Europe
Shipping Car to Europe from USA
Shipping Car to Europe - 2 Shipping Methods:
When shipping your car to Europe from USA, there are many departure ports you can choose from. Our shipping lines handle both RoRo shipping and container shipping. There are various departure ports for every European country. We can find the one which best suits you by filling out the Get A Free Quote form. To find out the benefits of each shipping method, read more below.
Shipping Car to Europe via RoRo
If you only plan on sending a car to Europe, this car shipping method is normally the best. You cannot put anything inside the car. The only thing permitted to be in the vehicle is the jack and spare tire. Your car must be in good mechanical condition and must drive up and down the ramp without assistance. Normally the RoRo shipping method is less expensive than other forms of car shipping. If you need us to pick up your car and take it to the nearest departure port, we can arrange that for you.
Shipping Car to Europe via Container:
If you are looking to ship more than one car or are looking to ship your belongings, this is usually the best choice. You can put your personal belongings in the container along with your car. You can have a "shared" or "exclusive" container. You must have an itemized list and the values of the items you are bringing. Here is more information regarding specifics of Container Shipping. As with RoRo shipping, if you need us to pick up your car and take it to our nearest container shipping dock, we can arrange that for you.
The following are 5 methods to import a car to Europe. Each of the 5 methods show the documents needed and the clearance options. For further details, contact us by email or call the office at 1-858-547-0840.
Customer is Member of Armed Forces or Contractor with logistical support
- Customer will have to provide customs forms which should be retrieved after arrival in Germany. These forms are AE190-1AA (Vehicle Registration Office) and a AE550-175 (Military Customs Office).
- If customer picks up the car at the port, the above listed forms have to be stamped at the port customs house prior to exiting the port.
- If vehicle gets delivered to the customer, he/she is required to meet the delivery truck at the closest local German customs house, present the AE-Forms and get a customs release.
Customer is NON-Military, moving to Germany or Returning German citizen
Duty-free clearance of a vehicle is only possible if the customer can provide proof that he/she has permanently lived outside the EU for a minimum of 12 months and has owned and operated the vehicle for at least 6 Months.
- Copy of customer’s Passport
- Copy of vehicle's Title, US Registration (at least 6 Months) and Bill of Sale
- Confirmation of Liability-Insurance Cancellation
- Copy of Registration with German Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
- Confirmation of employer listing time frame and reason for stay in foreign country
Customer is a Tourist & Imports a Car to the EU for a Maximum of 12 Months
If the customer wants to clear the vehicle through German customs directly at the port of Bremerhaven, a safety deposit of 10%+19% of the vehicle value will be collected – Refund only happens once the car leaves the EU again.
- Original vehicle Title and copy of current US vehicle registration
- Proof of International Liability Insurance
Contact Ship Overseas for advice on how to avoid paying the holding taxes when entering as a tourist or when driving to another country.
Vehicle was Purchased by European Citizen – Vehicle less than 25 years old
Customs duties 10% and VAT 19% of vehicle value will be collected at time of clearance.
- Copy of Vehicle Title
- Copy of Bill of Sale, listing full name and address of Seller and Buyer
Vehicle was Purchased by European Citizen – Vehicle over 25 years old
If shipped to the port of Bremerhaven: Customs duties 10% and VAT 19% of vehicle value will be collected at time of clearance.
If shipped to the port of Amsterdam or Zeebrugge: Customs duties 0% and VAT 19% of vehicle value will be collected at time of clearance.
- Copy of Vehicle Title
- Copy of Bill of Sale, listing Full Name and Address of Seller and Buyer
On the other hand, if one of the above requirements is not met, you are importing a car into the EU. Someone needs to pay taxes and duties for this car to be used in the EU. You can however choose which country you want to pay taxes and or import duties, or you can choose to bring the car to Switzerland (as per your situation).
Why choose us over the competition?
We have a solid track record and are an Accredited Company registered with the Better Business Bureau. Click the BBB image to the left to validate our A+ Accreditation. When shipping a car, an owner should only work with a BBB Accredited business.
We are registered with the FMC (Federal Maritime Commission). Click the image to the left and Select "Organization Name" and type in "Ship Overseas". Here is proof of our FMC Certification (also known as a NVOCC License). Never use an international car shipping company who cannot prove they are certified with the Federal Government.
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