Auto import and export from California

Importing a car from California: your step-by-step guide

Found your dream car in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or another city in California? With SCL Rotterdam, importing your car from California is smooth and hassle-free. From finding the car to final delivery, we handle every step with our full-service approach—so you can enjoy your American vehicle without the stress.

Why import a car from California?

California’s Mediterranean climate—with warm, dry summers and mild winters—means cars are less affected by rust than vehicles from many European countries. This makes the state a popular source for high-quality used cars. Thanks to the favorable conditions, cars often remain in excellent condition, reducing the risk of expensive repairs.

Found your dream car? We offer inspections on location

Have you found a specific car in California? SCL Rotterdam offers full purchase support. We work with a network of certified technicians across the U.S., including California, who can carry out detailed vehicle inspections. This lowers the risk of buying a faulty car and can strengthen your negotiation position. We assess everything—from mechanical condition to bodywork—so you can make a well-informed decision.

SCL Rotterdam: full-service purchase support in California

We take care of the entire logistics chain for you—from inspection and purchase in California to type approval upon arrival in Europe. With years of experience importing and shipping vehicles from the U.S., including California, we guide you through each step of the process. We also make sure all required documentation is in place—even for non-EU imports.

Transport options: safe and reliable

We offer several transport methods for shipping your car from California:

• Road transport: Choose between open or enclosed trailers based on your preference.

• Container shipping: Maximum protection during overseas transport.

• Ro-Ro shipping: Roll-on/roll-off transport for drivable vehicles.

Our transport services ensure your car arrives safely and undamaged. We use optimized shipping routes from ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland, with final clearance taking place in Rotterdam or Antwerp.

Customs and inspection: we make it easy

When your vehicle arrives in the EU, we assist with the customs process for fast and smooth clearance. If the vehicle is registered in the Netherlands, we also handle the RDW inspection, Dutch type approval, and registration. If adjustments are needed to meet European standards, we carry them out in our own workshop—so everything is handled under one roof.

Tailored solutions: we're here to help

Looking to import a car from California? SCL Rotterdam provides expert advice and tailor-made solutions to match your needs. Fill out the contact form or request a quote—our team is ready to guide you through the process.

Why choose SCL Rotterdam?

1. Extensive experience with classic car imports from the U.S.: We understand the unique challenges of importing older vehicles and offer the expertise to ensure a smooth process.
2. Everything under one roof: From customs and registration to on-site inspections and technical modifications—our service is fully integrated and handled in-house.
3. Tailor-made solutions: No two imports are the same. We offer flexible, custom support to match your situation.

What to keep in mind when importing

• Import and export rules: Every country has its own laws. We help you stay compliant with all applicable regulations.

• Vehicle inspection: A thorough inspection helps prevent surprises after purchase.

• Transport choice: Select the shipping method that best fits your needs.

• Documentation: Make sure you have all required paperwork for customs and registration.

Looking beyond: exporting a car to the U.S.

Exporting vehicles to the U.S. involves specific regulations. For more information, visit our export conditions page.

Contact us for expert guidance

Planning to import a car from California or have other questions about international vehicle transport? Fill out our contact form or request a quote. Our advisors are happy to help and guide you through the entire process.

Whether you're importing a classic car, found your dream car in California, or simply looking for a reliable logistics partner—SCL Rotterdam offers expertise, full-service support, and tailor-made solutions. Let us make your import or export process simple and stress-free.