How to Safely Import a Car from China to Europe (2025)

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Aleja krakowska 157 02-180 Warszawa

Tempted by cheap new EVs from China but worried about paperwork or hidden fees?

You're not alone. Those attractive online prices rarely show the true, final cost. Let’s break down how to import a car from China to Europe in 2025 clearly, step by step—perfect for private buyers or small businesses.

✅ Step 1: Choosing the Right Car and Exporter

• Go with Known Brands: BYD, Geely (including Smart), MG, Leapmotor—these often already meet EU standards or provide easier documentation.

• Avoid Risky Deals: Skip unfamiliar sellers from Alibaba or random exporters; scams are common.

• Secure the Deal: Ensure your contract clearly lists vehicle details (model, VIN, specs), shipping terms (CIF), and payment terms.

Pro tip: Always pay through a secure method like escrow or letter of credit.

🚢 Step 2: Shipping Your Car to Europe

Three main options:

• Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off): Cheapest and quickest, weekly sailings.

• Shared Container: Safer but slower and slightly more expensive due to extra handling.

• Exclusive Container: Safest and best protection for premium vehicles.

Typical shipping costs from China to European ports (Poland, Germany, Belgium) are approximately €1,200–1,800. Remember to add insurance and cleaning costs. Expect delivery in about 4–8 weeks.

📄 Step 3: Essential Documents to Prepare

Before your vehicle arrives, have these documents ready:

• Purchase Invoice and Contract

• Bill of Lading (from shipper)

• Chinese Export Certificate

• Technical Specifications

• EU Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or Homologation Certificate

• Warranty Documentation (translated)

Critical Note: Many Chinese vehicles don't have an EU CoC, requiring extra homologation steps later.

💶 Step 4: Customs Clearance, Duties, and Taxes

EU Customs Costs:

• Import Duty: Typically 10%, but higher tariffs (17–38%) may apply to certain Chinese EV brands.

• VAT: Typically around 19–23% (e.g., Poland is 23%) calculated on vehicle price plus import duty and shipping.

• Excise (Poland specific):

  • EVs: 0%.

  • Standard combustion cars: usually 3.1% for engines up to 2000cc.

• Other Fees: Customs handling, temporary plates (approx. €150–200).

Example: Importing a €30,000 EV to Poland:

• Import duty (10%): €3,000

• VAT (23%): €7,590 (on €33,000 total)

• Excise: €0 (EV)

• Shipping & Fees: approx. €1,500 Total Cost Approx.: €42,090

🚀 Smart Shortcut:

Want to avoid hassle, missed paperwork, or surprise fees? Many importers now rely on akcyzawarszawa.pl. They manage customs declarations, excise tax, translations, homologation, and full registration for you. They speak English, know Chinese brands inside-out, and catch errors before they cost you money. If you want a smooth, stress-free import, they're your safest bet in 2025.

🛠 Step 5: Homologation and Registration

• Technical Inspection (TDT in Poland): Verify lights, seat belts, km/h odometer, and emissions standards.

• Homologation Testing: If no EU CoC, third-party lab testing is needed, costing roughly €1,000–3,000.

• Vehicle Modifications: Might include EU-spec lights, speedometer adjustments, and software updates.

• EU License Plates: After passing inspections, you’ll receive permanent plates.

• Vehicle Registration: Final step at your local vehicle registration office with ID, customs papers, and inspection certificates.

Typically takes 4–6 weeks, but real-world scenarios often extend up to 8–10 weeks.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls & Mistakes

• Missing CoC or incomplete homologation paperwork: Delays or failed registration.

• Incorrect customs valuation: Risk audits and fines.

• Technical certification errors: Inspection failures and further delays.

• Insurance Issues: May initially face refusal without proper documentation.

• Service and Parts: Ensure availability; unknown brands often lack local support.

📋 Import Checklist for Smooth Process

Commonly forgotten: undercarriage bio-cleaning, speedometer conversion, proper excise tax filings, certified translations.

❓ Real Questions from Importers

• Do all Chinese cars have EU homologation? No, most require additional testing.

• Can private persons import cars? Yes, fully possible but requires self-management of all customs and inspections.

• What's the total final cost? CIF price + approx. 30–60% in duties, VAT, inspections, and fees.

• Is importing cheaper than buying locally in Europe? Possibly yes, but tariffs and testing might reduce savings.

• Warranty coverage? Usually limited or China-only; confirm EU options before buying.

• How long is the total process? Typically 2–3 months, longer if issues arise.

• Resale difficulties? Document everything thoroughly to ensure easier resale, though resale value for lesser-known brands can be unpredictable.

🎬 Real-Life Case: Anna’s BYD Import to Poland

Anna from Wrocław imported a BYD Seal:

• Initial CIF Price: €32,000

• Taxes & Costs: €10,000

• Akcyzawarszawa.pl handled all customs and paperwork, significantly easing the process.

• Modifications: EU lights and software update required.

• Registration: Completed within 6 weeks total.

• Small Issue: Initially insurance refused coverage; resolved with proper documentation.

Without professional help, Anna admits the process would have been overwhelming.

🧠 Final Advice

• Stick to reputable exporters and known brands.

• Plan homologation early to avoid costly delays.

• Consider professional import services (like akcyzawarszawa.pl) for smoother handling.

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