Why not import a car from the USA on your own?

Published:
1.9.2025

At first glance, European cars do not encourage with price especially at the moment when we compare them with American models. They also encourage with their characteristic appearance in the case of sports cars and functionality if we aim for a means of transport for the whole family. The number of formalities necessary for such a purchase can give you a headache.

Table of contents:

  1. A huge number of additional costs
  2. Bringing a car to Europe
  3. Trust in specialists

A huge number of additional costs

Comparing the import of a car to the purchase of any electronic device from the USA does not make any sense. The journey from choosing a car to crossing Polish roads behind its wheel for independent buyers can be a real torment. Before we attempt to transport our Dodge or Mustang to Europe, we must first deal with the commissions. Being in Poland, we have to pay intermediaries in the transaction. Usually you need to allocate about 400 dollars for this. You can also not forget about the bank commission, which is about $30.

Bringing a car to Europe

However, the real stairs only begin at the moment when we want to transport our car. Of course, you need to start by buying a place on a container ship, the cost of which can vary up to several hundred dollars. The United States, of course, is not in the European Union, so you have to pay a customs duty of about 10 percent of the value of the car. Further charges are influenced by two factors. The excise duty depends mainly on the capacity of the engine. It can be a few percent of the value, or even oscillate up to 18 percent. Next, you need to deal with VAT. In Germany, the rate for passenger cars is 19 percent, and for cars considered vintage 8 percent. Our western neighbors should be the destination of imports. This is influenced by the much higher VAT tax in Poland, which is 23 percent.

Trust in specialists

It can be clearly seen that the cost of such an operation will not be among the lowest. We are also talking about the time commitment itself and the need to deal with a large number of formalities. However, as you can see, with the right experience, these costs can be optimized by up to several thousand dollars. That's a hefty sum even for those very desperate to get behind the wheel of their dream car straight from the United States. Therefore, it is worth asking for help from specialists who, thanks to their experience, will save time and money.

It may interest you

All articles

How much is the customs duty from the USA to Poland?

Importing cars and motorcycles from the USA is very popular despite the fact that it involves the need to pay VAT, transport costs, excise duties, customs duties and prepare the vehicle to meet the conditions of admission to traffic on Polish roads. The duty on goods from the USA is regulated officially and depends on their type and value. How much are customs duties from the USA?

History, soul and future: why Alfa Romeo is more than a car brand

The Alfa Romeo brand is more than 100 years of history of extraordinary design, fantasy, interesting technologies and successes in motorsport.

The most durable American gasoline engines - Chevrolet LS/LT family

When it comes to the most durable gasoline engines, American forked naturally aspirated engines seem to have no equal. Among them there are units that attract special attention among car enthusiasts. They are characterized by above-average durability and susceptibility to modification. Such engines include, among others, LS and LT engines from the General Motors concern. These are some of the least emergency gasoline engines in American automotive history. Therefore, when looking for a solid V8, it is worth paying attention to them.

Do you have any questions?

Check the FAQ section with answers to the most frequently asked questions or contact us and our advisors will be happy to help you.