❓ FAQ: Importing a Car from the USA – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How to correctly estimate all the costs of importing a car from the USA?

Cost analysis is the first and most important step, as all import costs include many items that are easy to overlook. Your budget should include: the vehicle’s purchase price, internal transportation in the USA, transportation costs to the US port, ocean freight and freight insurance, customs clearance, customs duties, VAT, excise tax, document translation costs, inspection and adjustment costs, repairs if you’re importing a car after a collision, registration and license plate fees. These elements determine your final car import cost.

❓ What factors influence the cost of importing a vehicle?

The most important factors that influence the cost of importing a vehicle include: the location of the vehicle before purchase (the farther from the port, the more expensive it is), the size and type of vehicle (SUVs and pickups are more expensive to transport), the type of damage (if applicable), auction fees and auction house commission, the type of transport (trailer/truck/container/RORO), the dollar exchange rate, and the destination port in Europe (e.g., Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Poland). It is worth making a preliminary calculation using a tool like the Fee Calculator to compare different scenarios.

❓ How does the car import process work and why is it worth planning it well?

Although the car import process may seem complicated, well-planned planning can help avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

Stages: purchasing a car – preferably after VIN analysis in Carfax and EpicVIN databases, transporting the imported car from the place of purchase to the port, maritime transport and cargo securing (container or RORO), post-unloading formalities: customs clearance, customs clearance costs, calculation of duties and taxes, picking up the car from a port in Europe, most often: transport costs to the port of Bremerhaven, transport costs to the port of Rotterdam, transport costs to a port in the Netherlands, less frequently: transport costs to a port in Poland, repairs and adapting the car to European regulations, technical inspection and car registration. A well-conducted process minimizes unexpected expenses.

❓ How do you calculate the transport price and how much does it cost to transport a car?

The price of car transport depends on three main elements:

1️⃣ Local transport in the USA – distance from the place of purchase to the port, type of platform (closed/open tow truck), carrier availability.

2️⃣ Maritime transport – Influences include: season, exchange rate, type of vessel, and consolidation possibilities. At this stage, the following are also important: the cost of car transport (full shipping cost), car transport prices depending on the port and shipowner, and the type of ship: RORO vs. container.

3️⃣ Transport in Europe: When importing, the most common factors include: transport costs to a port in Europe, transport costs to Europe, and transport costs to Poland. It is a good idea to compare offers from several logistics operators – the differences can be significant.

❓ Which port to choose?

Should you consider Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, or the Netherlands? Ports have a huge impact on logistics and final costs. The most frequently used are:

⚓ Bremerhaven. This is where the lowest transport costs to the port of Bremerhaven originate, as it is the main port serving cars from the US. It offers the fastest clearance and high container availability.

⚓ Rotterdam. The largest container port in the EU. Transport costs to the port of Rotterdam are higher than in Bremerhaven, but the lead time is often shorter.

⚓ The Netherlands. As a logistics region, the Netherlands is one of the cheapest destinations for imports – which is why the term ‘transport costs to a port in the Netherlands’ is often used.

⚓ Poland. For some importers, transport costs to a port in Poland are crucial, especially if the car is to be registered directly in the country.

❓ What are customs clearance costs and who covers them?

Customs clearance costs include fees related to document handling, container scanning, and administrative clearance of the vehicle upon arrival in Europe. These are borne by the importer – regardless of whether they act independently or through a company that handles comprehensive car imports. These include port fees, transshipment fees, customs documentation, number verification, and customs office registrations. The larger and heavier the vehicle, the higher the fees.

❓ How does customs clearance work and what is its importance in car import?

Customs clearance formally authorizes the vehicle for circulation within the EU. Only after it is completed can you: transport the car to a workshop, have the car adapted to European regulations, have an inspection performed, and begin the vehicle registration process. During customs clearance, customs duties and VAT are charged, the car’s origin is documented, and the data on invoices and titles (e.g., salvage title) is verified.

❓ What does the process of adapting a car to European regulations involve?

It is one of the most important steps before registering a car. Adapting the car to European regulations include: 

replacing the front and rear lights,
changing the color of the turn signals,
installing a rear fog light,
adjusting the speedometer (mph → km/h),
adjusting the headlights,
and additional technical modifications for premium cars.

Without these works, the car will not pass the MOT inspection, and therefore you will not be approved for registration in Poland.

❓ What costs might arise after a car arrives in Europe?

Importers often ignore items such as: homologation costs, necessary vehicle repairs or minor repairs, repair costs if you are importing a car from an auction, MOT costs, and additional workshop fees for installing European lighting. It is also worth remembering that cars with a salvage title often require more precise diagnostics, which impacts the time and cost of preparing them for road use.

❓ Is it worth importing classic cars from the USA?

Yes – in the case of classic cars, customs duty is often 0% or preferential rates apply, and VAT can be lower than the standard 23%. These vehicles are also often better preserved due to the dry climate and lack of salt on the roads. However, it’s worth remembering: higher transport costs for large classic cars, specialized repairs, and the need to verify the originality of components.

❓ Is it worth using a car import broker?

Yes – especially if you’re planning your first import or are not familiar with all the procedures. Intermediary services include: participation in auctions, bidding management, organizing internal and maritime transport, securing the vehicle, handling documents and customs clearance, cost control, and minimizing risk. For many people, this means certainty, speed, and savings.

❓ How can you ensure your car registration goes smoothly?

To ensure your car registration goes smoothly, prepare: a complete set of customs documents, properly executed sworn translations, confirmation of payment of excise tax, a document confirming the purchase of the car or the purchase of an imported car, proof of passing the MOT, and auction documents (including any mention of the salvage title). After submitting these documents, the office will register the car in Poland, and you will receive the plates.

❓ How does the Fee Calculator work and why is it worth using?

The Fee Calculator is a quick way to estimate the approximate costs of customs duties, VAT, excise tax, translations, transport, and any technical adjustments. This tool helps avoid disappointment when the actual import costs turn out to be higher than expected.

❓ What does importing a vehicle from the US involve and how does it differ from a standard car purchase abroad?

Vehicle import encompasses the entire process of importing a car: purchasing it at an auction, organizing land and sea transport, customs clearance, tax payments, and preparing the car for registration in Poland. Unlike a standard car purchase in the EU, importing from the US requires additional steps, including customs, excise, and VAT settlements, document verification such as the Title or Bill of Sale, and often technical modifications to the vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully plan each step.

❓ Are transport costs to the port of Montpelier relevant when importing a car?

Although they rarely appear in offers, transport costs to the port of Montpelier can be significant if the car is located in the northeastern part of the USA. Montpelier is not an export port, but the state of Vermont requires the car to be delivered to one of the nearby logistics centers. This means additional ground transport costs, which must be factored into the calculation before purchase.

❓ What does transporting a vehicle from the point of purchase to the port involve?

Transporting a vehicle in the USA often ranges from several hundred to several thousand kilometers. Key factors influencing the price include: distance from the nearest port, vehicle type (large SUVs and pickups cost more), carrier availability, and location – the central states are more expensive than the east coast. This transport is a mandatory element of importing, so it should not be underestimated.

❓ When is it profitable to use the ‘Transport costs to a port in Germany’ option?

Transport costs to a port in Germany should be considered if you want fast transshipment and lower customs clearance costs. Ports such as Bremerhaven and Hamburg have the best infrastructure for handling containers from the US, short unloading times, and competitive transport rates within Europe. For many importers, this is the most cost-effective option.

❓ How are sea transport costs determined and what do they depend on?

Sea transport costs depend on: the type of vessel (RORO, container), seasonality (peak logistics = more expensive), the shipowner, the dollar exchange rate, and the destination port. When importing larger quantities of vehicles, shipowners often offer discounts or contract rates. Distance from the nearest port, vehicle type (large SUVs and pickups cost more), carrier availability, location – the central states are more expensive than the east coast. This transport is a mandatory element of import, so it should not be underestimated.