Bringing a car across the Atlantic is an exciting project—yet the true cost of importing a car from Europe to the U.S. in 2025 remains one of the most misunderstood parts of the process. This guide breaks down every major fee, compares cost scenarios, and offers practical examples for Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, and more. Whether you’re buying a collectible classic or a modern European daily driver, getting clarity on your total landed price starts here.
For a full breakdown of ALL methods and compliance tips, read our complete 2025 Europe-to-U.S. import cost guide.
Rates: For most cars, container shipping from top European ports (Hamburg, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Le Havre) to New York, averages $2,750 per vehicle and ~18 days in transit. UK cars typically take ~26 days but still cost around $2,750.
Belgium Example: Cars from Belgium (e.g., Antwerp) follow the same pattern and can leverage excellent shared container options. Calculate your exact Belgium-USA rate here.
RoRo Option: Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping is sometimes available for operational vehicles and can match or slightly undercut container rates, but most classic and non-running cars use containers for security and flexibility.
Rates provided are estimates as of April 2025. Actual costs may vary with season, route demand, or special handling needs. Always use a live car import calculator for current numbers.
Average: $400–$1,200 depending on departure port, customs paperwork, and export agent fees.
Specialized moves (enclosed collection, remote pick-ups, etc.) are higher.
Range: $350–$1,200 based on shipment complexity, vehicle value, and the need for regulatory exemptions.
25+ Year-Old Vehicles (“Classic”*): 2.5% of declared value duty, Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%), and Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%, min $33.58, max $651.50).
Modern Vehicles (<25 Years): Most modern European vehicles owe a 15% tariff (as of 2025) on top of the 2.5% base duty, with additional “Section 232” duties of 25% potentially applicable for certain non-exempt entries.
Belgium Example: For a $40,000 classic, total duty and fees could be ~$1,200–$1,500. Modern cars can see total government costs in the $7,000–$15,000+ range depending on tariff status.
Registered Importer (RI) note: Not all vehicles under 25 years can be modified for entry—even with a Registered Importer. FMVSS crash test data and EPA compatibility must exist for NHTSA to approve conformity. If eligibility is unclear, always confirm RI/NHTSA status before purchasing.
Range: $400–$2,000+ from the arrival port to your U.S. home, depending on distance, open vs. enclosed carrier, and accessibility.
RI/ICI compliance: $9,500–$28,500 or more, model-specific. Not all cars are eligible—see above.
Classic 25+ year vehicles: No compliance conversion usually required; use the 25-Year Exemption (HTS 9903.94.04) for duty savings and easier clearance.
Purchase price: $25,000
Ocean freight: $2,750 (Antwerp-to-NY, shared container)
Port/handling: $600
Brokerage: $500
U.S. duties/fees: $900
U.S. inland delivery: $1,000 (NY to Midwest)
Estimated total: $5,750 (plus vehicle price)
Vehicle price: $60,000
Ocean freight: $2,750
Port/handling: $900
Brokerage: $800
US duties+tariffs (15%): $9,000
EPA/DOT/RI compliance: $14,000–$25,000 if eligible
US inland shipping: $1,500 (to California)
Estimated total: $28,950–$39,950 (plus car & registration)
(*Note: “Classic” in this context means 25+ years old for import exemption; not all classics are collectibles.)
See more: All country import costs, methods, and compliance.
Use a live car import calculator for current rates from any European port.
Request quotes that are all-inclusive—port fees, handling, duty, and inland U.S. delivery.
Confirm eligibility for “classic” status/25-year exemption to minimize duties and avoid compliance conversion costs.
Verify RI/NHTSA eligibility for modern cars (if not exempted).
Ask about consolidated container options for added savings, especially for non-running or restoration vehicles.
Currency swings: USD/EUR or USD/GBP movements can increase or reduce your cost by thousands; monitor rates at purchase.
Documentation: Complete/title paperwork cuts clearing time and reduces broker fees.
Auction vs. dealer: Auction deals can be very attractive, but require detailed condition/transport reviews.
Check your live Europe-U.S. shipping cost now and see every cost for your unique vehicle and origin.