Import

Automatically complete your full BPM declaration form here or request a free BPM estimate. With AutotelexIMPORT, you can quickly and easily fill out the BPM declaration form for the Tax Authorities when importing a passenger car, motorcycle, or motorhome.

 

 

Step-by-step plan: How do I import a car?

 

1. Purchase

For the vehicle selection in Germany, Mobile.de is commonly used. Make sure to check that all vehicle documents are in order. The COC (Certificate of Conformity) is often included with the vehicle or can be obtained from the original importing brand dealer or manufacturer.

 

2. Transport to the Netherlands

This can be done using temporary license plates or by using a transport service (car transporter/flatbed truck). If the vehicle is imported from a country such as the United States, please be aware that transport costs can be significantly higher.

 

3. License plate application

When a vehicle is driven on public roads in the Netherlands, it must have a Dutch license plate. To arrange this, you schedule an appointment with the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority), which will inspect the vehicle. The RDW will send you an overview of what you need to bring to the inspection. This typically includes:

  • Foreign vehicle registration documents and a COC issued for this vehicle
    (Certificate of Conformity / conformity declaration)
  • A valid form of identification
  • Proof that the vehicle was purchased abroad (invoice or purchase agreement)

 

4. RDW inspection

For the day of the inspection, you can request a (free) one-day license plate. This allows you to drive to and from the RDW inspection station (make sure you have insurance in place). If the vehicle is approved by the RDW (this inspection is comparable to an MOT/TÜV test), the only remaining step is the BPM declaration.

Since 1 December 2005, you can choose whether the inspection is carried out by the RDW or outsourced to a garage. However, the vehicle identification check—such as conformity verification, foreign registration validation, type approval checks, and theft or loss screening—will still be carried out by the RDW.

 

5. BPM declaration

Here you benefit from AutoImport again, since you have already completed the form fully and correctly! The major advantage is that the Customs Authorities are familiar with us, so your application will most likely be processed without any issues.

Can I get an indication of the remaining BPM?

Before the payment screen, you will receive an indication of the remaining BPM. This gives you an estimate of what to expect in advance. Of course, this is only an indication; the exact calculation and preparation of the forms depend on the subsequent steps.

How does the “add option” feature work?

All pricing and option list data is provided by the importers. In some cases, it may occur that the selected vehicle includes a specific option that is not listed in the option list. By clicking “add option,” you can add an option (including the corresponding retail price incl. VAT and BPM) to the existing option list of the selected version. Important: If you add an option, you must include proof showing the price of the option. This can be a price list or other documentation in which this is stated.

Value calculation according to valuation guide?

The valuation based on a price guide is used for the counter-evidence scheme. This value corresponds to the trade value according to the Autotelex price guide. This guide value is accepted by Customs.

Where are the options with BPM discount?

Since 1 January 2005, the government has abolished the BPM discount on options (such as cruise control and on-board computer). However, to determine the correct gross BPM amount, these option discounts are still taken into account in the original new vehicle prices at the time.

Value differs from the price guide?

This can have several causes. To arrive at an accurate valuation, we need sufficient market data. For some vehicles, this data is not sufficiently available (for example, vehicles younger than six months and very exclusive vehicles).

What is BPM?

When you buy a car or motorcycle in the Netherlands, you pay “Tax on Passenger Cars and Motorcycles” on it, also known as BPM. If you want to import a car or motorcycle, you still have to pay BPM. The vehicle must also be inspected by the RDW before it is allowed on public roads. This inspection is comparable to an MOT (APK) test.

What is the counter-evidence scheme?

If, when importing a car, you can demonstrate that the trade value of your vehicle results in a higher depreciation percentage than the standard BPM depreciation table, you can use the counter-evidence scheme. You can prove this using a price guide (e.g. the Autotelex trade value) or a valuation report from a certified appraiser. The counter-evidence method based on price guide calculation (Autotelex trade value) is included as standard in AutoImport.

Do I receive the declaration form immediately?

Yes, after completing all steps, you will immediately see the declaration form on your screen in PDF format. You can print it or save it right away. It will also be automatically sent to the email address you provided.

What is an RSIN?

An RSIN (Legal Entities and Partnerships Information Number) is an identification number used in the Netherlands for legal entities and partnerships. It is assigned to organizations such as companies, foundations, and associations for administrative and tax purposes.

Is paying on AutoImport safe?

The payment system is provided in cooperation with Docdata. This ensures that you can easily make your payment via a secure connection.

What does BPM depend on?

The BPM amount depends on the historical net catalogue price of the vehicle. The net catalogue price is the price of the passenger car or motorcycle including options and accessories, but excluding BPM and VAT. When the vehicle is not new, a depreciation scheme applies. This allows you to reduce the gross BPM amount payable by a certain percentage. This percentage depends on the age of the vehicle and reflects the vehicle’s depreciation.

Why should I import a vehicle?

There are several reasons for importing a car or motorcycle. For example, the price or a larger and better selection abroad. The choice between buying in the Netherlands or abroad can usually be made quite quickly. With the rise of the internet, the international automotive market has become much more transparent—you can view offers from all countries from your computer in the Netherlands. If you are looking for something exclusive or simply do not want to pay too much, importing can definitely be attractive.

Form accepted by Customs?

Yes, with the declaration form (available in PDF format) you can easily arrange your declaration with Customs. Click here for an example.

What does AutoImport cost?

€39.50 per declaration (including 21% VAT).

Declaration under the counter-evidence scheme?

Declarations for the remaining BPM under both the standard scheme and the counter-evidence scheme are clearly displayed. This allows you to easily compare and immediately see which method of filing is most advantageous for you.

Final declaration form?

The declaration form for the Tax Authorities is provided to you as a PDF file. You can open it directly or save it on your PC. To view it, you need Adobe Reader, which you can download here for free.

How much time do I have to complete the steps?

After completing the payment, you generally have all the time you need to finish your declaration. However, please note that after 20 minutes of inactivity, a timeout will occur. You will then not be able to go back. This is due to the security of the payment system and the protection of your personal data.

Hand over / outsource?

In addition to the declaration form, Autotelex, in cooperation with one of our partners, offers you the possibility to fully outsource the entire import process—from insured transport from abroad to the delivery of license plates. Of course, you will receive upfront insight into the costs.

Questions?

Do you have questions or comments about importing cars, BPM value, BPM calculation, or BPM declaration?

Check the frequently asked questions
Contact us via our contact form
AutotelexIMPORT helpdesk +31 26 370 0099 (available during office hours)

A declaration via AutoImport costs €32.50 (incl. VAT). After that, you will immediately receive the BPM declaration form. Do you import vehicles regularly? Then AutotelexPRO may be of interest to you.

Huge time savings

With AutotelexIMPORT, you can easily fill in the BPM declaration form for the Tax Authorities yourself when importing a passenger car, motorcycle, or motorhome. You select the correct data, and AutotelexIMPORT ensures it is correctly displayed on the declaration form. Within a few clicks and just a few minutes, you can print the form and submit it directly to the Tax Authorities. Compared to manual completion, this saves you a significant amount of time.

Save money with the counter-evidence scheme

Thanks to the Autotelex price guide, it is possible to use the counter-evidence scheme when importing a passenger car or motorcycle. Normally, the BPM calculation is based on the net catalogue price (historical new price) and a depreciation table based on the vehicle’s age. However, if the car has depreciated more in value than shown in this table, you can save thousands of euros by using the counter-evidence scheme.

The counter-evidence option automatically appears on the screen after entering the mileage.

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