Importing a Chevrolet C10 1972 (example value $35,000) from the USA into Europe costs from about €2,181 in taxes by the right route. The figures below cover customs duty, import VAT and the national registration tax (transport and fees excluded). A vehicle over 30 years old can qualify for the collection regime, which legally reduces the registration tax. Run your own case in the free calculator.
Run the full free simulation for this car →| Country | Total cost | Annual tax |
|---|---|---|
| Italy Cheapest | 2,181 € | 28 €/yr |
| Poland | 2,192 € | — |
| Luxembourg | 2,212 € | 25 €/yr |
| Belgium | 2,279 € | 110 €/yr |
| Germany | 2,362 € | 192 €/yr |
| Sweden | 2,412 € | — |
| France | 2,527 € | — |
| Netherlands | 3,112 € | — |
| Portugal | 3,572 € | 35 €/yr |
| Spain | 8,960 € | 120 €/yr |
The landed cost of a US import has three layers: customs duty (paid on entry into the EU), import VAT (at the destination country's rate), and the national registration tax (ISV in Portugal, malus in France, BPM in the Netherlands, etc.). For a 30+ year-old classic, the collection regime can cancel the customs duty and cut the VAT. The route through a low-tax EU country first can legally reduce the registration tax.
A vehicle over 30 years old usually qualifies for the EU collection regime (0% customs duty, reduced VAT, exemption from many registration taxes) — when the status is granted. This 1972 model is over 30 years old → eligible for the collection regime.
It depends on the vehicle: engine size, CO₂, value and age all change the ranking, as does the route the car takes into the EU. The full comparison for this example is in the table above — run your own case in the free simulator.
No — the figures cover taxes and the national registration tax only. Ocean freight (USA→Europe), handling and customs-broker fees are added separately in the calculator.
Estimates based on 2026 rates — to be confirmed with the competent authorities. Not tax advice.