For collectors showcasing American muscle cars at global events like Monterey Car Week or Essen Motor Show, temporary import tools like the Carnet de Passages (CPD) and Temporary Import Bond (TIB) are essential for avoiding duties and simplifying logistics.
For a comprehensive look at documentation requirements, see our pillar article: Shipping American Muscle Cars Overseas: A Complete Documentation Guide.
The Carnet de Passages en Douanes (CPD) is an international customs document that acts as a "passport" for vehicles, allowing temporary duty-free imports into 100+ countries. Key features:
Validity: 12 months for most countries.
Cost: Requires a refundable deposit (40–100% of vehicle value) and issuance fees.
Coverage: Accepted in Australia, India, South Africa, and most Asian/African nations.
Example: A 1970 Dodge Charger R/T shipped to Australia for the Melbourne Motor Show saved $18,000 in duties using a CPD.
The TIB allows duty-free imports into the U.S. for up to 12 months, ideal for events like Monterey Car Week.
Event Proof: Invitation letter or entry confirmation.
Bond Amount: 10% of vehicle value (refundable post-re-export).
Re-Export Deadline: Typically 12 months.
| Event | Location | Import Tool | Duty Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essen Motor Show | Germany | CPD | €12,000+ |
| Monterey Car Week | USA | TIB | $25,000+ |
| Dubai International Motor Show | UAE | CPD | AED 55,000 |
USA: Limited options; high deposits ($190k+ for Land Cruisers).
Europe: Lower costs via ADAC (€45k deposit) or CARS (UK).
Vehicle Registration: Proof of ownership.
Valuation Report: For deposit calculation.
Travel Itinerary: List of destination countries.
Deposit: Refundable after re-export.
Issuance Fee: $2,000–$5,000 depending on regions.
Penalty: Full duty payment + fines.
Solution: Set calendar alerts and work with experienced brokers.
Risk: Invalidated by missing stamps or signatures.
Fix: Use tracking services to monitor border crossings.
Impact: May void carnets if repairs delay re-export.
Prevention: Insure for 110% of value during transit.
Our services streamline event-focused logistics:
Carnet/TIB Filing: Handle paperwork for 40+ countries.
Event Compliance: Install EU-spec lights or km/h speedometers.
Global Partnerships: Coordinate with brokers in Germany, UAE, and Japan.
Recent Success: Shipped six Hemi ‘Cudas to Top European Auction Houses using CPDs, saving clients €72,000 collectively.
Temporary import tools like carnets and TIBs transform muscle car exhibitions into cost-effective, globally accessible opportunities. By mastering these systems, collectors can showcase their classics at premier events while avoiding prohibitive tariffs.
Contact West Coast Shipping for carnets, TIBs, and event logistics.