Import old-timer from Europe or outside Europe

For many classic enthusiasts it is a dream to own a classic car. The best thing is of course a 'hand picked' copy. You can score that 'in the wild' during a holiday. But nowadays there are also reliable auction sites where the purchase can be made online, after which you naturally want to import an old-timer. Yet it is not for nothing that those sites recommend that you actually first view the treasure found. With current flight rates, that can not be a problem. 

You can choose to purchase a classic car within Europe, but it is also possible to import a classic car from outside the EU. In both cases it is important to do some reading first. And that can start with this one ...

Enter a European classic

In Europe it is quite easy to get classics across borders. There are also few extra costs involved - apart from transport. You can easily go up and down to Italy to view the car in advance. If it is still in good order, you can easily drive the acquisition to the Netherlands. A better start to a relationship is hardly possible. But be suspicious of 'bad luck'. When you are looking for a specific make or model, it seems obvious that it can be found more quickly in the country of origin. Porsches can be found in Germany. But also search on Ebay and French sites such as Novaweb. You can often do the inspection and transaction yourself without any problems, because there is a lot of administrative standardization within Europe. 

Import an old-timer from outside Europe 

When you import an old-timer from outside Europe, there are often considerably more costs involved. For example, in certain cases you have to pay import duties, and also certain VAT costs and fees. Rules and amounts that also differ per country. Because outside Europe, not everything is the same. In addition, it is not feasible for many people to view and inspect the car in distant countries. And blind faith destroys more than you love. When inspecting yourself on the spot, it may also happen that you collide with certain regulations. So you are obliged for America to have a valid 'ESTA America'to have. In addition, the exchange rate often plays a role, which can cause unpleasant surprises. Many people therefore choose to have the car inspected locally by an experienced inspector, and then also hand over the transport. Fortunately there are specialists to whom you can leave that in confidence.

Additional costs: import duties for importing?

If the car meets the standards below, the payment of import duties is not mandatory.

• It is a model of at least 30 years old
• The classic is in original condition (no major changes to the car)
• The model is no longer being produced
• The car is in another EU country

Transport within Europe

Transport within Europe is usually only by land, so that you could possibly drive yourself. Pay attention to the insurance. There are rules for this. And solutions. Or you can choose to have it transported by an authorized carrier. There is a network of car transporters that specialize in classic transport or can plan classics as 'return freight'.

In other cases you can choose to have the purchase transported over water. The most common option for this - it prevents damage and theft of parts - is shipping in a container. For classics that do not fit in a container, the 'Roll on Roll off' approach can be used. Please note: This is not possible at every port, so it is smart to find out in advance.

After importing

Then the time has finally come: the old-timer is almost home. Now it is only mandatory to bring the car through the RDW inspection. If he comes from outside Europe, it may be that it does not meet European standards. In any case, check whether the classic MOT is duty or worthy. Provide an information and documentation folder and realize that classics with 'sealed beam' lamps never pass the RDW inspection here.