How can i import a vehicle by land?
Whether you are a company or an individual, you may need ground transportation to move a vehicle to Spain. Either because you have acquired it in another country or because your home or place of work has moved. Although this is not a difficult operation, it is essential to consider several factors related to transport and legal processes when dealing with customs and administration. An individual or a company specializing in vehicle transport can import a vehicle by truck or rail. In all cases, it is essential to have the essential documentation.
We recommend hiring the services of a company specialized in the transportation of vehicles by rail or truck for the comfort and safety of both you and the car.
It is essential to have all the original documentation of the vehicle inside in case there is a traffic inspection on the routes it travels. If the vehicle is transported by a specialized company, it will oversee loading and securing the vehicle in the truck, vehicle carrier or rail car. The carrier must be in possession of a transport document certifying that it is authorized to carry out the operation. In addition, the vehicle imported by land can be delivered inside a container or on a truck. The car must be transported with the battery removed and with less than 30% gasoline remaining in the tank in this case.
Necessary Documentation
If applicable, a 10% duty and 21% VAT will be imposed on a vehicle imported by land.
The documentation required to import cars:
Duty-Free Import Duty
- Purchase contract
- Owner’s passport
- Transport document
- Declaration of value
- Import authorization (we provide you with a model)
- Deregistration of the vehicle from the country of origin
- Vehicle technical data sheet
- Registration in the importer’s employer’s register
- An affidavit certifying that the car will not be sold and that you have owned it for more than one year.
No import exemption (Duty of 10% and VAT of 21%)
- Purchase contract
- A copy of the holder’s ID card, tax ID or passport
- Transport document
- Sales invoice or purchase contract with proof of the transaction
- Shipping authorization (we provide you with a model)
- Technical data sheet of the vehicle
The necessary customs formalities
In order to import a vehicle by land, it must pass the Import Clearance. This procedure is carried out at the Customs and Special Taxes Department of the Tax Agency. A Single Administrative Document (DUA) is also required, which is necessary to declare the import, as established by the Customs Code of the Union (CAU).
When importing a vehicle, you must clear the car through customs and pay the necessary taxes and fees requested by the administration.
It is advisable to have the vehicle well cleaned inside and out, to aid inspection and to prevent any possible damage during the shipping route. It is advisable to formally record the condition of the vehicle being purchased before starting the trip (if it has any dents or scratches if it has a spare wheel or electronic equipment such as navigation or audio-visual). This is especially useful if you are shipping and transporting valuable goods, as it will help you establish a claim if something happens during shipment.
Other formalities and requirements to be fulfilled
The car must be homologated in Europe, so it must obtain the European Conformity Certificate from the manufacturer.
Also, the payment of taxes to the administration, among which are the following:
- The municipal tax on the purchase of motor vehicles.
- The registration tax (Model 576) to the Tax Agency.
- If it is a vehicle, the VAT of 21% will be applied.
- If it is an import of a used vehicle, the transfer tax (ITP) may be applied.
To register the vehicle at the general traffic directorate (DGT), it is necessary to comply with all the customs formalities in order to register the car and register it. In the DGT they will ask you for the purchase papers and the documentation of the payment of taxes. You must also take out car insurance and pass the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV).
Do we do the import clearance for you?
When it comes to importing vehicles on your personal or business account, at Connecta we have the necessary experience. We process customs clearance in a maximum of 24 hours because we have years of experience as customs brokers. We know all the processes and limitations related to the origin and characteristics of the vehicles.
At Connecta we understand the management of vehicle imports by road, and we will ensure that all customs processes comply with the country of origin of the vehicle and its specific characteristics.
Connecta’s experts will assist you with all your questions and complete all the necessary paperwork to process your shipment prior to customs clearance. We will keep you updated on the importation of your vehicle regardless of the route used.
Connecta has two channels of communication and document transmission:
- By mail to: info@miconnecta.com
- You can also use our Connect with us form.
