Importing an American Car to the Netherlands: 2026 Guide

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering a car in the Netherlands and the indicative costs for 2026. These amounts should be confirmed with the authorities or a broker before each purchase.

How does delivery work in the Netherlands?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Customs processed. The car is cleared through customs upon entry into the EU: customs duties are never paid a second time in the Netherlands.
• Delivery within the Netherlands. Delivery to your dealership or your address. You can also choose a car from our stock in Portugal.

Customs duties and VAT

Customs duties. From July 1, 2026, cars manufactured in the USA, with proven origin, enter the EU with 0 % duty (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, in force until 12/31/2029). Classic cars 30 years old or more, in original condition and of a discontinued model, enter as collector's items (code 9705), also with 0 % duty. In both cases, nothing is payable in the Netherlands.

VAT. For a reseller with a valid VAT number (VIES), the sale is made without Portuguese VAT, and VAT is automatically charged in the Netherlands. For a private individual, the VAT from the Portuguese invoice or the margin scheme applies. The exact framework is specified in each quote.

Registration tax (BPM)

A vehicle 25 years old or older must be declared, but pays €0 in BPM (Bonus for Vehicle Maintenance). Below 25 years, the BPM is calculated based on CO2 emissions and is reduced by depreciation (fixed table, valuation report or appraisal).

Approval: Individual RDW approval

A non-EU car without European homologation needs individual approval from the RDW — approximately €1,128 for a passenger car, plus the registration fee. Vehicles first registered before 01/01/1998 can be inspected at a local station without going to Lelystad. Typical modifications: amber turn signals, speedometer in km/h, exhaust.

Oldtimer regime

Vehicles aged 40 or older are exempt from road tax (MRB). For cars manufactured before 1988 that are not yet 40 years old, there is a transitional regime: a quarter of the tax, a maximum of €158 in 2026, with no road circulation or parking allowed in December, January, and February.

Annual tax

MRB (motorrijtuigenbelasting): calculated by weight, fuel and province.

Indicative costs in the Netherlands (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
BPM — 25 years or older	0 € (mandatory declaration)
RDW Individual Approval	≈ 1,128 €
MRB — 40 years or older	Free
Transitional regime (before 1988)	Max. €158/year in 2026

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car price. Taxation changes frequently: confirm with the Dutch authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Want an American car in the Netherlands?

Tell us the model, year, and budget: we'll search in the US or suggest a car from our stock. Contact us on WhatsApp, see the cars available or make one customized search.

Frequently asked questions

Does a classic pay off in BPM? No, from the age of 25 onwards, the BPM (Body Mass Percentage) is zero. But the declaration remains mandatory.

Do I have to go to Lelystad? For newer vehicles only. For vehicles with a first registration prior to 1998, the inspection can be done at a local RDW station.

When does the road tax stop being paid? At 40 years old. Between the transition regime and total exemption, a muscle car from the 60s-70s is very cheap to maintain.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · Germany · France · Belgium · Spain · Italy · Poland · Austria · Switzerland · Luxembourg · Ireland · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: belastingdienst.nl (BPM); rdw.nl (individual approval). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

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