Cars Export
When you sell a used car to a buyer from abroad, a lot needs to happen from that point onwards: deregistration with the RDW, an export license plate, the correct customs documents, and often also the handling of BPM (vehicle tax) or VAT. If you don't arrange this properly, you could lose money or your customer might be stopped at the border with the wrong paperwork.
VWE has been carrying out this entire process since 1996 and has now processed more than 2.5 million exports. You can arrange de-registration, the export registration plate, customs documents, and the BPM refund through a single online platform, without having to go back and forth between different government agencies.
Three reasons to export via VWE
- One platform for the entire process. De-registration, export plates, temporary insurance, Certificate of Type Approval Data, BPM refund and customs documents are all handled from the same environment. You don't need to contact three different authorities yourself.
- 2.5 million exports under our belt. We are aware of the exceptions: from caravans that don't qualify for EUR.1 to lorries that do. This knowledge is incorporated into the application process, so you don't have to figure out which rule applies to your vehicle yourself.
- Recognised by the RDW and Customs. VWE has the official accreditations to issue export number plates and customs documents. You won't get an intermediary who then has to sub-contract to an accredited party.
How does it work?
You register the vehicle via MijnVWE, providing the registration number, odometer reading, country of destination and valid proof of identity, after which you will receive the export registration number (valid for up to 14 days, or for a shorter period if the MOT is due to expire) which allows the vehicle to be taken to the border or to the transport company. The document you’ll need next depends on the destination: within the EU, the registration number and invoice are usually sufficient; within the EEA, you can arrange a temporary German registration yourself; and outside the EU, an EX-A or EAD customs document via CARGO is mandatory. With this proof, you can claim a refund of the BPM from the Tax and Customs Administration or apply 0% VAT, using a form which you will find in MijnVWE immediately after export.
Documents and customs for export
Which document you need depends on your destination:
- Outside Europe: a customs document via CARGO is required. For most vehicles, that is the EX-A customs document. For lor EUR.1 Invoice Declaration requested - provided that the origin of the vehicle can be demonstrated with a supplier's declaration. VWE does not issue EUR.1 certificates for caravans; the Chamber of Commerce is the correct organisation for this.
- Within the EEA: A temporary registration (German letter) is often sufficient as alternative proof for the BPM refund, without needing to wait for documents from the buyer.
Claiming back BPM on export
If you export a vehicle within the EEA, you, as the seller, can claim back the remaining BPM. This makes the vehicle cheaper for the foreign buyer. To do this, you must prove that the vehicle has actually been registered in an EEA country. This can be done in two ways:
- You are asking the buyer for a copy of the foreign registration – you then depend on whether and when that arrives.
- You can apply for a temporary EEA registration (the German letter) yourself via MijnVWE. That way, you’ll have immediate proof, without having to wait for the buyer.
You must submit the BPM refund application to the Tax and Customs Administration, together with that evidence. Using MijnVWE, you can generate the completed form immediately after the export.
0% – VAT on exports
If you are exporting a vehicle outside the EU, you may sell it at 0% VAT rate. Proof of this is a scanned EAD customs document from the EU border crossing; you will receive a COE (Confirmation of Exit) for this.
If you are selling to a company within the EU, the same 0% rate applies to an intra-Community supply. Conditions: the buyer must have a valid VAT registration number, and you must be able to prove, by means of the order form, order confirmation and CMR consignment note, that the vehicle has actually been transported to the other EU country.
Our export specialists will be happy to advise you on the necessary approvals (RDW and Customs) and the exact documentation: 088 – 893 7001 or info@vwe.nl.
Contact about exporting
Want to integrate this service into a dealer or garage management system?
With VWE's XML-mode capabilities, you can easily integrate this service into your garage software package. Suppliers of dealer or garage management systems can build many of VWE's services into their own product, via web services.
How long is an export license plate valid?
Can an invoice declaration EUR.1 be issued for my vehicle?
Only if the vehicle is exported via VWE and the origin can be proven with a supplier's declaration. This is not possible for caravans; the Chamber of Commerce is the correct place for those. If the vehicle has an invoice value above €6,000, an EAD customs document is required in addition to the EUR.1.
Does this vehicle meet the EURO3 standard? Or any other EURO standard?
Via the license plate search box on this page find the euro emission class of a specific vehicle.
What do I need for an export registration with the RDW via VWE?
- The complete most recent registration certificate. From 1 January 2014, every time there is an owner change, the paper registration certificate will be replaced by a registration card. Therefore, the following distinction exists:
- If a Registration Card was not previously applied for the vehicle, bring the following paper registration documents: Part II (1B Registration Certificate) and Copy Part III/Transcription Certificate/Part II).
- If a Registration Card has been applied for, take this Registration Card along with the corresponding registration code.
- The corresponding number plate(s)
- Exact vehicle odometer reading
- Proof of identity (original and valid):
- International: identity card or passport
- National: driving licence, identity card or passport
- Please note that a residence permit will not be accepted
How much does it cost to export a car through VWE?
That depends on the destination and which document is required. There is no fixed total amount. You can arrange the registration and the export number plate itself via MijnVWE. If you’re exporting outside the EU, a customs document is also required, with its own fee per document. If you want to be sure that the registration card will be accepted abroad, apply for it from the RDW before export for €3; if you only apply for it afterwards, it will cost €38 (excl. VAT and RDW fees). Any BPM refund does not have a fixed rate: it depends on the remaining BPM payable on the vehicle itself. For a quote tailored to your specific export (country of destination and vehicle type), our export specialists are the quickest way to get you sorted: 088 – 893 7001 or info@vwe.nl.
I want to export my vehicle outside the EU and need an EAD customs document. What do I need to bring for this?
The vehicle itself, the invoice to the foreign address, the registration certificate (or complete vehicle registration document), and valid identification. Contact the service point in advance to check if they require any additional documents.
Can I extend my export licence plate (longer than two weeks)?
No. Once the period of validity has expired (a maximum of 14 days, or shorter if the MOT is expiring), the vehicle may no longer be driven on public roads. Therefore, plan the export within that timeframe.
Where can I go to get a vehicle exported?
At the VWE head office in Heerhugowaard or at one of our Service points. Take precautions beforehand, just in case Contact Op.
How long does an export application take?
You can complete the registration and obtain the export number plate via MijnVWE in a matter of minutes; the number plate is then valid for up to 14 days. If you apply for the registration card in advance from the RDW, you’ll receive it almost immediately; if you request it afterwards, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you opt for a BPM refund, this process is handled separately by the Tax and Customs Administration: the application must be submitted within 13 weeks of the export notification, the Tax and Customs Administration is then legally required to respond within 8 weeks, and in practice, the actual payment usually takes 5 to 9 weeks provided the application is complete and correctly submitted.