When it comes to moving a vehicle, international shipping is one of the most logistically difficult endeavors. Moving a car across borders is not only about shipping; it also requires scheduling with customs and documentation. Whether moving overseas, purchasing a car from abroad, or sending a car for business purposes, international shipping customs and documents must be understood in order to avoid delays and complications.
We provide guidance on international driving and the customs that accompany this. These types of regulations definitively ensure vessels are not unduly delayed at prospective ports of call. The need for the free flow of imports and exports has an international context. In this blog, we will share customs and document requirements needed to ship a vehicle internationally.
Documents Required to Ship a Vehicle Internationally
Every territory has a unique set of standards and policies regarding the encapsulation of auto-mobiles, and a person must comply with them if they intend to clear customs. Although different countries may have unique customs, some general methods can be applied universally.
- Fees and Duties of Importation
In international moving of vehicles, the first thing to consider is if there are fees or import duties associated with the shipment.
Usually, these are a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s value and will be computed by the customs office in question. Depending on the country, the age of the vehicle, and the vehicle itself, the value of these duties varies.
If you are a returning citizen, serviceman, or someone moving to their home country, this offers reduced duties at times less than what is normally offered. That being said, the country you plan to transfer the vehicle to is still critical to look at the financial customs rules.
- Observance of Emission and Safety Criteria
Emission standards, safety standards, and regulations for a given vehicle must be observed for its importation into most other countries. For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sterna emissions control regulation. Similarly, the European Union (EU) has very strict import safety standards.
If you have a vehicle that is going to be shipped to another country, ensure that the vehicle meets the emission and safety standards of that country. Some alterations might have to be carried out on the vehicle for it to meet local requirements. These custom standards might cause delays or additional costs in settling customs formalities.
- Customs Check
Customs checks await a vehicle at the border before it is allowed to pass through customs. Customs check ensures that a vehicle has complied with laws of the country concerning trade, restricted territories, prohibited items, and general regulation compliance. Moreover, customs officers perform document inspection and payment resolution against the vehicle’s documents.
In order to avoid customs inspection delays, ensure your automobile has no visible dirt, soil, or particulates. Some jurisdictions ban the importation of soil and organic matter due to the potential for pest and disease contamination.
Vital Documentation for Global Vehicle Transfers
With regards to international car shipping, there are specific requirements that need to be fulfilled. Documents, which include contracts, need to be submitted to the customs authorities in both the departing and arriving countries. Here is a list of the most common documents required for international border vehicle transfer:
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
Obtaining a vehicle shipping contract without a Bill of Lading would be extremely difficult. A BOL is considered a contract of a car’s shipment as it describes based on what conditions the vehicle will be transported, the pick-up and drop-off locations, and what mode of transport will be used; whether the vehicle will be placed in a RoRo or container, and what state the car should be in at the time of shipment.
For proving ownership of the vehicle, showing a Bill of Lading is essential. It should be submitted when claiming the vehicle at the unloading port, making it a vital legal document.
Ensure that this document is secured throughout the entire transport so it can prove ownership of the vehicle after it has been shipped.
- Title and Registering of the Vehicle
Title and registration act as confirmation of ownership of a vehicle. While exporting a vehicle, a notarized copy of registration and title is needed to resolve any conflicts that may arise due to ownership disputes.
In the event that you have an auto loan, you will need permission from you lender to export the automobile. Countries have different standards in regards to documents shown. For example, some countries may require the title document itself while others may only require certified copies. Be sure to get these details well in advance.
- Establishing Identity and Residency
Establishing identity and residency is imperative when considering relocation as documentation of citizenship or legislative presence is vital to moving a vehicle. Logical documents like passport and visa could prove useful, paired with documents validating residency in the country of import, would suffice. Importation permits and restrictions vastly differ in countries so some boundaries might need to be defined.
To relocate or return home requires proving an employment letter paired with a visa or governmental issued supporting document.
If you are planning to ship for business reasons, then it is necessary to prepare business shipment documents.
- Customs Declaration Form
A customs declaration form is required for every international car shipment. The form includes information like the car’s make, model, year, as well as its value and the country of production. The vehicle’s worth is assessed through this document so that import duties, taxes, and other fees can be accurately computed.
Local levy offices primarily use this form to assess if the car is eligible for local clearance and whether it qualifies for reduced or zero tax, full exemption, or concessionary duty treatment.
- Import Permit (if needed)
In a few selected countries, an import permit could be necessary for the shipment of vehicles. Generally, such a document is issued by the customs office or department of transport of the intended destination. It allows the holder to import the car. There is a provision regarding the issuance of the import permit depending on the country. Some countries issue it before, others sentence it to be released when the vehicle gets to the port.
It is very important to follow the guidelines provided by the visited country in determining if an import permit is needed to be obtained.
Tips For Successful International Vehicle Shipping Processes:
Achieving a smooth international car shipping experience will ensure that you understand all the required papers and customs details clearly. With this in mind, we present some strategies that should help you improve the experience:
- Shippers should follow international policies. Shippers are encouraged to follow schedules as timelines can have a significant impact on an international exchange. Consider beginning the search a little earlier than the intended date, and estimate dates for car inspection, paperwork, and possible delays to streamline the process. When starting the process, some of the document organization should be started as well. Make certain that you have the necessary import permits and approvals.
- Check for the availability of competent shipping companies. These professionals usually deal with international car transfers, so make sure they have the reputation they deserve. Their standing means they have contacts and information vital for ensuring you do not get stuck in customs hell and that all pertinent documents are sent on time.Each global transport of goods comes with its distinct hurdles and possibilities, some of which remain undetected until one is quite close to the objective. We partner with carriers and agents who possess the necessary knowledge of the customs relating to border crossings for different countries. This means ach clients wishing for their cars to be shipped internationally can rest assured that the car will not only arrive at the destination, but will also arrive within the estimated time of delivery.
- Examination of Restriction Policies and Special Instructions
Ensure that you review policies of the destination country to see if they have vehicle shipping restrictions or other special requirements. Some countries may have additional restrictions related to modification, emissions, or safety inspections. Make sure these regulations are adhered to in order to avoid incurring delays or additional costs during customs.
- Storing Documents
Certain documents that pertain to the car shipping process such as the Bill of Lading, various customs forms, identification documents, title, and registration will be needed for the vehicle to be collected from the port that is why, these documents must be retain safely as they are crucial for customs clearance.
Why International Car Shipping With Us?
At Shipping Cars, we prioritize streamlined practices for international car shipping with minimal complication. We manage the details of customs documentation so that every document is properly processed. Benefits about why you should work with us include:
– Offered Expert Attention: All inquiries on international car shipping are well taken care of by our specialists who navigate every client through the customs and documentation maze effortlessly.
– Reliable Partnerships: The company works with reputable auto transport and customs clearing agents which ensures dependable shipping and delivery of your vehicle within the set duration.
– No Hidden Fees: Our services guarantee that you are fully informed of the processes involved and their respective costs. Accordingly, there are no extra fees or hidden anything.
– All in One Services: From assisting to prepare the required documentation to shipping your car, we make certain it reaches its intended destination without damage.
Conclusion
In case you may seem to think that your work finishes when the car is placed on a ship heading for some international location, you are very much mistaken. Moving cars is not just about relocating a vehicle from point A to point B. It also means dealing with documentation including customs. Documenting the required critical checklist with the customs of the destination country ensures that international shipping is done seamlessly.
Moving from one house to another, buying a vehicle from another country, or sending a car for business purposes; whatever it is, we specialize in making the entire shipment process simple with transport coordinating and paperwork logistics strategically managed for effortless progress.