How do I check if a car has been imported?

A vehicle history check shows import status as part of the vehicle details section, along with the date it was first registered in the UK if it was previously registered abroad. This is separate from a plate change record, though both can appear together if an imported car was later re-registered.

You can also get a general indication from the V5C — imported vehicles are marked accordingly — but a full history check gives more detail, including whether the import affects things like parts availability or previous registration history in another country.