Understanding Import Duties When Bringing a Car into Europe
Duties, VAT, and homologation costs shape the true price of an imported car. Plan for them before you buy.
The headline price of a car is only part of the story when you import it into Europe. Duties, value-added tax, and homologation costs can change the economics significantly, and the buyers who plan for them are never caught out.
Most European destinations apply an import duty and then VAT on the combined value of the car and shipping. The exact rates depend on the country and on whether the vehicle qualifies for any preferential treatment, so confirm them before committing.
Homologation is the second cost to anticipate. Some vehicles need modifications or testing to meet local type approval, while others, particularly Euro-spec cars, may need very little. The difference can be substantial, which is why specification matters so much for export.
A good dealer helps you model the landed cost in advance: purchase price, freight, insurance, duties, taxes, and any compliance work. At Pollux Motors we separate these items clearly so the final figure is a plan, not a surprise.