In The Netherlands you have to pay BPM (special vehicle tax for cars and motorcycles) for all vehicles that get Dutch license plates for the first time, including imported cars. Dutch Customs calculates the payable amount when the car is being inspected by the RDW (Dutch Department for Motor Vehicles). Before you can obtain license plates for your vehicle the BPM has to be paid first. But how do you know in advance how much the (remaining) BPM is for your vehicle?
BPM calculation and filing with Customs
Do not rely on the many free websites that offer an online BPM calculation. Although these websites are an excellent way to get an estimate of the BPM amount you have to pay, please do not expect this to be exactly equal to what Dutch Customs will charge you. This is especially true for all vehicles that are normally not available at car dealers in The Netherlands such as many American manufactured models.
SCL Rotterdam can make a detailed BPM-calculation for your vehicle. Because we use the same methods as Dutch Customs does, our pre-calculation is as accurate as possible. Your benefit: no unpleasant financial surprises and a clear insight in the costs envolved.
In a limited number of cases you do not have to pay BPM when you import a vehicle:
- Your vehicle's age is 20 years or older
- You are shipping your vehicle as a part of your household goods if you are moving to Europe
Read more about the exemption permit for the import of a car as part of you household goods at the car moving permit page.
