If you live within the European Union (EU) and purchase a vehicle shipped from outside the EU (for example, from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland), the vehicle must pass through customs to be officially imported.
This also applies to vehicles coming from EU territories with special tax rules, such as the Canary Islands, Channel Islands, or Vatican City.
Required Documents for Import
Customs authorities typically require a commercial invoice, as import duties and VAT are calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s declared value.
The seller issues this invoice and includes it with the shipment.
A commercial invoice must always include:
- Name and address of seller and buyer
- A clear description of the vehicle (make, model, year, chassis number)
- Weight and dimensions (if known)
- Shipping method (land or sea transport)
- The sales value of the vehicle as stated in the agreement
Additional Requirements
In some cases, customs may also request supplementary information, such as:
- An identification number (e.g., passport or ID number)
- A VAT number (for business buyers or when importing into countries like Switzerland or the Canary Islands)
Important Note
While Route 66 Auctions can provide advice and general guidance, it remains the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that all customs and import procedures are correctly completed.
We strongly recommend contacting your local customs authority in advance to verify current import regulations and tax rates applicable in your country.
