Import Vehicle Into USA From Belgium
Belgium is a leading player in the global automotive industry and is ranked among the top ten automakers in Europe. Majority of the vehicles assembled in the country are for export including Volkswagen which is one of its famous car brands. Even so, second hand cars are also sold in the country with most buyers looking for vehicles that they can export. These cars are sold by private individuals, registered businesses and garages at an affordable price and shipped out to countries, both within and outside the EU. To import vehicle into USA from Belgium, you will need to be aware of the information highlighted below.
Cost & Time Examples for Import a Car from Belgium
From/To | Ocean | Ground | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
Belgium to (California port) to San Jose, CA | $3500 | $200 | 30+5 days |
Belgium to (California port) to Los Angeles | $3500 | $350 | 30+5 days |
Belgium to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $2800 | $400 | 15+5 days |
Belgium to (California port) to Phoenix, AZ | $3500 | $550 | 30+6 days |
Belgium to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $2800 | $575 | 15+6 days |
Belgium to (New York port) to Chicago, IL | $2800 | $675 | 15+6 days |
Belgium to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $2800 | $700 | 15+6 days |
Belgium to (California port) to Denver, CO | $3500 | $775 | 30+7 days |
Belgium to (New York port) to Miami, FL | $2800 | $925 | 15+7 days |
Belgium to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $3500 | $1,025 | 30+7 days |
- *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
- *Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
- *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
- *Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
- *Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Procedures for import of vehicles
Check Vehicle Registration
When purchasing second had cars in Belgium, it is important to check their registration documents. For a car to be sold legally in the country, all its registration documents should be valid. Confirm if the vehicle has time limitations on when it must be shipped from the country or if its use in the country is temporary. Most times, cars that have been given a deadline for exportation attract excess duty if the time lapses. Also, cars sold by private individuals do not attract taxes unlike those sold by registered businesses or garages.
Ask For Valid Vehicle Documentation
Apart from the registration documents, the seller should provide other documents for the sale to be final. The roadworthiness certificate is one such document which should be two months old or less at the time of purchase. Ensure that the current owner had indicated their intention to sell at the most recent roadworthiness test. This will make the transfer process easier because of the issuance of correct documentation. Other documents to be provided include bill of sale, certificate of conformity, and service record. The offering of technical inspections for used vehicles in the country is regulated by GOCA whose responsibility is to maintain equivalent standards.
Request For A Car-Pass
To import vehicle into USA from Belgium you need a Car-Pass; especially if it is second hand. It is a compulsory document provided by the seller to the buyer, whether business or a private individual. The document has important information about the car, e.g. mileage readings, first registration date in Belgium, chassis number, make of vehicle, vehicle model, and preparation date of the Car-Pass. This information makes it easier to trace the history of the car for the buyer. When buying a car for export in Belgium you can check the validity of the vehicle on the Car-Pass website for extensive details.
Submit registration documents to DIV
The final part of the vehicle transfer includes making payment and being handed over valid documents of the vehicle. It is also important for the seller to surrender their number plates to the DIV. The office is responsible for maintaining records of vehicles, number plates, and vehicle owners. After this procedure is completed, you can buy insurance for the car which should be arranged before delivery of the car. Upon receiving the car, sellers are required to have it registered and to get new plates from the DIV. You will be required to submit the registration document of seller to DIV for their records and for any due tax to be cancelled.
Hire An International Shipping Company
As soon as the car is registered to a new owner, they can export it to another country. The clearance process is quite straightforward and involves the submission of vehicle registration documents to custom officials. Most times, the process is handled by the shipping company which makes it important to choose a reliable provider. Shipping companies that import vehicle into USA from Belgium regularly are the best ones to hire. The car shipping routes from the port of Antwerp to America usually depend on the final destination of the vehicle. Some of the popular ones include Belgium to New York for those on the East Coast, Belgium passing through the Panama Canal for the west coast, and through the Gulf of Mexico for vehicles that need to be delivered to Texas, Florida or Alabama.
Arrange for receipt of used vehicle
On arrival, your car is delivered to your location of choice by the company that handles the Import vehicle into USA from Belgium. The two popular options include terminal delivery or door to door with the latter being the most convenient for US residents. However, if you are still in Belgium, having the car parked at their terminal is a safer choice.
To get the best shipping services for your second hand car from Belgium to USA, talk to us today!