International car shipping is always a case where customs paperwork represents a very crucial part of the whole process. The paperwork, in fact, is what guarantees that the vehicle is compliant with the respective requirements of the pertained exporting and importing countries, and hence, a delivery that is both smooth and timely be made. Nevertheless, the whole dealing with customs paperwork is often perceived as a cumbersome task, more so if it is the first time a car has been sent abroad. The positive vibe here is that carriers are the people who know all the tricky points in the road but they still have the efficiency to handle the customs part and this, in turn, can empower you to feel more relaxed during the whole process.
This detailed guide is meant to show the readers the ways and methods that carriers use to manage customs paperwork, what are the required documents, and how you can prepare to facilitate the process. We are going to take a look at the steps involved as well as see how ShippingCars.org can be of the assistance to you in getting everything accomplished without a hitch.
Step 1: Understanding Shipping a Car Overseas with Customs Paperwork
International car shipping with the help of customs is a must-stop checkpoint. One of the main functions of the customs documents is to allow the car to be in accordance with the laws of the two countries – the one it is coming from and the one it is going to. Thanks to these documents, the car is able to cross the borders legally and get to its destination without any delays or complications that are unnecessary.
Customs paperwork are the documents that provide information about the car’s ownership, safety and environmental standards compliance, and export authorization.
Step 2: Documents That Are Most Involved in Custom Paperwork
In the event of a car shipment, the paperwork that the carrier who transports the goods and the customs authorities of the recipient country will require in order to allow the shipment are numerous. These are the essential documents:
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
The Bill of Lading is the agreement between the car owner and the shipping company. Part of the description of the car is the VIN.
Besides that, the make, model, and year of the vehicle are specified in the BOL; likewise technical data and detailed instructions to pick up and deliver the car.
How the carrier handles it: Once the vehicle is handed to the carrier, he prepares the Bill of Lading. It is used by the customs to identify the car along the shipping process and to confirm that the performance of the contract is the one agreed upon.
- Vehicle Title
The vehicle title is evidence that the car belongs to the person. This is the most important step in the custom process, as it confirms that the car owner has the legal right to ship the car.
The way the carrier manages it: A copy of the vehicle title is usually sent by the driver before the collection. This paper is very important for the customs in the countries where the vehicle is going or coming from.
- Export Declaration (Form 6059B for U.S. Exports)
A export declaration form is a paper needed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for cars that are going out of the U.S. The form specifies the vehicle, the fact of export, and the identification of the exporter.
By the carrier: The carriers take the responsibility of preparing the export declaration on behalf of the shipper and hand it over to the U.S. Customs. This paper is the proof that the car is correctly registered for the export and thus can pass through the various U.S. customs checkpoints.
- Customs Declaration
A customs declaration is necessary for the cars country of destination. This paper carries essential information such as the cars worth, the country it came from, and the taxes or duties that have been levied on it.
Carrier Perspective: Typically, the carrier will do and file this declaration on the shippers behalf to enable the vehicle to go through customs at the port of the destination country.
- Proof of Insurance
Insurance proof is often demanded to certify the vehicles coverage during freight. The insurance is against the damage or loss of the consignment in transit.
How its done by the carrier: The carrier can provide an insurance plan and, if necessary, deliver the proof of insurance as part of the customs clearance process.
- Emission Standards Compliance (Relevant to Some Countries)
The vehicles that are going to be taken across the border to the countries in the European Union or Australia must be compliant with the emission standards set by the respective countries. These countries can require certificates showing that the automobile meets their environmental rules.
The way the carrier is managing it: Carriers can facilitate the process of checking if your vehicle is up to the standard or they can be part of the coordination of an additional inspection.
Step 3: How Carriers Handle the Paperwork
In most cases, the majority of the paperwork are handled by the international car shipping carriers, notably by the professionally skilled ones, e.g. ShippingCars.org. The step-by-step walkthrough of the workflow is as follows:
- Initial Consultation and Documentation Collection
The carrier when allocated will give you a list of documents needed for your vehicle shipping. Vehicle title, insurance, and the Bill of Lading may be some of the documents. Moreover, the carrier will request the place of delivery as well as the local import regulations.
- Submission of Export Documentation
In most cases, the carrier will hand in your documents to the local customs officials in the country from which the shipment is made. This stage is essential for getting a permit to the shipment of the car and preventing any waiting time.
Just to give you an example, in case the shipment is coming from the U.S., your shipping agent will file the export declaration along with other necessary documents with the U.S. Customs to get the clearance.
- Coordination with Destination Country Customs
At the port of discharging, the carrier will, therefore, take care of the customs formalities in the country of destination. Part of this is presenting the customs declaration and making sure that the car meets the import regulations in the destination country.
- Payment of Duties and Taxes
Import duties or taxes on imported cars are an obligation in some countries. In order for the payment to be made, the carrier will help you or they will send you instructions on how to make the payment at the authorities.
Tip: Inquire from your carrier if the shipping charges include duties or taxes or if you have to pay them separately when your goods arrive.
- Clearance and Delivery
Once the customs documentation is processed, and if required, the payment of the duties, the carrier will deliver the car to your place or another location where you will be able to collect it.
Step 4: How ShippingCars.org Can Help
At ShippingCars.org we take the hassle out of the international car shipping process, which includes the customs paperwork, for you. We are the solution for you in following ways:
- Expert Guidance
Our staff will assist you through the entire customs paperwork process step by step, they will also make sure that all the documents that are required are completed correctly and submitted on time.
- Efficient Paperwork Management
We support you in collecting and filing the proper documentation with customs, thus, saving you the trouble of dealing with it. Our carriers have the necessary skills in handling all the vehicle exportation tasks that may come up, particularly in dealing with the import regulations.
- International Network
We are partnered with reputable abroad transport companies and reliable customs agents who have knowledge of the particular regulations in the country where your car is going, thus making sure that your car is going through the customs in a trouble-free way.
- Transparent Fees
We give the details of the charges that you might not be aware of and also let you know if there are any additional fees, such as taxes or import duties. We guide you to the cost of shipping so that at no time during the process will you be surprised.
Step 5: How You Can Start Using ShippingCars.org
If you want to take your car overseas, this is the Managing Process with ShippingCars.org: first, you can go to the website of the above-mentioned company.
Ask for a Quotation: Give information about your car and the address country.
Get your documents ready: We will tell you what to bring and our team will assist you with the submission.
Get Free Shipping without the hassle: We will do all the work (customs paperwork, final delivery, etc.) so your car can be delivered on time and it is in perfect condition.
Conclusion
Knowing the right way to deal with the customs documents is one essential step in the whole process of shipping your car abroad. When you collaborate with a professional transport company like ShippingCars.org, you are sure to save a lot of time and unnecessary worries related to the paperwork. We will accompany you on every stage of the journey, making sure that the vehicle is in compliance with all the regulations and will be cleared by the customs without any problem.
