What are the requirements to export vehicles?
If you need to export a vehicle, either because you have sold it to a buyer in another country or because you are moving to another country and want to take it with you, there are some fundamental steps you must follow. The first step is to deregister it at the general traffic directorate (DGT) since the vehicle will no longer be able to circulate in Spanish territory. This procedure must be carried out regardless of whether the car is sold to a member of the European Union, for example Germany, or to a third country (export) such as the United States or Japan. The DGT has an instructive section on how to deregister a vehicle to transfer it to another country and be able to register it in the jurisdiction of the new country.
Once the car has been deregistered and before it can be registered in the destination country, you have different options for transporting it: by truck, train, ship or plane. Temporarily you can place a green license plate that will allow you to drive on the road or hire a tow truck or other means of transport to move it to the place of loading. You must consider that if the car is going to be exported to a third country, which is not a member of the EU, you will be required a responsible declaration stating that the vehicle is not a waste and that it does not come, for example, from a scrapyard.
Depending on the country of destination, vehicles may be exported by land, sea, or air transport.
On the other hand, if the car is sold to a buyer based in an EU country, it should be noted that VAT may be due in the European Union due to the nature of the transaction. For VAT purposes, it makes no difference whether the car is new or used. If the mileage of a vehicle does not exceed 6,000 kilometers or if it is delivered to the customer within six months of its initial registration, it is considered new. If neither of these two criteria is met, the vehicle is considered used.
Necessary Documentation
To deregister the car at the DGT and export it, the following papers must be submitted:
- Identification of the natural person (DNI, Passport) or legal person/company selling and exporting the vehicle.
- Certificate of registration of the vehicle
- ITV card
- Municipal tax of mechanical traction vehicles
- Contract of sale of the vehicle
After presenting this documentation, the export of vehicles by land (by truck or rail), sea or air can be initiated, although the latter is the most expensive option.
To export a car, it must be deregistered at the DGT and accompanied by a series of papers authorizing the departure of the vehicle to its destination.
To export a vehicle, it is recommended to work with a land transport company or freight forwarding company that can organize the entire logistics chain, from the collection of the vehicle at origin to its transport by truck to the destination or to the point of embarkation at a port or airport, as well as its delivery at the point agreed with the vehicle buyer.
Customs and transport formalities
To export a car from Spain, an Export Clearance must be filed with the Customs and Excise Department of the Tax Agency, which can be processed by the customs agent. In addition, you must submit the single administrative document (DUA), a standardized form for export declarations, as required by the Customs Code of the Union (CAU). If you are going to export a used vehicle after having sold it to a third party in another nation, it is advisable to keep it clean inside and out so that customs can examine it properly and detect any damage. In addition, it is advisable to formalize a contract with the buyer prior to shipment detailing the condition of the vehicle (if it has dents or scratches, if it has a spare wheel or electronic equipment such as navigation or audio-visual).
This agreement will protect you against any future liability claims in the event of a transport mishap. If the car is exported by sea, the main transport document, the B/L or bill of lading, will be required. The carrier can purchase and arrange this paperwork with the shipping company. In addition, it is prudent to purchase insurance for the export of the vehicle, as this coverage will cover any loss or damage suffered during transit.
Do we take care of the export of your vehicle?
At Connecta we can advise you on how to export your personal belongings by land, sea, or air to any destination.
We coordinate all the paperwork and manage the export clearance in a maximum of 24 hours thanks to our experience. We will inform you of all the necessary formalities and we will also take care of all the paperwork with transport companies, airlines, and carriers.
At Connecta, we are experienced in exporting personal property and can coordinate all documentation and manage the export clearance process for you in as little as 24 hours.
Connecta’s experts will handle all customs formalities associated with the export of your vehicle effectively.
Connecta has two channels of communication and document transmission:
- By mail to: info@miconnecta.com
- You can also use our fomr to Connect with us.
