Frequently asked questions
When does the 0% EU import duty on US cars take effect?
On June 16, 2026 the European Parliament gave final approval to the legislation that turns the Turnberry agreement into law, voting it through 440 to 151. The Council still has to formally sign off, and the rules take effect the day after they appear in the EU's Official Journal. Until then the existing 10% duty on US-origin passenger cars still applies, so check official EU trade announcements for the confirmed effective date.
Which cars qualify for 0% EU import duty?
The 0% rate covers passenger vehicles that originate in the United States, classified under HS 8703. Origin is decided per vehicle by where it was assembled, not by the brand on the badge. A Chevrolet Corvette built in Bowling Green, Kentucky qualifies. A Dodge Charger built in Brampton, Ontario does not, even though both are American nameplates.
How do I check if my car is US-built?
Read the first character of the VIN. A 1, 4 or 5 means the car was built in the United States. A 2 means Canada, a 3 means Mexico, and letters such as J, W or S mean Japan, Germany or the UK. Many nameplates are built in more than one country, so the VIN is the only reliable confirmation. The US-Built Car Finder above lets you check by make, model or year.
Does 0% duty mean there are no other costs to import a car to Europe?
No. The Turnberry deal removes the customs duty component only. VAT, national registration taxes and homologation still apply in the destination country, and ocean freight, container fees and port charges are separate from duty. On a $40,000 car the duty saving is up to $4,000. The rest of your landed cost depends on the country you ship to.
What about classic cars and race cars?
Classic and race cars classified under Section 122 are handled differently from modern passenger vehicles and may follow their existing rates. If you are shipping a collector or competition car, the rules that apply to your shipment can differ, so confirm the classification before you plan the import.
Which European ports does West Coast Shipping serve?
We run regular service from our own US warehouses in California, Florida and New York/New Jersey to Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Southampton, Antwerp and Barcelona, by container and by RoRo, with pickup from anywhere in the continental US.
