Customs & Duties: What You’ll Pay When Importing Vehicles to the EU

05.11.2025

Importing a car, bike, boat or heavy machine into the EU involves more than just shipping costs: you’ll almost always face customs duties and VAT (Value Added Tax), plus possibly registration taxes and technical compliance costs. Understanding these charges ahead of time helps you budget accurately, avoid surprises and plan wisely.

Key Terms & Concepts to Know

  • Customs duty (Import duty): A tax on goods imported from non-EU (third) countries; the rate depends on the product, origin and trade agreements. Taxation and Customs Union+2KVK+2

  • VAT (Value Added Tax): A tax on consumption; when you import a vehicle into an EU member state from outside the EU, VAT is typically charged on the “customs value” including purchase price, shipping, insurance and duty. European Union+1

  • New vs used vehicle (for VAT purposes): The EU defines a “new car” (for VAT) as one that has been in use for no more than 6 months OR travelled no more than 6,000 km earlier. That affects taxation when moved between EU states. Taxation and Customs Union+1

  • Origin & trade-agreements: If the vehicle originates from a country with a preferential trade agreement with the EU, the duty rate may be reduced or zero. KVK

Typical Import Taxes Across the EU

Customs Duty

  • Most EU member states charge ≈ 10 % duty on cars imported from non-EU countries.

    • Example: Importing a U.S. car to Germany → 10 % duty on declared value.

    • Source: KVK Netherlands

VAT Rates (by country)

  • Germany — 19 %

  • Poland — 23 %

  • Netherlands — 21 %

  • France — 20 %
    (Source: EU VAT Database, 2024)

Other Possible Costs

  • Registration, emissions and roadworthiness testing

  • EU-type approval / technical compliance

  • Port handling, insurance, and documentation

 Example Calculation

Vehicle value: €30,000
Shipping + Insurance: €1,000
Customs Duty: 10 %
VAT: 20 %

Step Calculation Amount (€)
Customs Value 30,000 + 1,000 31,000
Import Duty 10 % of 31,000 3,100
VAT Base 31,000 + 3,100 34,100
VAT (20 %) 20 % of 34,100 6,820
Total Taxes Duty + VAT 9,920

That’s roughly 33 % added to the vehicle’s value — before registration or inspection costs.

Real-World Trends

  • Average duty: ~10 % for passenger vehicles from non-EU origins.

  • VAT range: 15–27 %, depending on the destination.

  • Used vehicles: If over 6 months old and >6,000 km, VAT may not apply on intra-EU transfers.
    (Sources: European Commission, KVK NL, WC Shipping, CarSlade PL, Ecarstrade, 2024–2025)

How to Reduce Your Import Costs

Check origin rules: Vehicles from countries with EU trade deals can be duty-free.
Confirm VAT rate in your destination country.
Provide accurate value: Duties are based on full purchase + shipping + insurance.
Consider used vehicles (older than 6 months / 6,000 km) for VAT relief.
Plan compliance early: Non-EU specs may need modifications for EU registration.

Why Transparency Matters

Many importers focus only on shipping rates — but duties and VAT can add a significant percentage to the total cost. At All Cargo Export, we help you calculate true landed cost upfront, handle customs paperwork, and ensure your vehicle arrives ready for registration anywhere in the EU.

  • Duty: usually 10 % on vehicles from non-EU origins.

  • VAT: 15–27 % depending on destination.

  • Extra costs: compliance, registration, insurance, port fees.

  • Savings: used vehicles and trade-agreement origins can reduce total cost.

All Cargo Export makes EU vehicle importing clear, compliant, and stress-free.

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