Customs clearance

What customs clearance actually involves

Customs clearance means you must pay importduties and VAT. The customs process is a legal formality required to release your vehicle into free circulation — both literally and legally. It may also involve placing the vehicle under a specific customs regime, such as importing it as part of a relocation. These formalities are an essential part of importing a car into the Netherlands.

When importing vehicles from outside the EU, various customs rules may apply. Many people are unfamiliar with these regulations and are concerned about the paperwork. We guide you through the process step by step.

For the customs clearance of your car, the following charges generally apply

• Import duties
  If you import a vehicle from a country outside the EU, import duties are due. These can range from 0 to 22 percent of the vehicle’s value.

• VAT
  You will also owe VAT when importing a car from outside the EU. The standard rate is 21%. Only for classic cars (older than 30 years and in original condition) the rate is reduced to 9%.

We distinguish between various types of customs clearance, such as regular passenger car import, classic car import, business import with VAT deferment, or clearance as part of household goods. In each scenario, we ensure correct handling and documentation — including exemption applications if applicable.

What we do for you

When you choose to ship with SCL, we check in advance whether your vehicle meets the import requirements — essential for smooth clearance. We also handle the BPM (Dutch registration tax) declaration. On request, we estimate your tax liability and provide a breakdown of expected import duties and VAT.

And it doesn’t stop there. After the customs fees are paid, we take care of the registration process for a Dutch license plate. We ensure your vehicle receives EU type approval and carry out any necessary modifications in our workshop. In most cases, this involves adapting the lights. Once the plates are issued, you're ready to hit the road in the Netherlands.

Want to know more?

Read more about BPM calculation and registration.

At SCL, we ensure a smooth customs clearance process in the Netherlands. We prepare all documentation in advance, which means we can often submit the declaration on the same day your vehicle arrives — minimizing delays.

What we need from you

To handle customs clearance on your behalf, we require the following documents. The exact list depends on the country of origin, but generally includes:

• A copy of the vehicle’s registration certificate (the original is needed if SCL also arranges registration)
• The purchase invoice
• A copy of the owner’s passport
• Export declaration (Shipper’s Export Declaration)
• Direct representation form
• VAT number (if clearing the vehicle in a company’s name)
• Exemption certificate (if importing as part of household relocation)