Importing a car from the USA to the EU
The USA is the biggest source of imported cars: millions of vehicles on Copart and IAAI every year, often at prices far below the European market. Here is what the whole process looks like and what it really costs.
- 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
- 11–42 days
- Local tax at registration
- none
Why buy here
Huge choice, low prices for damaged (salvage) cars, strong engines and well-equipped versions that are rare in Europe. The catch: US lighting and sometimes the speedometer must be converted, and repairs of salvage cars can be expensive.
Where to buy
Copart and IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) sell mostly insurance cars with clean or salvage titles; Manheim and dealers sell cars without damage. You usually bid through a broker with an auction licence.
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 11–42 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
Title (clean or salvage), invoice / bill of sale, bill of lading, US export declaration (EEI/AES), customs declaration in the EU port, translations of the title and invoice, inspection certificate.
Tip
Check the VIN history (accidents, flood, mileage) before bidding and set aside a buffer for hidden damage – the calculator adds it as a risk scenario.
Questions & answers
How long does shipping from the USA take?
From the East Coast (New Jersey, Savannah) about 11 days at sea to the North Sea ports, from Houston and California up to 42 days. Add 1–3 weeks for transport to the port and waiting for the vessel.
Is a salvage title a problem in the EU?
No – the EU does not use US title brands. The car must however pass the technical inspection after repairs, so budget for a proper repair and the hidden-damage risk.
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.