
Every auto enthusiast dreams of an iconic European sports car. But is it available here in America? You may have to buy it in Europe. Or are you moving from Europe and want to bring your current vehicle?
Shipping your car from Europe to America can be intimidating and costly.
How much does shipping your dream automobile from Europe to America cost, and should it make financial sense? And now, we will learn how expensive it is to send a car from Europe to America.
Importing a Car from Europe Efficiently
Following these steps, you can bring a motorcar from Europe quickly and efficiently. First, decide between purchasing it online, from the manufacturer, or an overseas seller. After that, there are various essential considerations when importing one from Europe.
Before initiating the car import process, ensure all necessary paperwork exists for you and the European country from where the automobile originated. Also, confirm the car's eligibility for import to the U.S., as not all vehicles can be imported. Check for no restrictions before you place an order or import it.
Other considerations for import services should include the following:
- Taxes and customs fees applicable in your own country
- Taxes and customs fees applicable in the country of origin
- Tax preferences; preferred destination ports
- Shipping method options available to them
- Completion of EU Certificate of Conformity documents
- Adequate international transportation insurance policies
Experienced professionals like A1 Auto Transport can often be the key to successful car transporting services.
Their knowledge of customs regulations for different countries allows them to advise you on what steps need to be taken next to successfully deliver your motorcar.

The Cost of Bringing a Vehicle from Europe to the USA
If you ask how expensive it is to bring a motorcar into the country from the US, the answer is that it can be pretty costly.
Shipping by sea will cost anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000. Each vehicle entering the US border will be subject to taxes and duties, and it will be required to fill out a form. Except if there is an exemption, a regular tax of 2.5% is applied to cars. Motorcycles are less at 2.4% or lower.
More oversized vehicles may incur a more considerable surcharge. There's also the gas-guzzler tax for cars with low fuel economy ratings.
The cost will rise if you ship the vehicle by air. Air freight is generally more expensive to ship cargo of any kind.
Importing from different European countries will also affect the price. Here is the cost projection for shipping an automobile from specific European countries:
- Import from Germany or the UK: around $1,850
- Import from Sweden or Spain: around $2,250
- Import from France: around $2,450
- Import from Finland or Norway: around 2,750
Many individuals may not realize that domestic shipping regulations don't necessarily correspond with international ones. A lack of awareness of international laws and procedures could complicate matters further. So research carefully before importing a motorcar from Europe.
Are you importing a car from Europe that you don't understand or can't drive?
Importing a vehicle from Europe can be an unforgettable experience, even if you can't legally drive it yourself. This model may no longer be sold in America or for other reasons.
While this process will likely involve more paperwork and planning, you can still accomplish it. Before purchasing any vehicle, check its compatibility to ensure it complies with current law.
Any necessary modifications include changing its odometer reading or altering exhaust systems to successfully pass emissions standards compliance tests and comply with safety standards.
You will also need to research the necessary documents and the process for obtaining them before any potential overseas purchase occurs.
Converting European cars into ones legal here can take considerable time and energy. Finding an already compliant version might be best so you don't need to jump through many hoops yourself.
Once all documents are in order, however, shipping should become far cheaper.

Other Factors to Account For
Shipping an international vehicle entails many variables, and cost-effective quotes depend on more than distance or accessibility alone.
Allocating modes of transport, such as air, sea, or ground transport, when planning any shipping job can significantly impact costs.
Proper preparation and safeguarding can substantially affect the price, from shrink wrapping to using crates to ensure optimal protection from weather elements and external influences to giving specific instructions as to where on your new property you would like the automobile placed upon arrival. Any extra charges could apply if needed.
European Union countries typically utilize standardized customs fees when importing vehicles from overseas.
However, paperwork requirements vary widely between nations, necessitating additional steps and regulations and impacts on budgeting considerations due to vehicle dimensions or weight.
Locating an experienced international shipper familiar with each country's laws is paramount. Selecting such a provider increases any venture's chance of success by eliminating unexpected obstacles.
How to Import a Car from Europe Faster: Three Favorable Scenarios
If you want to import a car more quickly from Europe, here are three scenarios that can make the process less cumbersome and straightforward.
Let's consider these approaches, which make the whole thing much less daunting!
Antique and classic motorcars
Importing cars, SUVs, and trucks is often not straightforward due to the regulations and paperwork involved. Shipping cars to Europe could become complex due to different rules.
A common misperception is that importing is similarly straightforward. However, this may not always be true, depending on the regulations in force where one lives.
One effective solution to this dilemma is importing classic and antique automobiles into the US. The process is far more straightforward as these cars do not need to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
However, classic motorcars must fulfill specific criteria to qualify for importation. Age and condition must meet customs regulations before vintage vehicles enter any country's borders.
While this should pose no difficulty for avid collectors, it should certainly be explored when transporting classic automobiles across national boundaries.
Government Or military automobiles
Government or military cars are any vehicles purchased by an international government, embassy, or military organization.
Buying such an imported automobile will help streamline the importation process if you provide official orders from relevant organizations accompanied by your purchase order.
As such, modifications may make importing the motorcar difficult and selling it later more challenging.
People looking to purchase these cars should ensure the necessary documentation from related entities exists before proceeding with any purchase decision.
Governments and militaries often have strict processes when discharging assets, so such paperwork must be in order before purchasing.
Avoiding legal challenges associated with import laws and registration can help ensure smooth operations when arriving on-site.
Furthermore, dealers specializing in government or military vehicle sales usually offer detailed information regarding each model they sell and all the paperwork needed for successful importation.

Temporary imports
Temporary imports can be ideal for visitors or non-residents who must bring a foreign vehicle into the US. The essential criteria require both parties involved to arrive simultaneously at customs. In other words, both must clear it.
Temporarily import their vehicle for vacations, events, or races without buying new ones. Not only is this option helpful for visitors, but expats may also find this provision particularly advantageous.
Because individual circumstances vary greatly between cases, expats should consult an expert shipping specialist in advance for guidance regarding this provision.
Applying this rule makes bringing your automobile from Europe for one year possible and acceptable. As long as both owner and car arrive together on arrival day, everything should go as planned.
But with temporary car imports, there's one key exception: motorcars brought into the US through temporary imports cannot be sold. Instead, they must be returned within the period given for clearance to comply with all regulations while staying here in America.
Get All the Paperwork Ready
As part of importing a car, all paperwork must be in order. This paperwork includes documents related to the vehicle itself (such as proof of ownership documents) and those necessary for your identification as an importer, like a bill of lading and any applicable employer identification numbers (EIN).
Different regulations may exist depending on the country where you import goods, and interpretations could differ significantly.
It is wise to consult an experienced carrier who can advise what documents or items will be necessary to clear customs smoothly. This measure will protect against complications at customs.
When trying to clear customs, paperwork issues may present serious complications. Customs officials can only accept entry if the importer submits essential documentation.
Delays such as these can significantly drive up overall vehicle shipping costs, so organizing and presenting paperwork properly beforehand can prove highly advantageous.

Relevant Statistics
- On average, importing a car from Europe to the United States ranges between $3,500 and $7,000.
- Approximately 65% of the total cost comprises transportation fees, including shipping and handling.
- Import duties and taxes account for around 20% of the overall expense when bringing a car from Europe.
- Depending on the vehicle's value, customs duties can range from 2.5% to 10%, with an average rate of 6%.
- Additional expenses, such as customs brokerage fees or compliance modifications, comprise roughly 15% of the total import cost.
General Facts
- The cost of importing an automobile from Europe varies depending on factors such as the make and model of the car, its age, and the destination country.
- Importing a car may involve transportation fees, customs duties, taxes, and additional fees for compliance with local regulations.
- Hiring a customs broker or agent can help navigate the import process and ensure compliance, which may also add to the overall cost.
- Importing a motorcar from Europe often requires documentation such as proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and vehicle inspection reports.
- It's important to consider potential additional expenses after importing, including registration fees, insurance costs, and any required modifications to meet local regulations.
Conclusion
At first, shipping your car from Europe to the US may seem arduous and costly. But with proper research and planning, it's certainly achievable.
From understanding cost implications to finding cost-efficient shippers, you can take steps to make this journey smoother and less expensive.
So, if you're considering importing an automobile from Europe, don't let initial sticker shock put off the decision. There may still be ways of making it work.
If you still have questions or need assistance shipping cars from Europe to the US, A1 Auto Transport can help. We are a global vehicle shipping company Our expertise as one of the premier auto transport providers ensures seamless service delivery.
Browse our services and get an instant custom quote today.