Successfully navigating customs is the most critical step in international muscle car shipping. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay shipments by weeks and add thousands in storage fees. This guide details the documents required to clear customs in key markets like the EU, Middle East, and Japan, with insights on leveraging the 25-year exemption for classic models.
For broader context on global demand, see our pillar article: Global Muscle Car Market: How American Icons Dominate International Auctions.
Purpose: Proof of ownership (copies rejected by most ports).
Exceptions: Pre-1970 vehicles from title-exempt states (e.g., Alabama) may use notarized bills of sale.
Required When: Seller and shipper names differ on the title.
Details: Must include VIN, sale price, and signatures.
Contents: Vehicle value, buyer/seller info, shipping terms (CIF/FOB).
Customs Use: Basis for calculating duties and taxes.
Types:
Ocean BOL: Issued by the shipping line.
Air Waybill: For air freight shipments.
EPA Form 3520-1: Check Box E for vehicles over 25 years old.
DOT Form HS-7: Check Box 1 for classics exempt from safety standards.
Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Required for post-1995 vehicles.
Temporary Import Bond (TIB): Avoid 10% duty for show/auction cars.
Translated Documents: German/French versions of titles for registration.
Case Study: A 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda cleared German customs in 3 days using pre-translated docs, versus 21 days for non-compliant shipments.
GCC Certification: Arabic-language specs for lights, seatbelts.
Lien Release: Notarized if title shows loans.
Tax Exemption: Pre-1995 models avoid 5% UAE duty.
JEVIC Report: Pre-inspection for post-1990 vehicles.
Shaken Documents: Emissions test results (exempt for pre-1990).
Japanese Proxy: Required for non-resident importers.
Vehicles over 25 years old qualify for streamlined import processes:
| Country | Duty Rate | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 2.5% | EPA/DOT exempt |
| Germany | 0% | TÜV historic registration |
| Japan | 0% | No shaken testing |
Risk: Customs holds vehicles until lender confirmation.
Fix: Obtain notarized letters from banks before shipping.
Risk: Penalties up to 200% of discrepancy.
Fix: Use Hagerty valuation reports for defensible pricing.
Risk: 25% EU duty + storage fees after 12 months.
Fix: Set calendar alerts for TIB expiration dates.
Our services ensure seamless clearance:
Document Preparation: EPA/DOT forms, translated titles.
Pre-Clearance Filing: Submit paperwork 14 days pre-arrival.
Global Partnerships: Local agents in 30+ countries handle inspections.
Recent Success: Cleared 12 containers of classic Mustangs to Germany in 48 hours using advance EU entry summaries.
Proper documentation transforms customs from a hurdle into a competitive advantage. By mastering country-specific requirements and leveraging classic car exemptions, collectors can ensure their Hemi ‘Cudas and Shelby GT500s clear borders swiftly and cost-effectively.
Contact West Coast Shipping for end-to-end documentation support.
For more on classic car exemptions, visit Classic Cars Exempt from 25% US Import Duty.