Car Shipping to the Netherlands
2026 Guide
Car shipping to the Netherlands is simple with an agent who can guide you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to the Netherlands, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Dutch and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to the Netherlands
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to the Netherlands – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to the Netherlands — before you dive into the details.
Shipping a Car to the Netherlands – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT/BTW: 21%
Cost: $1,030-$3,000+ (ocean), $10,000+ (air)
Main ports: Rotterdam
Import duty: 10%
Required inspection: RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to the Netherlands
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in the Netherlands
Our local broker handles all Dutch customs paperwork, BTW, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in the Netherlands
Your vehicle undergoes RDW inspection before registration and release.
Netherlands Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to the Netherlands starts around USD $1,030, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The estimated transit time is 4-6 weeks, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Rotterdam | N/A | $1,300 | $1,900 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Rotterdam | N/A | $1,400 | $3,000 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Netherlands Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in the Netherlands and nearby in Europe that we can ship a car to. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in the Netherlands or Europe, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in The Netherlands
Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Antwerp (Belgium)
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Dutch government. Some of these fees could include:
Netherlands Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
BTW or VAT
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Technical inspection fee
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Car insurance
Registration fee
BPM registration tax
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. Generally, you can expect to pay a 21% BTW and a 10% import duty based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the vehicle.
BPM registration tax may apply when applying for Dutch plates. BPM applies when importing a passenger car, motorcycle, or van and applying for a Dutch license plate. Passenger-car BPM depends largely on CO₂ emissions, and the Netherlands may levy a surcharge on diesel vehicles.
Netherlands Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 21% BTW plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Classic Car Exemption | You may be eligible for exemption from some of these fees if importing a historic vehicle. Qualifying 30+ year old collector vehicles may have import duties waived and VAT/BTW reduced (typically to 6-9%), but classification is not automatic and should be confirmed before import. |
Holiday Exemption | If you are bringing your car or motorcycle on holiday, you only must pay a deposit upfront and will get it back when your vehicle is exported out of the Netherlands at the end of your stay. |
Transfer of Residence/Removal Goods Relief | If you are moving your main residence to the Netherlands from outside the EU, your privately used vehicle may qualify as part of your removal goods. If approved, this can provide relief from import duties, VAT/BTW, and BPM. You must still make the proper customs declaration, complete the RDW process, and file a BPM return where required. |
Diplomatic or International Organization Relief | Certain diplomats, privileged persons, and staff of international organizations may qualify for tax exemptions when purchasing or importing a car, depending on their status and the applicable headquarters agreement. These exemptions can include customs duties, VAT, BPM, and MRB in qualifying cases. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in the Netherlands.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to the Netherlands, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to the Netherlands.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with Dutch emissions standards. the Netherlands uses EU emissions standards.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with EU safety standards.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it will need to undergo a homologation process which will be an additional expense.
- Your vehicle may be exempt from some of these requirements if it is older than 30 years.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to the Netherlands:
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to the Netherlands:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or German authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs Import Declaration
Duty and VAT Assessment Documents
Conformiteitsverklaring
Dutch version of a certificate of conformity
Proof of Insurance
Passport or Other Identification
Proof of Official Address Registration in the Netherlands
usually in the form of local community registration, or BRP exemption documentation, where applicable
BPM filing or BPM exemption documentation
APK report or valid transferred inspection documentation, if applicable
Vehicle Registration in the Netherlands
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to the Netherlands must be registered before they can be legally driven on public roads. As part of this process, your vehicle is required to pass an inspection with the RDW, which ensures it meets local safety and environmental standards.
If your vehicle requires any modifications or homologation to meet RDW requirements, such as lighting adjustments or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before registration. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic.
You’ll also need identification (such as a passport), proof of insurance, and proof of a registered Dutch address.
After RDW approval, you must file a BPM return with the Belastingdienst. Even if you qualify for a BPM exemption, a paper BPM return may still be required. Once RDW and the Tax Administration approve the application, RDW issues the Dutch registration certificate. You can then have Dutch plates made by an authorized plate manufacturer.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in the Netherlands, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Netherlands Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to the Netherlands
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in the Netherlands?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is EU “mutual recognition” for vehicles?
Mutual recognition means that if a vehicle is approved in one EU country, it can generally be registered in another without additional testing. This simplifies importing within the EU, though compliance with local regulations is still required.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.