Save up to 22 % import duty: Whether your dream car from North America can be imported into Europe duty-free depends primarily on where it was built and where it ships from. Use our free duty-free check to find out in seconds – via the VIN.
Duty exemption applies only with direct shipping from the country where the vehicle was built: a vehicle built in Canada must be shipped directly from Canada to Europe (CETA); a vehicle built in the USA directly from the USA. If, for example, a Canadian-built car sits at a US dealer and ships from the USA, the preference is lost – the standard duty rate applies.
Vehicles built in Canada: duty-free thanks to CETA
The CETA free-trade agreement between the EU and Canada makes vehicles of Canadian origin duty-free (0 % instead of 10 % or 22 %) when imported into Europe. The three conditions:
- The vehicle was built in Canada (VIN starts with 2)
- Direct shipping from Canada to Europe
- Valid proof of origin (seller’s origin declaration)
Typical CETA candidates: Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger/Challenger (Brampton plant), Lexus RX (Cambridge), Honda Civic/CR-V (Alliston), Toyota RAV4 (Woodstock).
Vehicles built in the USA: duty-free with direct shipping
For vehicles of US origin: with direct shipping from the USA to Europe, import can be duty-free (0 % instead of 10 % or 22 %) under the EU-US trade agreement – details in our article Duty-free car import USA–EU. Again: built in the USA (VIN starts with 1, 4 or 5) + direct shipping + proof.
Many classics come from US plants anyway: Ford Mustang (Flat Rock), Chevrolet Corvette (Bowling Green), RAM 1500, Jeep Wrangler (Toledo), Tesla Model S/X (Fremont).
Duty rates at a glance
| Scenario | Duty | Import VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Built in Canada + direct shipping from Canada (CETA) | 0 % | 19 % |
| Built in the USA + direct shipping from the USA | 0 % | 19 % |
| Car without preference / third-country origin | 10 % | 19 % |
| Pick-up (classified as truck) | 22 % | 19 % |
| Classic car (30+ years, collector condition) | 0 % | 7 % |
All information without guarantee – the customs office decides at clearance.
How to use this advantage with USCar-Trader
- Find your vehicle: 4M+ vehicles in our vehicle search – filter by Canadian or US location if you wish.
- Check the VIN: Use the duty-free check above to see whether CETA or the EU-US agreement applies.
- Ensure direct shipping: We arrange shipping straight from the country of origin – including all paperwork.
- Full service: Our complete service handles purchase, inspection, customs and homologation. For total costs see our import cost guide.
Duty-free check FAQ
The car was built in Canada but sits at a US dealer – is it duty-free?
No. The CETA benefit requires direct shipping from Canada. Shipping a Canadian-built car from the USA means the standard duty applies. We can check whether repositioning pays off.
Which proof is required?
An origin declaration by the seller (for CETA usually on the invoice). We take care of this as part of our service.
Does this also apply to pick-ups?
Yes – and it pays off most here, as pick-ups without preference are charged 22 %.
What about classic cars?
Vehicles over 30 years in original condition enter at 0 % duty and 7 % VAT regardless of build country.
Is the check result binding?
No – it is free guidance based on official vehicle databases. The customs office decides. Our team verifies every case in detail before purchase.
Get started: Find your vehicle now or submit a shipping request – we will tell you before you buy whether your car imports duty-free.