clear that this was a ‘deregulating Government’ and that any legislative changes would need to be ‘evidence based’.  However, at the end of the meeting several parties, inc. ABI, were asked to undertake some work in certain areas and to report back to DfT in Autumn.

It is worth briefly reiterating MVDA’s starting position on some of the main points:

• All insurers & self-insurers must adopt the Salvage – forced by legislation if required·       
• Salvage CoP to be overseen by independent organisation·          
• All category A & B vehicles to be destroyed (with shells crushed) in the UK, by UK operators, with COD issued – forced by legislation if required·          
• Much greater clarity needed on categorisation to ensure all ‘repairable salvage’ is repairable·         
• Any changes following abolition of VIC to be based on ‘risk’ & so reduce impact on the largest volume of ‘lightly damaged salvage’ (focus attention on lower volume of extensively damaged salvage).·         
• Tracking vehicles through the motor trade to introduce an element of ‘liability’ & to reduce/ eliminate illegal dismantling/ export

There was also much discussion around whether:

• All salvage should be required to undergo a new MOT·          
• Post-repair inspections should be required for all salvage, or just some types·      
• Salvage should be repaired only by ‘approved/ certified’ (e.g. PAS125 or VM-approved) body shops·          
• V5 for all salvage should be marked, what it should say & how prominent it should be·         
• There is a need to mark the V5 at all if the vehicle has been repaired by an approved body shop or undergone an inspection.

So, lots of discussion, with many parties obviously having vested interests in certain outcomes.  But no clear or firm views from Government – other than ‘consumer protection & road safety’ being their priority.

It is worth noting that there currently appears to be little evidence of problems with salvage repair standards, but plenty of evidence of problems with category B vehicles, tracking vehicles, illegal dismantling etc.

As yet, there is no further scheduled meeting, but we do expect to hear news in the next few months and will keep members updated ‘as & when’.

As always, members are encouraged to contribute their views.

Motor Vehicle Dismantlers Association of Great Britain Office 5, Top Floor,
Charrington House, 17A Market St, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6JX, UK.

Email: info@mvda.org.uk
Tel: (01543) 254 254
Fax: (01543) 254 274 

BBC Seeks Motor Salvage Company - Your chance to become (in)famous!

The leading television company, Boundless, has made a range of programmes including hit business series, The Apprentice (BBC ONE), Grand Designs (Channel 4) and Great British Railway Journeys (BBC TWO).

They are currently producing a brand new prime-time show for the BBC in which they hope to showcase various industries across the UK, the first being the car sales industry. The idea is for the audience to learn more about the industry and also to explore the diversity you may come across within the same job in different areas.  In particular they would like to showcase the salvage side of car sales.

Boundless is hoping to find a confident car sales expert to take part in an immersive job swap experiment in which two experienced professionals switch places with each other, relocating to do the same job in an entirely new location. Over a fortnight, they will be immersed into their new role, getting to grips with a new boss, a new community and new clients.  It is a chance to show they have the professional pride and determination to survive and thrive in an unfamiliar environment and to experience life in a different part of Britain.

In terms of logistics, they are aiming to film for two weeks in October (but that could be pushed back if necessary).  They would follow a member of staff relocating to another dealership for two weeks, and for an experienced car salesperson from a different part of the country to replace them.

Boundless is looking for a salvage company that sells repairable vehicles onsite (ie. not purely online), and hopes that they would see this as an exciting opportunity to showcase their business and for one of their staff to experience a different part of the industry, that may provide them with new skills and expertise.

Anybody interested can contact  Lauren Bennie (Assistant Producer, Factual Features, Boundless) on 0207 691 5125 or email lauren.bennie@boundlessproductions.tv

Changes to Vehicle Tax 1st October 2014 - Frequently Asked Questions

From 1^st October 2014 the tax is no longer transferable, so you must tax it before you use it

1. WHAT IS HAPPENING?

The law is changing , to get rid of need to display a paper tax disc. Tax discs will no longer be available.

 2. WHY?

 The benefits of paper tax discs have become redundant over time as the DVLA and police rely on DVLA’s electronic vehicle register to check if a vehicle is taxed.

 3. WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING??

 1st October 2014.

 4. WHO WILL THIS APPLY TO?

 Everyone who needs to tax their vehicle.

 5. DOES THIS MEAN THAT MOTORISTS NO LONGER NEED TO BUY VEHICLE TAX?

 No. Motorists will still need to pay for vehicle tax, but they will no longer get a paper tax disc for display on vehicles.

 6. HOW DOES THIS WORK FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM PAYMENT OF VEHICLE TAX (E.G. DISABLED TAX CLASS)?

 The requirement to apply for vehicle tax will not change for any individual including those in the Disabled Tax Class. The only change will be that the paper tax disc will no longer be issued and required to be displayed on a vehicle windscreen.

 7. WILL MOTORISTS STILL GET A REMINDER WHEN THE VEHICLE TAX RUNS OUT?

 Yes. Renewal Reminders (V11s and V85/1s) will still be issued.

 8. HOW WILL I KNOW IF A VEHICLE IS TAXED?

 Any person may check the tax status of any vehicle by using DVLA’s Vehicle Enquiry System at www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax

 9. WHAT IF I NEED A TAX DISC TO GET A PARKING PERMIT/CAR PARKING SPACE?

 All Local Authorities will be made aware of the change to law where tax discs will no longer be available.

 10. IF THERE IS NO TAX DISC, THIS COULD ALSO MEAN THAT THERE IS NO INSURANCE OR MOT FOR A VEHICLE. HOW WILL THIS BE CHECKED?

 The technology is already available to check details between the DVLA, Insurance Industry and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Technical advancements in accessing vehicle information means Police can access details at the roadside.

 11. WILL THIS LEAD TO MORE PEOPLE NOT PAYING THEIR VEHICLE TAX?

 There is no evidence to suggest that getting rid of the paper tax disc will make this increase.  DVLA already takes enforcement action directly from the vehicle register. Tools like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and wheel-clamping are used to enforce against those who fail to pay their vehicle tax.  These measures have helped to improve compliance and vehicle tax evasion is at a historic low. The latest estimate of vehicle excise duty evasion is just 0.6%.

 12. HOW DO I GET A REFUND?

 The registered keeper on record will automatically be issued with a refund when they notify DVLA that they no longer need to tax the vehicle any longer such as it being sold/transferred or declared off the road (SORN).

 13. WILL IT AFFECT THE POST OFFICE LTD?

 No. Customers who want to visit their Post Office® branch will still be able to do so to pay for vehicle tax, but they will not be issued with a tax disc.

 14. IF I BUY A CAR  WITHOUT A PAPER TAX DISC, HOW CAN I FIND OUT HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO TAX?

 The cost of vehicle tax can be found at www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax

 15. HOW CAN I CHECK IF A VEHICLE IS EXEMPT FROM TAX (SUCH AS DISABLED)?

 From 1 October 2014, you will be able to check the vehicle tax class and status of any vehicle online at www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. You just need to provide the vehicle registration number and the make of the vehicle. If the customer is in attendance request sight of either Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) or the confirmation of eligibility issued by DWP.

BUYING/SELLING A VEHICLE

 1. IF I BUY A SECOND HAND CAR AFTER THE 1ST OCTOBER 2014, HOW AM I MEANT TO DRIVE THIS AWAY AS THE TAX WILL CEASE AT THE POINT OF SALE?

 You can tax the vehicle using the New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) part of the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) online or by using our automated phone service – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you may wish to visit a Post Office® branch that deals with vehicle tax.

 NB. DVLA is unable to check the vehicle insurance details for new keepers in Northern Ireland (NI) online or by phone. NI new keepers should tax at a Post Office® branch that deals with vehicle tax.

 2. WILL THERE BE A GRACE PERIOD BETWEEN THE POINT OF SALE TO ALLOW ME TO DRIVE TO A POST OFFICE TO TAX THE CAR OR TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME?

 No. There will be no period of grace. In order to use a vehicle, the buyer must always obtain new vehicle tax immediately upon the point of sale.

 DVLA always advise that vehicles should not be purchased without sight of the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C). Any person buying a vehicle should insist on having the New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) which allows the buyer to obtain a new vehicle tax immediately.

 3. CAN I USE THE ONLINE OR PHONE SERVICE TO TAX MY CAR AT THE POINT OF SALE TO ALLOW ME TO LEGALLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE?

 Yes, this service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and by phone. Confirmation of tax is provided at the point of taxing.

 4. WHY HAS THE DECISION BEEN MADE TO NOT ALLOW THE TRANSFER OF REMAINING PERIODS OF CAR TAX TO BE PASSED TO NEW OWNERS?

 This is a customer protection measure. As there will be no paper tax disc for the new owner to check, the vehicle tax will end when a vehicle is sold. This will remove any doubt for the person buying the vehicle – new owners always need to obtain new vehicle tax.

 5. WILL THIS BE THE END OF SELLING A CAR WITH TAX?

 Yes, from 1 October 2014 the vehicle tax will be non-transferrable.

 6. IF I DRIVE A FRIEND’S, RELATIVE’S OR RENTAL CAR, HOW CAN I CHECK IF IT’S TAXED?

 You can check the licensing status of a vehicle by going to www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax

 7. HOW WILL I CLAIM A REFUND OF VEHICLE TAX FROM THE 1 OCTOBER 2014?

 You will get an automatic refund when DVLA receive notification from you, as the registered keeper, advising that the vehicle:

• been sold or transferred
• been scrapped at an Automated Treatment Facility
• been exported
• been removed from the road and the person on the vehicle register has made a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
• changed to a nil rate of duty tax class

 It is important that you tell DVLA of any changes for example, change of name or address, as any refund will be paid to the name and address we have on our records (shown on the Vehicle Registration Certificate V5C). To update DVLA with a change of name or address details, you will need to fill in Section 6 of the V5C, sign the declaration and return the whole V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

 8. WILL A MOTOR TRADER STILL BE ABLE TO TAX THE VEHICLE FOR ME?

 Yes. A motor trader will still be able to tax a vehicle on behalf of a customer using a V5C/2 before the customer drives it away. From 1 October 2014, motor traders will be able to do this online or over the phone.

NB. Motor Traders in Northern Ireland (NI) will need to continue to tax at the Post Office as we are unable to check the vehicle insurance details for new keepers in Northern Ireland (NI) online or by phone.

DIRECT DEBIT

 1. WHAT VEHICLES ARE GOING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE DIRECT DEBIT SCHEME?

 The Direct Debit scheme is going to be widely available for all motorists (cars, vans, motorbikes, buses, HGV) that currently re-licence their vehicles via the online licensing service or at the Post Office.   But the initial phase of the Direct Debit scheme will NOT be applicable to:

• Fleet vehicles licensed in bulk, however vehicle fleet managers will be able to use the online or Post Office options by enrolling their vehicles individually
• The First Registration and Licensing process. The first licence that is collected as part of the purchase of a new vehicle at Motor Dealers is out of scope as many dealers offer an on-the road total price for new vehicles and therefore it would neither be appropriate nor feasible to include these changes
• HGV vehicles that are subject to road levy charging.

 3. HOW DO I SET UP A DIRECT DEBIT FOR MY VEHICLE TAX?

 If your vehicle is eligible, when you receive your Vehicle Tax reminder you will be offered the opportunity to pay via Direct Debit. You can set up a Direct Debit when paying online (www.gov.uk/vehicletax) or at a Post Office® branch that deals with vehicle tax. We will then forward your instructions electronically to your bank, authorising them to allow payments to be collected from your account

 You will be able to buy 6 or 12 months of vehicle tax in one go or spread the payments over 12 months. Whichever option you choose, the payments will continue automatically until you notify us to stop taking them providing you have a valid MOT in place at the point of renewal. For NI customers a check of valid insurance is also made.

 4. WHEN WILL DVLA TAKE THE MONTHLY PAYMENT FROM MY BANK ACCOUNT?

 Payments are taken on the first working day of every month. Your first payment date may vary but a payment will not be taken before your tax is due to start.

 5. WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO SET UP A DIRECT DEBIT?

 You will need all the usual bank details, plus the documentation required to tax e.g V11 reminder, Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C).  The person setting up the Direct Debit does not need to be the registered keeper.

 6. CAN I CONTINUE TO PAY FOR MY TAX AS I NORMALLY DO?

 Yes, all existing payment methods will remain in place.

 7. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECLARE SORN OR SELL MY VEHICLE?

 If you notify DVLA that you have sold your vehicle or declared it off-road (SORN), then DVLA will automatically stop taking Direct Debit payments from your bank and will cancel your Direct Debit. If you have been paying your tax in annual or six-monthly payments, you will be eligible for a refund for any full calendar months that remain. This will be paid automatically by DVLA to the keeper registered on our records.

 8. WHAT HAPPENS IF I BUY A CAR THAT IS TAXED BY DIRECT DEBIT?

 You are responsible for taxing the car from the date you become keeper.

 If the previous keeper taxed the car by direct debit payments, their Direct Debit payments will be automatically cancelled when we receive notification from them that they are no longer the keeper. You will be able to set up your own Direct Debit when you tax the vehicle using the V5C/2 New Keeper supplement.

If the previous owner taxed the car by annual or six-monthly Direct Debit payments, then these will be automatically cancelled but you will have to check the expiry date of the tax as the previous owner may apply for a refund of the tax.

 9. WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL TO KEEP UP THE DIRECT DEBIT PAYMENTS?

 If you do not keep up the payments the vehicle will become untaxed & you may be liable for enforcement action.

 10. CAN A NEW KEEPER SET UP A DIRECT DEBIT?

 Yes. You can set up a direct debit for the vehicle using the New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) part of the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) online or by using our automated phone service – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you may wish to set one up at a Post Office® branch that deals with vehicle tax.

MOTOR TRADERS

 1. WHAT WILL CHANGE FOR MOTOR TRADERS AFTER THE TAX DISC IS ABOLISHED?

 Motor traders will no longer be able to purchase vehicles with a tax disc in force. From 1st October 2014, a tax disc is no longer transferable when a vehicle is sold. Motor traders may wish to use trade plates, provided that the vehicle is used within the conditions for use of trade plates. Alternatively, if the vehicle is to be registered in the name of the motor trade, then new vehicle tax will need to be obtained.

 2. WILL THE USE OF TRADE PLATES CHANGE FOR MOTOR TRADERS AND VEHICLE TESTERS?

 From 1st October 2014, it will no longer be a requirement for a trade licence holder to display a trade licence. Motor traders and vehicle testers will still need to apply and pay for a new trade licence at the time of renewal, but there will no longer be a paper trade licence for display within a trade plate. The display and conditions of use of trade plates for motor traders and vehicle testers will not change in October 2014.

 3. WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGE FOR MOTOR TRADERS TO NOTIFY SALE AND TRANSFER OF VEHICLES TO DVLA?

 There will be no change. The person or business registered as the keeper must notify DVLA when they sell or transfer a vehicle.

 4. HOW WILL REFUNDS BE ISSUED TO THE KEEPERS WHO TRANSFER VEHICLES TO THE MOTOR TRADE?

 Refunds will continue to be made to registered keepers, when DVLA receives notification of a change on the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) this includes notification that the vehicle has been destroyed (COD/NOD). Refunds will also continue to be made when a keeper makes a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

 5. HOW WILL REFUNDS BE ISSUED TO THE MOTOR TRADERS WHOSE VEHICLES ARE REGISTERED TO THE MOTOR BUSINESS?

 Refunds will continue to be made to the motor trade business registered with DVLA, when a notification of change is received on the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C). Refunds will also continue to be made when a motor business that is registered as a keeper makes a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

 6. WHAT IF A TAX DISC IS LOST BEFORE OCTOBER? WILL A DUPLICATE DISC STILL BE REQUIRED TO BE DISPLAYED?

 A duplicate tax disc will need to be obtained and displayed up until 30 September 2014.

 7. ARE RENEWAL REMINDERS TO TAX (V11S AND V85/1S) STILL BEING SENT BY DVLA?

 DVLA will continue to issue Tax Reminders. Customers still need to apply for vehicle tax at the appropriate time.

 8. IS THERE A PERIOD OF GRACE TO TAX A VEHICLE THAT HAS JUST BEEN PURCHASED?

 DVLA always advise customers that before they purchase a vehicle they should ask to see the Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C). Any person buying a vehicle should insist on the New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) which allows the buyer to obtain new vehicle tax. This is currently the case and will continue after October 2014.

There is no period of grace when the tax disc is abolished. The buyer will always need to obtain new vehicle tax immediately upon point of purchase, using the V5C/2. From 1st October, customers can also tax online or by phone 24hours a day. Alternatively, the buyer can visit a Post Office to get vehicle tax.

 9. WHAT MUST THE SELLER DO?

 The seller must notify DVLA that the sale/transfer of the vehicle has taken place. A refund payment for any full months of vehicle tax outstanding will be sent to the seller upon notification of the sale from the seller.

 10. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE REFUND IS SENT TO THE WRONG PERSON?

 The refund will always be paid to the person on the DVLA vehicle register. In the case where a vehicle is sold, the refund will be paid to the seller once DVLA receives notification that a vehicle has been sold.

 11. IF A MOTOR TRADER PURCHASES A CAR AFTER 1ST OCTOBER 2014 - CAN THEY TAX IT, WITHOUT BECOMING THE REGISTERED KEEPER?

 DVLA expect vehicles disposed into the motor trade to be untaxed and used on trade plates whilst in the temporary possession of the trader. If the trader wishes to tax vehicles for personal use, then vehicles should be registered and taxed accordingly. Vehicles in the trade should only be taxed at the point they are sold to a new keeper and the new keeper details notified to DVLA on the V5C, as per current process.

 12. IF A CAR IS "IN TRADE" BEFORE 1ST OCTOBER 2014 AND THE CURRENT TAX DISC EXPIRES AFTER 1ST OCTOBER, WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

 Any taxed vehicle currently in the trade where the tax disc expires after 1st October, will result in the tax being terminated at the point the vehicle is sold to a new keeper. No refund will be paid if the vehicle is registered as disposed to trade. Only if the trader is registered as keeper will a refund be paid.

 13. CAN ATFS CONTINUE TO REQUEST REFUNDS ON BEHALF OF KEEPER?

 Yes, this can be done by following the current process of notifying DVLA of the COD/NOD. This will automatically issue a refund to the registered keeper on DVLA records.