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Duties Taxes and Vat Oldtimer Import
Importing a classic car isn’t just a matter of passion — tax regulations play a major role too. Fortunately, as a classic car enthusiast, you may benefit from attractive tax advantages, provided your vehicle meets certain criteria. On this page, we clearly explain how VAT, import duties, BPM, and road tax apply.
When Are You Eligible for Tax Benefits?
According to customs, a vehicle qualifies as a classic if it is:
At least 30 years old
In original condition
If so, you may benefit from:
0% import duties
9% VAT (instead of 21%)
BPM exemption
Often also road tax exemption (if older than 40 years)
Note: These rules differ per authority. Here’s a breakdown:
Who Looks at What?
Customs – import duties & VAT
For classic cars (30+ years, original condition):
0% import duties
9% VAT on purchase + transport costs
Tax authorities – road tax
Exemption after 40 years from first registration
RDW – type approval & registration
For vehicles built before 01-01-1998, EU type approval is not required.
RDW applies a simplified inspection.
More info: RDW – importing classic cars
Want to know more about the inspection? See: Dutch registration process
An Example to Illustrate
You purchase a 1974 Chevrolet Corvette C3 in California for €25,000. Estimated import costs via SCL:
Import duties: €0
VAT (9% on total value incl. transport): ± €2,475
BPM: €0 (older than 18 years)
Road tax: Exempt (older than 40 years)
Total taxes: approx. €2,475 — instead of several thousand euros for modern cars.
We guide you step by step through this calculation.
BPM and CO₂ Emissions – What to Watch Out For
For cars under 30 years old or when classic status is unclear, BPM may still apply. This is especially true for vehicles from the US, Japan, or Dubai — where technical specs (US-, JDM-, or GCC-specs) may differ from European models, resulting in different emissions values. And that heavily impacts your BPM.
SCL checks these risks in advance and always advises based on the correct country of origin.
More about technical requirements and logistics can be found on our pages for shipping or road transport and buying your classic car.
Transparency and Peace of Mind
At SCL Rotterdam, we do more than just transport. We guide you from purchase to registration — with full knowledge of regulations and tax optimization. That way, you know exactly what to expect.
