Importing a car from Canada to the EU
Canadian cars are similar to American ones but often better prepared for winter, with metric speedometers and lower prices in Canadian dollars. Shipping from Halifax and Montreal to Europe is among the shortest across the Atlantic.
- Customs duty
- 10% of the CIF value (pickups 10–22%, motorcycles 6–8%, historic cars 0%)
- Import VAT
- 17–27% depending on the country of clearance
- Sailing time
- 9–20 days
- Local tax at registration
- none
Why buy here
Metric instrument clusters, winter packages, block heaters and good rust protection; prices in CAD are often lower than in the USA for the same model.
Where to buy
Copart and IAAI operate in Canada as well; dealer and private sales are an option for cars without damage. Bidding goes through a broker.
Step by step
1 Buy the car
Win the auction or buy from a dealer. Auction fees depend on the price tier and title – the calculator applies the current schedule.
2 Transport to the export port
A truck takes the car from the yard to the port; non-runners need a forklift and winch, which costs extra.
3 Ocean freight
Shared container, exclusive container or RoRo. Sailing to the EU takes 9–20 days, plus loading and waiting for the vessel.
4 Customs clearance in the EU port
A customs agent files the declaration. You pay customs duty and import VAT in the country of the port – unless a company uses customs procedure 4200.
5 Delivery to your address
Car carrier, tow truck or driving on temporary plates – priced per kilometre from the port.
6 Inspection and registration
Technical inspection, translations and registration in the country where you live, plus any local registration tax.
Nearest ports of clearance
The calculator prices all EU ports door to door for your exact address and picks the cheapest.
Documents you need
Registration / ownership (or salvage title), bill of sale, bill of lading, Canadian export declaration, EU customs declaration, translations, inspection certificate.
Tip
Eastern provinces (Ontario, Quebec) are closest to the ports of Montreal and Halifax – inland transport from the west costs much more.
Questions & answers
How long does shipping from Canada take?
From Halifax and Montreal about 9–20 days at sea to the North Sea ports, plus transport to the port and waiting for the vessel.
Does a Canadian car need conversion?
Usually less than a US car: the speedometer is already metric. Lighting (amber rear indicators, side markers) may still need adapting to EU rules.
Which port is the cheapest for me?
It depends on your address, the import VAT of the port country and the sailing schedule. The calculator prices every EU port door to door and shows them from the cheapest.
Is the estimate binding?
No. It is based on current rates and price lists; customs and tax authorities decide the final amounts. The PDF report lists every rate and assumption so you can compare.
Calculate the exact cost for your car
Enter only your address – we propose the rest and price every port door to door.