If you are preparing to ship your vehicle abroad one of the first questions you might ask is “Do overseas quotes include duties?”
And it’s a good question. International auto transport many costs associated with it, from freight costs to customs costs, and these are not always include in your quote.
We’ll fill you in on what duties are, if they’re include in your overseas quotes, how these costs are calculate and how to avoid fines and penalties that could increase the total price of shipping your vehicle overseas. Information from ShippingCars.org compiled below to help you prepare yourself.
Step 1: Understand What “Duties” Actually Mean
But first, what are duties? Duties are taxes your destination country imposes on imported products.
These taxes are often based on:
- Vehicle value
- Vehicle age
- Engine size or emissions
- Country of origin
- Specific import regulations
Every country has its own formula. For example:
- The UK bases duties partly on CO₂ emissions.
- Some Caribbean countries calculate duties based on CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight).
- Australia may charge Luxury Car Tax for high-end imports.
Once you understand these differences, you can determine if your quote includes these charges or if you will pay upon arrival.
Step 2: Learn Whether Overseas Quotes Typically Include Duties
The truth is that most overseas car shipping quotes do NOT include duties.
Here’s why:
Duties are country-specific
Shipping companies cannot provide accurate estimates for every possible destination.
Rates change frequently
Custom fees also vary, so an absolute value printed on the label.
Duties are paid directly to customs
In most countries, you (the importer) pay duties for the vehicle when clearing customs.
Duties are separate from shipping services
Carriers provide transportation, not taxation services.
However, some quotes may also include duties:
- You request a full-service import package
- The destination country offers fixed-fee duty assessments
- You’re shipping to specific regions with predictable tax structures
That’s why it is important to explain your quote.
Step 3: Know What Overseas Quotes Usually Include
Generally, duties are not included, but your shipping quote does:
- Freight shipping (RoRo or container)
- Terminal handling fees
- Export documentation
- Loading and securing
- Customs clearance on the export side
- Insurance options (when added)
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions Before Booking
Here are a few questions that you can pose to avoid a bill shock:
Are destination charges included?
These may include:
- Port storage
- Unloading
- Customs inspection fees
These are typically separate from duties.
What documentation do I need for customs?
Missing documents halt progress and incur additional fees.
Can you estimate the duties for my specific vehicle?
An experienced provider may provide a range, even if not recommended.
Do I pay duties before or after arrival?
- In certain countries, full payment is required before the vehicle released.
- Thanks to ShippingCars.org, you’ll be completely informed of what to expect.
Step 5: Learn How Duties Are Calculated
Understanding how duties are calculated can help you estimate costs.
Methods commonly used by customs:
- Percentage of the car’s value (common globally)
- Flat rate by engine size or weight (Japan, some EU countries)
- Luxury tax on high-value vehicles
- Environmental/emissions-based duties
For example:
If your delivery is CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight), the duty based on the CIF price.
Thus, small changes in shipping practices (like switching to enclosed container shipping) can affect the duty that is payable.
Step 6: Prepare the Required Documentation to Avoid Extra Fees
These challenges may lead to processing delays, extra charges, or even a fine if documentation is lacking.
You will typically need:
- Original vehicle title
- Bill of sale
- Export declaration
- Photo ID
- Power of attorney (if required)
- Vehicle inspection report
Some countries require additional documents such as:
- Emissions certificates
- Import permits
- Roadworthiness certificates
ShippingCars.org helps customers prepare these documents for customs clearance.
Step 7: Understand When Duties Might Be Included
Less frequently, some carriers or freight forwarders still offer all-in rates.
These may include duties if:
- You are shipping to a country with stable, predictable import fees
- The company offers a complete customs-handling service
- You’re transporting multiple vehicles under a corporate agreement
- The destination has simplified regulations
Step 8: Avoid Surprises by Getting a Transparent Quote
A good shipping company will be clear. ShippingCars.org provides estimates to help consumers understand:
- What’s include
- What’s exclude
- Which optional services you can add
- Which destination costs apply
- How to prepare financially for duties
This is one of the biggest benefits of working with experienced international shipping specialists.
Duties Are Usually Not Included—But They Don’t Have Confusing
So, overseas quotes generally do not include duties. However, once you know what they are, how they’re calculate, and how to deal with them in your international auto transport strategy, shipping your car overseas is a much easier task. International auto transport has a number of elements to it, but through communication and the right plan, you can avoid unwanted charges. If you’re looking for help with shipping a car overseas, ShippingCars.org has the tools to walk you through the process from getting your quote to shipping your car and understanding your total shipping costs.
