The cheapest way to import a Plymouth Barracuda 1970 (example value $110,000) from the USA into Europe is via Italy, at about €5,631 in taxes — up to €35,134 less than the most expensive EU country (€40,765). The trick: bring it in through the right country to legally cut the registration tax. The figures below cover customs duty, import VAT and the national registration tax (transport and fees excluded). Adjust everything in the free calculator.
Run the full free simulation for this car →| Country | Total cost | Annual tax |
|---|---|---|
| Italy Cheapest | 5,631 € | 28 €/yr |
| Poland | 6,332 € | — |
| Luxembourg | 6,352 € | 25 €/yr |
| Belgium | 6,419 € | 110 €/yr |
| Germany | 6,502 € | 192 €/yr |
| France | 6,529 € | — |
| Sweden | 6,552 € | — |
| Netherlands | 7,252 € | — |
| Spain | 23,278 € | 120 €/yr |
| Portugal | 40,765 € | — |
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 1970 model is over 30 years old → eligible for the collection regime.
For this example, the lowest total landed cost is Italy (~€5,631). The full ranking is in the table above; the cheapest country depends on the vehicle's engine, CO₂ and value.
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.