Customs clearance of cars from America in the Czech Republic
Columb Trade provides customer support at all stages of purchasing and delivering cars from the United States and Canada. The company's managers are available 24/7 and will be in touch until customs clearance and registration of the car s in the Czech Republic is complete. We can resolve any potential issues including complex cases like replacing lost or damaged documents are resolved quickly and competently.
Vehicle customs clearance conditions
The procedure for customs clearance of cars in the Czech Republic is done in accordance with the legislation of the European Union, which applies a single tariff rate for the import of cars, including American ones, within the TARIC system (integrated Tariff of the European Union).
Vehicle restrictions
In the Czech Republic, there are no restrictions on used cars. All cars, including retro ones, are subject to customs clearance without restrictions on the date of production, engine size or environmental standards.
Citizens and residents can import any models, regardless of their technical specs or age.
Right to import a vehicle
All nationals and foreigners have the right to import a vehicle into the Czech Republic choosing any type of customs regime.
Transit: temporary import, allowing the vehicle to be moved through the Czech Republic without paying full customs duties.
Reimport: return of a previously exported vehicle, in which case a simplified procedure may apply.
Import: The complete import process, including payment of all required duties and taxes.
Tax Benefits
With a DIČ (VAT identification number), no value added tax (VAT) is charged on imported cars. This allows customs cleared cars from the US to be sold in the Czech Republic at significantly lower than the average market price.
The use of this benefit makes the purchase of American cars very attractive for individuals and companies, as it reduces the overall costs of purchasing a car.
Receiving the car at port
The client picks up the vehicle at a terminal in one of the German ports, paying the import tax, as well as the services of unloading from the container and loading onto a car carrier or tow truck. The total payment should be around 600 euros, but this amount may vary depending on the specific port and the terms of service.
Ports in Germany
The most popular ports in Germany where you can pick up a car (One of the largest and busiest ports in Europe, ideal for international shipping.):- Bremen. An important port for car imports, often used to transport vehicles from the USA.
- Bremenhaven: Also an important port for car imports, located near Bremen.
- Kiel: Used for transporting cars and yachts, offers transhipment services.
- Hanover: Less important than the larger ports, but also active in importing cars from the USA.
Documents required to release a container
The following is required for a container to be released and for a client to receive a vehicle:
- Title. The original American title, similar to the registration certificate. This document confirms the ownership of the car.
- Bill of Sale/Invoice. Documents confirming the purchase of the car. This can be an invoice or a sales contract.
- Bill of Lading. A consignment note that indicates the recipient of the car. This document serves as proof that the car was loaded and shipped.
Additional expenses
In addition to the main spending of 600 euros, the client may need to pay for additional services, such as:
- Customs clearance service fees.
- Vehicle insurance during transportation.
- Transportation services from the port to the final destination.
Receiving a car at a German port is a process that requires careful preparation and availability of all the necessary documents. Signing an agreement with Columb Trade allows you to avoid unexpected expenses and delays, and act quickly and confidently!
Documents required for customs clearance of a vehicle
- Title. It is important that the title does not contain any restrictions like being Salvage or Junk. Otherwise, the car may require additional inspections before registration.
- Passport of the car’s recipient. A valid passport confirming the identity and rights to the car.
- Bill of Lading.
- Receipt of customs duty/import tax payment. The document confirming the payment of all necessary duties and taxes associated with the import of the car.
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC). In some cases a certificate of conformity may be required to confirm that the vehicle complies with the European Union’s safety and environmental standards. This is especially true for vehicles that have been modified.
- Bill of Sale. The document confirming the purchase of the vehicle.
- Insurance policy. A valid insurance policy for the vehicle that will be used after customs clearance may be required, especially if the vehicle is to be registered in the Czech Republic.
Registration Guide
Registration in the largest cities of the Czech Republic:
- Prague
Main Transport Directorate: Národní 1009/3, 110 00 Prague 1.
- Brno
Accounting Office: Cejl 32, 602 00 Brno
- Ostrava
Vehicle Registration Office: Karolina 5, 702 00 Ostrava
Frequently Asked Questions
Columb Trade offers assistance in importing and customs clearance of cars from the United States, makes the purchasing process more convenient, removes buyer restrictions and limitations, and streamlines the car purchase.
