There can be a lot of excitement in shipping a vehicle overseas. You may be making this move because you are relocating or perhaps you are selling a car abroad. You might also be importing a vehicle into another country. Yet international automobile transport is not just as simple as putting your car on a boat. Choosing the correct documentation is one of the most important parts of the process.
When it comes to exporting cars, first-time exporters often ask the same question; which customs documents do I need?
The documents needed to export a car confirm that the car is legally owned, approved for export, and properly documented for ship. If the documentation is incorrect or missing, the shipment delayed, face customs issues, or remain at the port.
In this guide we will walk through the necessary paperwork for car export along with how to prepare everything correctly so that your vehicle shipping process goes smoothly.
Verify Vehicle Ownership Through The Original Title
First among the documents required for car export is the vehicle title, which is essential. This document confirms that you legally own the vehicle and have the authority to export it.
- Custom Officials Needs When Preparing a Car for Export
- The vehicle’s actual title.
- Keep a copy of the title for records.
- A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) that is clear.
If a lender has the vehicle’s title due to financing, then you may need a written permission letter from the financing company authorizing the export.
Customs officials check the title to see if the vehicle reported stolen, or if there are outstanding ownership issues.
One more essential document that assists effectively when determining what customs paperwork do I need for car export is the Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing.
In the US, the Automated Export System (AES) must report vehicle exports. Usually, a shipping company or a customs broker will do this filing.
The export declaration touches on various details.
- Vehicle identification number.
- Export location.
- Value of a vehicle.
- Details of the exporter and receiver.
Upon submission of the declaration, an Internal Transaction Number, or “ITN,” is generated by the system. This confirms that customs has registered the export.
This document must be filed for most ports prior to loading the vehicle on ship.
Show your government identification
Verifying the identity of the exporter also require by customs authority.
- Generally, you required to provide.
- An identity card or passport.
- Exporter’s contact details.
- Delivery guidelines
If the vehicle is being exported on behalf of a company, documentation may also need provide that substantiates the exporter’s identity.
These identification measures assist customs in establishing the legitimacy of the export request.
Phase four involves preparing a bill of sale if necessary
A bill of sale may also be required if the vehicle was recently purchased or purchased overseas.
This document may contain recommendations between the buyer and the seller that confirms the deal.
- Cost of the vehicle.
- The buyer and seller’s names
- Car identification details.
- When was it purchased?
Some countries need a bill of sale to determine taxes or duties on the import of the vehicle.
You will need to submit the power of attorney for the shipping agent
Though vehicle shipping companies operate internationally, they frequently ask for a POA.
This form allows the shipping company or customs broker to process export documentation on your behalf.
- The shipping agent is empowered by the Power of Attorney.
- Export File Declarations.
- Interact with border officers.
- Documentation for the shipment.
As the exporter chooses an experienced shipping professional for these particular activities, the paperwork will not get reject by the port.
Documentation is submitt correctly and punctually when you work with experts.
Provide the bill of lading
One of the most important documents during international vehicle shipping is the Bill of Lading.
A shipping company’s document functioning as the transport contract is known as the bill of lading.
The document of title includes.
- Details of the Vehicle.
- Ports for pickup and delivery.
- Method of shipping- ro-ro or container.
- Information on owners and receivers.
It serves as the document that confirms the acceptance of the vehicle for transport.
The vehicle’s Bill of Lading is required when it arrived at the destination port.
Documentation for Export of a Car
Consider a case where a person is moving from the USA to the UK and wants to transport their car.
Before sending the vehicle out, they collect the vehicle title, passport copy, bill of sale, and export declaration.
The export paperwork in AES format is filed by their shipping company which also prepares the vehicle for transport from a port in the U.S.
Prepared paperwork in advance ensures customs clears the vehicle without delays and successfully loaded onto the cargo vessel.
Ways to Avoid Delays During Car Export
Exporting a car is the coordination between the customs, shipping companies, and port. To prevent delays, follow these useful tips.
- Prep paperwork before hand
- Some papers declared to customs a minimum of 72 hours before export.
- Check ownership of the vehicle.
- Make sure that the VIN and ownership match all paperwork.
They are able to help you with documentation requirements.
Review rules for other countries
Some countries ask you to submit extra documents for importation of vehicles.
If you follow these procedures your shipments won’t get delayed and process smoothly.
The Importance of an Experienced Shipping Provider
When shipping a vehicle internationally for the first time, filling in customs paperwork can feel challenging to most of us. Documenting and interacting with customs made easier by shipping experience providers.
Platforms such as Shipping Cars allow customers to find reliable car transporters that coordinate with exporters for customs. This assist you on submitting the right paperwork and moves your vehicle smoothly through customs.
When you work with professionals, you can save time and reduce the chances of documentation error.
What Customs Paperwork is Required to Export My Car?
What documentation is require to export a car from Canada? The essential documents generally include vehicle title; export declaration; identification; bill of sale (if applicable); power of attorney for shipping agent; bill of lading.
By preparing these documents with the utmost care, it will ensure that the export is approved by the customs authorities and your vehicle can move internationally without hindrance.
If you take the time to plan in advance and work with trusted service providers such as Shipping Cars, it will be easier to export your vehicle.
