Shipping Cars to Netherlands

At Ship Vehicles, we understand how overwhelming it may seem to ship a car to the Netherlands. However, with three decades of experience in the auto industry, we know a thing or two about successful auto transport to and from the Netherlands. Whether you’re planning an extended vacation, or relocating to the country and want to have your car moved with you, we’re here to help.

The key to a successful import into the Netherlands is understanding the rules and regulations. For instance, a car registered in the United States is permitted to be driven for up to three months in the Netherlands. After three months, the car must possess Dutch plates. The taxes, fees, and duties required for importing a car to the Netherlands will vary based on a number of factors, including origin, age, and condition of the car.

How to Ship a Car to Netherlands from USA

Indisputably, the most complex part about container car shipping to the Netherlands is the extensive customs clearance process. Our shipping experts can assist you with all the required paperwork and documents in order to import your vehicle. Although the documentation may vary, expect to present the following:

• The original Bill of sale or purchase invoice
• Foreign Vehicle Registration Certification
• Proof of identity (copy of driver’s license or passport)
• Proof of residency outside EU (12 months) prior to relocation
• Passport
• Certificate of Conformity
• Bill of lading
• Title, proof of ownership, or letter from lien holder
• Proof of insurance for at least six months prior to shipment
• VAT (value-added tax) proof of payment/receipt

The import taxes and duties for shipping a car to the Netherlands vary based on your particular import circumstances. These generally include the Value Added Tax (VAT/BTW), a BMP (or “green” tax), and applicable import duties.

If you’ve owned for vehicle for at least six months and it has been driven over 6,000 km (3,728 miles), it may be eligible to be imported duty-free. You can obtain the documents for requesting a tax-free import by getting in touch with the Tax Administration.

Note: If you do import a car to the Netherlands tax-free, you must own it for at least 12 months after relocation. If the vehicle is sold before you’ve been in the Netherlands 12 months, you will be required to pay all the import fees that you bypassed.

Methods for Shipping a Car to the Netherlands

To have your car shipped overseas to the Netherlands, you have the following options for method of transport:

Roll-On Roll-Off (RORO) –

This is the most affordable and the most common way to ship a car to the Netherlands. It involves loading the vehicle onto a ship, parking it in an area that is similar to a parking lot, and securing it to the deck where it will remain until it reaches the Netherlands.

One of the major downsides to this method is the fact that your car will be exposed to the elements for the duration of its journey. It is subject to seawater, winds, storms, and even the people travelling about in the shipyards and on the ship.

Container –

If you desire more protection for your vehicle, container shipping is the ideal method for transporting your car to the Netherlands. With this option, your car is placed in a completely sealed shipping container where it is safeguarded against weather, vandals, and potential theft during shipment. Additionally, if you are moving, this service allows you to load up your personal belongings into the container along with your car.

However, container shipping does come at a premium price. To save money while still being able to take advantage of full protection for your vehicle, you can opt for a shared container. This can significantly reduce the cost to ship your car to the Netherlands.

Note: For container shipping, your vehicle must fit inside of a 20, 40, or 45ft container.

Netherlands Auto Registration

All cars operating in the Netherlands are required to be approved by the RWD (National Service for Road Traffic). You can find an RWD location by phoning 0900-0739. Once approved, your vehicle is eligible for registration. The registration process will take place with the BPM department of the Customs Authorities and you’ll need to bring along the following:

• Your vehicle
• BPM form provided by the RWD
• Your vehicle’s proof of origin
• Certificate of Conformity or the Individual Vehicle Approval (if importing from outside the EU)

During your vehicle registration process, the amount that you own the BPM will be determined. Once the fee is paid, the Customs Authorities submits proof of payment to the RWD. At this point, you will be sent a registration certificate stating that the car is now registered in your name.

After your vehicle has been registered in the Netherlands, you must obtain a number plate from the RWD to display on your car. This is also when you’ll want to start arranging auto insurance in the country. You are required to carry liability insurance in the Netherlands, although you can choose to purchase more comprehensive coverage.

Note: Before you can receive your plate number, all of the required taxes and fees must be paid. You’ll recall that these include a VAT/BTW, BPM (“green” tax) and the pertinent import duties.

Frequently Asked Questions for Shipping a Car to the Netherlands

How long does it take to ship a car to the Netherlands?

When shipping out of the Port of New York, you can expect it to take roughly nine days for your vehicle to arrive in the Netherlands. Whereas, transporting from a California port has a much longer transport time of around 30 days.

What are the most popular cars shipped to the Netherlands?

Believe it or not, the Netherlands is a very popular destination for American vehicle imports. In 2018, more than 10,000 cars were shipped from the United States to the Netherlands via shipping containers. Muscle cars and sports cars are generally the most popular with Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Charger, Porsche 911, Chevy Corvette, and Shelby Cobra being at the top of the list.

How much does it cost to ship a car to the Netherlands?

The cost to ship a car to the Netherlands will vary depending on the type of car being shipped, the origin location, and the final destination. For instance, you can expect to pay more to ship a car to the Netherlands from LA, as opposed to from NY as the distance is much longer. On average, it costs between $1,600 and $4,100 to ship a car to the Netherlands from the United States.

You can drastically cut down on costs associated with ground transport by delivering your vehicle to the port yourself. Another way to save money is by selecting the RORO transport method. Although it doesn’t offer the most complete protection for your car, it is protected by the proper use of equipment and insurance coverage provided by your auto transport company.

Regardless, since each factor in the auto transport process can dramatically influence the price, our shipping experts always create custom quotes for every shipment. To get your FREE, no-obligation estimate for shipping your car to the Netherlands fill out our online form or give us a call today!