For car enthusiasts, other countries are a treasure trove. In Germany, platforms such as mobile.de and autoscout24.de have over a million cars for sale – ranging from a well-maintained ‘youngtimer’ to a rare model that’s almost impossible to find in the Netherlands. No wonder more and more people are looking across the border for their next purchase. But how do you go about importing a car sensibly? We’ll walk you through the key steps.
Why shopping across the border is so appealing
The biggest advantage is the wide choice. As the market in countries such as Germany and Belgium is much larger, you’re more likely to find exactly the model, colour and specification you’re looking for. What’s more, prices are often more favourable and many cars are better maintained. Thanks to depreciation and a favourable BPM calculation, importing a car can also save you thousands of euros compared to a similar model in the Netherlands.
What to look out for
Still, importing a car involves more than just choosing one and paying for it. Anyone who importing a car from abroad If you decide to buy a car, you’ll need to sort out transport, a BPM declaration, an RDW inspection and vehicle registration. The vehicle’s history is also important: have the paperwork checked in advance to ensure it’s in order and that the car doesn’t have a history you’d rather not inherit. This will help you avoid costly surprises.
The BPM at a glance
BPM stands for tax on passenger cars and motorcycles. This tax does not exist in other countries, so you must always declare it when importing a vehicle, even if the amount is zero euros. The amount depends on factors including CO₂ emissions, the list price and the age of the vehicle. For a second-hand vehicle, you pay a residual BPM based on depreciation. There are several calculation methods, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference to the amount you ultimately pay.
Do it yourself or get it sorted?
You can handle the whole process yourself, but that requires time, knowledge and a good understanding of the rules. Many people therefore choose to outsource the transport, inspection and paperwork to an import company. Such a specialist will inspect the car, calculate the lowest possible BPM and arrange for the MOT and registration, often in their own workshop. All you need to do is choose the car and provide the details.
The three-step process
Broadly speaking, the import process takes place in three stages. First, you search for and choose the car, either on your own or with help. Next, the costs are calculated and the BPM is sorted out, so that you aren’t faced with any unexpected charges. Finally, there’s the transport, the MOT and the registration. On average, this process takes between one and three weeks, depending on the country of origin and the transport arrangements. Bear in mind that importing a vehicle from outside the European Union may take a little longer due to customs clearance and formalities.
Which countries do we import the most from?
Most imported cars come from our neighbouring countries. Germany is by far the most popular choice thanks to its huge range and competitive prices, followed by Belgium. However, there are also plenty of imports from further afield, such as France, Italy and Spain. It is even possible to import cars from outside Europe, for example from Japan or the United States. If you’re importing a vehicle from outside the European Union, there are additional steps involved, such as customs clearance and customs duties, so make sure to factor these into your budget.
Why a vehicle’s history is so important
A car from abroad may look perfect in photos, but the story behind it is just as important. You should therefore check that the mileage is correct, whether there is a history of damage, and whether all the paperwork is in order. A thorough check beforehand will prevent you from buying a vehicle with a hidden fault or an unclear history. With an imported car in particular, that peace of mind is half the battle.
Look at the bigger picture
Don’t be swayed by the asking price alone. Factor in transport, BPM, MOT and registration costs to see whether the car really is better value. By doing the maths in advance, you’ll know exactly where you stand and can go ahead with confidence when you come across your dream car. This makes importing from abroad a smart and enjoyable way to get your next car.
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