Auto import and export from United States

Importing a Car from the United States

Are you planning to import a car from the United States? Let us guide you through this complex process. SCL Rotterdam has nearly twenty years of experience importing vehicles from the US. Whether you are looking to import a classic muscle car or a modern sports car, we provide expert advice and can handle the entire process for you if desired — from purchase to customs clearance.

Why import a car from the United States?

The United States is a true paradise for car enthusiasts. You will find an extensive range of classic cars, muscle cars and modern sports cars that are often difficult or even impossible to find in Europe. Think of models such as the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Camaro and the classic Ford Mustang. This makes importing a car from the US particularly attractive.

Costs of importing a car from the United States

Since the United States is not part of the European Union, different rules and costs apply when importing goods such as cars. The costs of importing a car from the US typically include:

• Transport costs: these vary by location and transport method
• Import duties: 10% of the purchase price plus transport costs
• VAT: 21% on the total value including import duties
• Inspection costs: fees for the RDW vehicle inspection
• BPM tax: depending on the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions and year of manufacture
• Modification costs: required for registration on Dutch plates

The cost of shipping a car from the United States usually ranges between €1,250 and €2,500 for standard sea freight using a shared container. The exact price depends on the departure port, the type of vehicle and the transport method, as well as optional services such as transport insurance, pre-transport and export documentation.

Would you like a clearer overview of the costs?Contact us

What should you consider when importing a car from the US?

Thanks to the size of the market, buying a used car in the United States can be surprisingly affordable. However, there are several important points to keep in mind. Cars in the US are typically built according to US specifications. To legally drive these vehicles in Europe, EU type approval is required.

EU type approval

This means that certain technical modifications are often required for inspection and registration. EU type approval usually costs at least €1,500. However, if you are relocating from the US to the Netherlands and bringing your car with you, you may be exempt from this requirement. In that case, registration is relatively straightforward, provided the vehicle is roadworthy and meets APK standards.

Damage history

It is also important to carefully assess the technical condition of the vehicle. Regular maintenance is often less thorough, and many used cars in the US have suffered damage from accidents or flooding. This is not always visible from the outside. Be cautious and contact SCL Rotterdam if in doubt. We can investigate the vehicle’s history or arrange a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection.

Importing a car from the US in 5 steps

Importing a car from the United States is often complex and time-consuming, and it involves significant costs. Naturally, you want to be sure that your vehicle arrives safely and in good condition. SCL Rotterdam can fully unburden you during this process. We can handle the entire import procedure for you, which generally consists of five steps.

Step 1: Inspection
Once the car arrives at the port, we prepare it for transport by inspecting the vehicle and documenting any existing damage.

Step 2: Transport
Next, we transport the car safely to the Netherlands, for example via container shipping or roll-on/roll-off transport (RoRo).

Step 3: Homologation
After arrival, we arrange the required inspections and documentation. If necessary, we modify the vehicle so that it complies with European regulations.

Step 4: Customs clearance
We handle the entire customs process, including calculating import duties, VAT and submitting the BPM tax declaration.

Step 5: Delivery
Finally, you can collect the vehicle yourself or have it transported to your home. From the moment of delivery, the car is ready to be driven.

Exporting a car to the United States

SCL Rotterdam not only assists with imports but also with exporting vehicles to the US. This is also a complex and demanding process that requires careful planning. We understand that you want your vehicle to arrive safely and on time, which is why we offer comprehensive services to ensure a smooth export.

Please note: vehicles that are less than 25 years old and were not originally supplied for the US market cannot be permanently imported. There are exceptions, such as for diplomats, military personnel or temporary imports for holidays, rallies or events. In these cases, the vehicle must leave the country again after the temporary stay.

More information?

Want to be sure you have the right information? Get advice from SCL Rotterdam. We have an extensive network of agents and transport partners throughout the United States and are happy to assist you. Request a free, no-obligation quote or contact us via +31 (0)10 427 7723 or sales@sclrotterdam.com.