Send us the make, model, build year and asking price, or a link to the listing. We'll quickly let you know whether the import is feasible and provide a full cost estimate.
// Your China car import specialist
Car import China
China is leading the global development of electric vehicles. Brands such as BYD, Nio, Xpeng and Zeekr offer models that are often more expensive in the Netherlands or are not available here at all. However, importing a car from China requires careful preparation.
Before you purchase a vehicle, we investigate whether the model can likely be registered in the Netherlands. If importing the vehicle is feasible, we guide you through the rest of the import process, from checks in China and international transport to customs clearance, BPM tax and Dutch registration.
Before you purchase a vehicle, we investigate whether the model can likely be registered in the Netherlands. If importing the vehicle is feasible, we guide you through the rest of the import process, from checks in China and international transport to customs clearance, BPM tax and Dutch registration.
10-14
weeks lead time
Regular sailings
from Chinese ports
Dutch registration
Support with approval & BPM
25+
years of experience
// Leading the way in electric vehicles
What makes importing from China so interesting
Nowhere in the world is the automotive market developing as quickly as it is in China. Brands such as BYD, Nio, Xpeng and Zeekr produce electric vehicles with technology, driving ranges and equipment that often reach Europe much later or are not introduced here at all. Prices on the Chinese domestic market are also frequently lower.
The most important question is therefore not only whether the vehicle is attractively priced, but whether it can be registered in the Netherlands and what the total import costs will be. We investigate this before you proceed with the purchase.
Not every Chinese vehicle can be approved for use in Europe. Some models require additional inspections or an individual approval procedure. For other vehicles, registration may ultimately not be possible at all. We therefore assess in advance which approval route is likely to be required.
European type approval makes the difference
If a model has European type approval, a Certificate of Conformity, also known as a CoC, can usually be used. If this approval is not available, an individual approval procedure or additional technical testing may be necessary.
Depending on the vehicle, the inspection may be carried out through TÜV. In some cases, an alternative approval route may be available. We investigate in advance which options are available for the vehicle you are considering importing.
Additional EU duties on new electric vehicles
In addition to standard import duties, new electric vehicles from China may be subject to additional European import tariffs. The applicable percentage varies by manufacturer. We include the relevant duties and tariffs in the cost calculation for your vehicle.
Checking the charging connection
Electric vehicles intended for the Chinese domestic market often have a GB/T charging connection instead of the European CCS connection. Export models are more likely to be equipped with CCS. We therefore check in advance which charging connection the vehicle has and whether it is suitable for use in Europe.
Purchasing and paying remotely
Many Chinese sales platforms are only available in Chinese and use local payment methods. Marlog does not offer an escrow service in China. The purchase agreement and payment are therefore arranged directly between you and the seller.
Through a local agent, we can check whether the seller holds the required export license and which vehicle and export documents are available. The seller remains responsible for providing accurate and complete documentation.
// Before you buy
Not every Chinese vehicle is eligible for registration in Europe
One of the main challenges when importing a vehicle from China is obtaining European approval. Although some models already have European type approval, this does not apply to every vehicle sold on the Chinese domestic market.
Vehicles without European type approval may require an individual approval procedure. Depending on the model, additional technical testing or an inspection through TÜV may be required. In some cases, an alternative approval route may be possible.
The costs vary considerably depending on the vehicle and the required procedure. A relatively straightforward inspection or modification may cost several hundred euros. Extensive technical testing, modifications and individual approval can cost up to approximately €15,000. Approval can never be fully guaranteed in advance.
We therefore always recommend assessing the available approval options before purchasing the vehicle. This gives you a realistic understanding of the expected costs, risks and feasibility of the import.
// What we can do for you
From a Chinese purchase to Dutch registration
You select and purchase the vehicle yourself. We then guide you through the import process or assist only with the services you prefer to outsource.
The purchase, payment and agreements with the seller remain your responsibility. Marlog does not offer an escrow service for transactions in China.
- Assessment of the model, European type approval and available vehicle details
- Verification of the seller’s export license through a local agent
- Verification of the available vehicle and export documentation
- Advice on the expected approval route before purchase
- Transport to the Chinese port of departure
- Container shipping to Rotterdam
- Customs clearance, import duties and any additional EU tariffs
- BPM declaration and support with RDW approval
- Support with Dutch vehicle registration
- Home delivery or collection from our location in Roosendaal
// The import process step by step
How to import a car from China
The process from purchasing the vehicle in China to obtaining Dutch registration generally takes between 10 and 14 weeks. If an additional or individual approval procedure is required, the total lead time may be longer.
01
Check the model and approval
Before you purchase a vehicle, we assess whether it can likely be registered in the Netherlands based on the model and the available vehicle information.We check whether the vehicle has European type approval or whether an additional inspection or individual approval procedure may be required. We also provide an indication of the expected costs and possible risks.
02
Check seller and documentation
Through our local agent, we can check whether the seller has the required export license. The agent can also verify which vehicle and export documents are available.The seller remains responsible for the accuracy, completeness and timely delivery of these documents.
03
Purchase and payment
You purchase the vehicle directly from the seller. Marlog does not provide an escrow service in China and is not a party to the purchase agreement or payment.We recommend proceeding with the purchase only once it is clear which documents are available and which approval route is likely to be required.
04
Transport and export in China
Once the purchase has been completed and the required export documents are available, we arrange transport to the Chinese port of departure. Our local agent assists with the practical export procedures.
05
Shipping to Rotterdam
Sea transport from China takes an average of four to six weeks and is usually carried out by container. We book the sailing, monitor the shipment during transit and keep you informed of its progress.
06
Customs, import duties and BPM
Once the vehicle arrives in the Netherlands, we take care of the customs clearance. This includes import duties, any additional EU tariffs for new electric vehicles, VAT and the BPM declaration.You receive a cost estimate in advance. If the required approval procedure has not yet been determined with certainty, we provide an expected cost range.
07
Inspection and registration
If the vehicle has European type approval, the standard RDW import procedure can generally be followed.If European type approval is not available, additional technical testing, an inspection through TÜV or another individual approval route may be required. Once the vehicle has been approved, we assist with its registration in the Netherlands.You can then collect the vehicle from our location in Roosendaal or have it delivered to a location of your choice.
Start your China import today
Send us the model you are considering or a link to the advertisement. We assess the available information, investigate the expected approval options and prepare an indicative calculation of the import costs.
Request a quote
// Know what you will pay
How much does it cost to import a car from China?
The purchase price of a vehicle in China is frequently lower than in Europe. However, transport costs, import duties, any additional EU tariffs, VAT, BPM and approval costs must also be taken into account.
Approval costs can vary considerably. We therefore provide an estimate in advance based on the vehicle and the expected procedure. If additional investigation is still required, we provide an expected cost range.
| Cost item | Indication | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inland transport in China | € 300 - € 800 | From the seller to the port of departure, depending on the distance. |
| Container shipping | € 2,000 – € 3,500 | A shared container is generally more affordable than a private container. |
| Import duty | 10% | Calculated on the vehicle’s customs value. |
| Additional tariff on new electric vehicles | Varies by manufacturer | Any additional European tariff imposed on top of the standard import duties. |
| VAT | 21% | Calculated on the applicable customs value, import duties and additional costs. |
| BPM | Variable | Depends on factors such as the vehicle type, CO₂ emissions, age and registration history. |
| Standard RDW inspection | From several hundred euros | Applicable when the vehicle can be approved through the regular import procedure. |
| Additional inspection or homologation | Several hundred euros to approximately €15,000 | Depends on the vehicle, required testing, technical modifications and approval route. Approval is not guaranteed. |
// Approval in the Netherlands
European type approval or individual approval?
Before a vehicle from China can be registered in the Netherlands, it must comply with the applicable European and Dutch approval requirements. The required procedure depends on the vehicle and the available documentation.
Vehicles produced for the European market often already have European type approval. In this case, registration can usually be completed through the standard import procedure. The correct vehicle documents, such as the Certificate of Conformity, are essential.
The situation is different for models produced for the Chinese domestic market. Many of these vehicles do not have European type approval. An individual approval procedure or additional technical testing may therefore be required.
Depending on the vehicle, the inspection may be carried out through TÜV. Alternative approval routes may also be available for certain vehicles. The most suitable route must be assessed individually for each vehicle.
Costs can range from several hundred euros for a relatively straightforward procedure to approximately €15,000 for extensive technical testing, modifications and individual approval. The procedure can take a considerable amount of time and does not guarantee that the vehicle will ultimately be approved.
We therefore always recommend investigating the available options before purchasing the vehicle you intend to import.
Before purchase, we can assess:
- Whether the vehicle has European type approval
- Which vehicle and approval documents are available
- Whether an additional or individual approval procedure may be required
- Whether an inspection through TÜV or another route may be possible
- The expected costs and lead time
- The financial and practical risks involved in the import
// Popular models
Frequently imported cars from China
Demand for Chinese vehicles is increasing rapidly, particularly for electric models. These are some of the vehicles we regularly receive enquiries about:
BYD Seal
BYD Atto 3
BYD Dolphin
Nio ET5
Xpeng G6
Zeekr 001
Zeekr 7gt
Nio ES8
Considering another model? We are also happy to investigate the import options for brands such as Hongqi, Li Auto, Avatr and Xiaomi.
// RoRo or container
Shipping a car from China
Almost all passenger vehicles are shipped from China to Rotterdam by container. RoRo transport is only available to a limited extent for private vehicle imports.
Container shipping
This is the most commonly used transport method from China. Your vehicle is securely fastened inside a sealed container throughout the sea voyage. Using a shared container can help keep transport costs relatively low.
Estimate: €2,000–€3,500
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
With RoRo transport, the vehicle is driven onto the ship. This transport method can be more affordable, but options between Chinese ports and Rotterdam are limited for privately imported vehicles.
// Taxes by vehicle type
BPM when importing a car from China
The amount of BPM payable when importing a car from China depends on factors including the vehicle type, CO₂ emissions, age and registration history. BPM is generally limited for fully electric vehicles, while import duties, VAT and any additional EU tariffs often have a greater impact on the total import costs.
Electric car
Fully electric cars are not subject to CO₂-based BPM, but the applicable fixed BPM amount must still be paid. New electric vehicles from China may also be subject to additional European import tariffs on top of the standard import duties.Electric vehicles that have been registered for more than six months and have covered more than 6,000 kilometres may be treated as used vehicles for VAT purposes. This can affect their tax treatment.
Plug-in hybrid
BPM for plug-in hybrid cars is calculated on the basis of their official CO₂ emissions. The final amount also depends on the vehicle details, age and depreciation.Because Chinese plug-in hybrid models may differ from their European equivalents, we check which information is available and prepare an appropriate BPM calculation.
Petrol car
For petrol cars, BPM is largely determined by the vehicle’s official CO₂ emissions. The higher the emissions, the higher the BPM. This can significantly affect the total import costs, particularly for larger and more powerful models.
Used car
For used cars, BPM may be reduced based on depreciation. In general, the older the vehicle, the lower the remaining BPM amount.An accurate calculation in advance helps determine whether importing the vehicle from China is financially worthwhile.
Considering another type of vehicle?
Contact us to discuss the import and approval options for your vehicle.
Contact us
// Client experiences
What customers say about Marlog Car Handling
// Our work in pictures
Import Advisor
Lucas
// Start your import
Want to import a car from China?
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions about importing a car from China
Allow around 10 to 14 weeks in total. The sea voyage by container from a Chinese port to Rotterdam takes 4 to 6 weeks. On top of that come the purchase, the inland transport in China and the export documents, and after arrival the customs clearance and the RDW approval. A model without European type-approval takes longer to reach registration, because an individual inspection requires extra time. We give you a realistic timeline for your situation in advance.
On top of the purchase price you pay inland transport in China, container shipping (€ 2,000 – € 3,500), 10% import duty, an extra European tariff on new EVs, 21% VAT and BPM. The RDW approval costs money too, certainly if an individual inspection is needed. The total additional costs therefore vary widely by model and trim. Send us the listing and you’ll receive one complete calculation in advance, all the way to the registration.
No. Some Chinese models already have European type approval, while others require an expensive individual approval procedure. Certain models cannot be registered at all. We recommend verifying this before purchasing the vehicle.
You pay 10% import duty on the purchase price plus the transport costs to the EU border. For new electric cars from China there is an additional European tariff on top, which varies by brand. Customs then charge 21% VAT on the total. Finally you pay BPM: for EVs only the fixed base rate, for petrol and hybrid an amount based on the CO₂ emissions. We handle the full declaration and you see all the amounts in advance.
That depends on the version. Export versions have the European CCS connector and charge here without any problem, fast charging included. Chinese domestic versions often use the Chinese GB/T standard; that calls for an adapter or modification and fast charging isn’t a given. The software, navigation and language settings may also be geared to the Chinese market. We check the version before the purchase, so you know exactly what you’re buying.
Yes. Chinese sales platforms operate in Chinese and sellers often ask for payment methods you don’t use in the Netherlands. We verify the seller, the documents and the vehicle details and guide the payment. That way your money only moves once all the details check out. If you’d rather be fully taken care of, we handle the entire purchasing process from the search request through to delivery.
Almost always by container. The number of RoRo connections for individual passenger cars between Chinese ports and Rotterdam is limited. In a container the car is secured and shielded during the 4 to 6 week voyage. If several cars can travel together, a shared container brings the cost down considerably. We advise per situation and book the sailing for you.
Can't find your question? Our import specialists are happy to think along with you