There was a time when the customs clearance of classic cars in the Netherlands and France was a common practice. However, times have changed, and this process is now less frequently used. In this article, we offer you up-to-date and practical solutions, guiding you safely through the customs maze.

Classic Car Import into the EU: Customs and VAT

The interest in importing classic cars from overseas is steadily growing. While finding the perfect vehicle is a challenge in itself, the subsequent bureaucratic process often proves to be a complex endeavor. One of the central questions importers ask is which EU country is best for customs clearance of their vehicle.

VAT Rates in the Most Popular Countries: An Overview

• France: 5.5% VAT
• Germany: 7% VAT
• Netherlands: 9% VAT
• Austria: 13% VAT

In all the mentioned countries, no customs duties apply.

It's possible to clear customs for vehicles in any of these EU countries after importing them. For this, only the creation of a T1 transit document is necessary. This allows for the transportation of the vehicle to the desired customs office.

Customs Clearance in Germany: A Wise Choice

In the past, it was often attractive to import vehicles via the Netherlands due to their lower import duties compared to Germany. However, this has changed. Today, the import duties in the Netherlands are even higher than in Germany. Therefore, we generally recommend customs clearance via Bremerhaven. This saves additional transfer costs, and Germany also offers favorable import duties for classic cars.

France: Worth Considering for Luxury Classic Cars

Although Germany is often the first choice for customs clearance, France, with its lower VAT, still holds a certain allure, especially when considering the purchase of high-priced classic cars. However, keep in mind that additional handling and transfer costs will apply.

Conclusion

Importing a classic car requires careful planning and consideration. It's essential to consider all costs, including import duties and potential transfer costs, in advance. With the right strategy and preparation, the dream of owning a classic car can easily become a reality.

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