Importing a car to the Netherlands can be an exciting adventure, especially if you're looking for a specific vehicle that isn't readily available in the Dutch market. Here are the five most frequently asked questions about importing cars to the Netherlands.
1. Is it worth importing a car?
This is a common question for potential car buyers. The answer depends on factors such as the brand, model, and price of the car you want to import.
Import from the EU 🇪🇺
Importing a car within the European Union can be worthwhile for various reasons. You benefit from a broader range of car models and potentially lower costs. Within the EU, there are no import duties, making the process generally straightforward. Technical harmonization within the EU minimizes the need for significant car modifications.
Import from outside the EU 🌎
Importing a car from outside the European Union has both advantages and challenges. You may benefit from a potentially lower purchase price, exclusive models, and the chance to obtain rare vehicles. However, considerations like import duties, taxes, possible car modifications, and administrative complexity need attention. Obtaining warranty and service may also be a concern. Thorough research and professional advice are advisable. VDS Auto Import can support you in this process, providing information and assistance, allowing you to focus on the purchase itself.
Household Goods 🚛
Importing a car as household goods is worth considering, especially for its personal significance and the sense of familiarity your vehicle can provide in a new country. There may be financial benefits, such as tax exemptions, making the process more favorable. Technical modifications may be less extensive, and if you drive a specific model not readily available in the Netherlands, importing your car as household goods could be a meaningful choice.
2. What about taxes and import duties?
Paying taxes and import duties is a crucial part of the import process.
Import from the EU 🇪🇺
When importing a car from the EU, there are no taxes and import duties. In the Netherlands, the Motor Vehicle Tax (BPM) is levied on imported cars. The BPM amount depends on factors like CO2 emissions and the car's age. VDS Auto Import can assist in calculating the BPM, inform you about current VAT rates (currently at 21%), and other possible levies. It's essential to consider these aspects when planning a car import from the EU, and our team can provide support with detailed information and guide you through the process.
Import from outside the EU 🌎
Importing a car from outside the EU involves taxes and import duties. In the Netherlands, the Motor Vehicle Tax (BPM) is imposed on imported vehicles. The exact BPM amount depends on factors like CO2 emissions and the car's age. In addition to the BPM, there may be import duties, varying based on the country of origin. VDS Auto Import can guide you in understanding these taxes and import duties, providing detailed information to ensure a smooth import process from outside the EU. It's crucial to thoroughly understand these financial aspects, and VDS Auto Import can assist you.
Household Goods 🚛
When importing a car as household goods, taxes and import duties may apply, but exemptions are often available. In the Netherlands, the Motor Vehicle Tax (BPM) can usually be exempted when importing the car as part of your household goods. Understanding the specific rules and conditions for importing household goods is important, and VDS Auto Import can help navigate these regulations, providing detailed information and assistance to ensure a smooth import process.
3. What about technical modifications?
When importing a car to the Netherlands, it must meet certain technical requirements to be allowed on Dutch roads.
Import from the EU 🇪🇺
When importing a car within the EU, some technical modifications may be necessary to ensure the vehicle complies with Dutch standards and regulations. VDS has its own workshop with specialists skilled in performing these technical modifications. These can range from adjusting lighting and speedometers to comply with kilometers per hour to ensuring compliance with emission requirements. By collaborating with us, you can rely on expert guidance for these modifications, making the import process smoother and ensuring the vehicle meets the required safety and environmental standards on Dutch roads.
Import from outside the EU 🌎
When importing a car within the EU to the Netherlands, there are generally fewer technical modifications required compared to importing from outside the EU. The EU allows the free movement of goods, including cars, and vehicles registered in an EU country generally need to comply with similar technical standards. In many cases, registration of an EU vehicle in the Netherlands can occur without significant modifications. However, it's still essential to check specific technical specifications and regulations, and our import team can provide support by offering detailed information and advising on any necessary modifications.
Household Goods 🚛
When importing a car as household goods, technical modifications are often less extensive than in regular car imports. In the Netherlands, there are usually exemptions for taxes, including the Motor Vehicle Tax (BPM), when importing a car as part of household goods. Regarding technical modifications, vehicles imported as household goods generally need to meet the technical requirements of the country of origin. However, it is always wise to check the exact regulations and requirements and seek professional advice if needed for a straightforward import process.
4. Where can I have an imported car inspected?
Before driving an imported car on Dutch roads, it must undergo an inspection, covering both technical safety and environmental regulations. It's essential to have the foreign registration certificate available for the inspection. We ensure all necessary documentation, including certificates of technical modifications and invoices for taxes and import duties, is ready for inspection.
Import from the EU 🇪🇺
For inspection, options include having the inspection performed at an RDW inspection station (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) in the Netherlands. Another option is for the RDW inspector to come to VDS's location to inspect the vehicle on-site.
Import from outside the EU 🌎
An RDW inspection is mandatory. When the import process is arranged through VDS, the inspector comes to our location to inspect your vehicle, as agreed with you.
Household Goods 🚛
For household goods, an inspection may be required. Here, too, the inspection can take place either on our premises or at the RDW inspection station.
5. What are the risks of car import?
Importing a car to the Netherlands can pose some risks, such as hidden damages or legal complications. Let us guide you specifically to minimize these risks.
Import from the EU 🇪🇺
The risks when importing a car within the EU are generally limited. However, hidden defects, incorrect documentation, and legal complications may arise.
Import from outside the EU 🌎
Importing a car from outside the EU entails specific risks, such as potential hidden defects, complex import duties and taxes, and extensive technical modifications to meet Dutch standards. Additionally, there is a risk of legal complications if the car's origin is not carefully verified.
Household Goods 🚛
When importing a car as household goods, some risks may arise, including limited technical modifications, administrative challenges, and potential uncertainty about tax exemptions.
In summary, importing a car to the Netherlands can be a rewarding experience for car enthusiasts seeking specific models or a financial deal. However, thorough preparation, both financially and in terms of legal compliance, is essential. VDS Auto Import is ready to manage the entire process for you or provide targeted assistance with specific steps. By following these steps, you can confidently drive an imported car on Dutch roads.
Want to learn more about importing a vehicle? Contact us for non-binding advice at import@vdsautomotive.com or by using the contact form.