Car Transport Overseas - Customs, Paperwork, Taxes?
When you are planning a car transport overseas, you need to be aware of customs forms, additional paperwork, and any types of taxes or fees. They vary from country to country.
The prospect of car transport overseas becomes a bit daunting when you first start to consider the paperwork involved and the various customs regulations, necessary paperwork, and taxes or fees. Unfortunately, each country seems to insist on the sovereign right to do things their own way. This is why your international shipping company can be your best friend when preparing for an overseas transport.
International shipping companies are used to dealing with the destination countries they serve and have people who keep up to date on all customs issues involving import and export of vehicles. They will be able to assist you in the preparation of the necessary paperwork and insure that all documentation is in order to insure a trouble free transport. Although you can rely on them to guide you through the morass of foreign regulations, there are some things that you can do to help yourself in this process.
It is important that you have your end of the documentation situation well in hand. The registration papers, bills of sale, inspection certificates, and proof of insurance papers should be up to date and on hand. Make sure that you have copies of everything and that they are present and safely stored in the vehicle, if required.
It is always a good idea to know what to expect even when you are letting someone else do the work. The consulates of your destination country can provide you with accurate and up to date information on their laws and requirements. If you contact them prior to the shipment, you will be better prepared when the time comes to actually fill out the paperwork. You will also be better prepared on your end to provide any necessary documentation to the shipping company representatives. Finally, no one likes surprises that involve paying unanticipated fees such as unloading fees at the port.
There is no way around the basic fact that your auto shipment overseas will require compliance with some custom regulations, require an inordinate amount of paperwork, and be subject to all manner of strange taxes and outlandish fees. The good news is that the shipping company is used to this and can provide the help you need. Remember that a little research into what to expect can provide some insulation from shock.