Speak with a Marlog import advisor about your relocation plans with no obligation. You will receive an honest assessment of your situation, including an estimate of transport, customs, and registration costs.
// For expats, emigrants, and returning residents
Import a car as household goods
Are you planning an international move and would like to bring your car, motorcycle, or another vehicle with you? Marlog guides you through the entire process—from transport and document verification to customs clearance, potential BPM exemption, and RDW registration.
25+
years of experience
Licensed
customs broker
Fast response
within 24 hours (on business days)
International
network
// What Marlog handles
Everything under one roof — from shipping to registration
When importing a car as household goods, transport, customs, and registration need to align seamlessly. Marlog coordinates every step of the process, ensuring there are no surprises when you arrive in the Netherlands.
Transport & shipping
Marlog arranges pickup or delivery to the port, selects the most suitable transport method (RoRo or container shipping), and coordinates insurance and shipment updates throughout the journey.
Document verification in advance
Invoices, registration documents, relocation paperwork, and packing lists are reviewed in advance. This helps prevent delays or complications during customs clearance upon arrival.
Customs clearance & exemptions
As a licensed customs broker, Marlog handles the customs declaration upon arrival and assists with potential exemptions from import duties and VAT, provided all requirements are met.
RDW inspection & vehicle registration
After customs clearance, Marlog guides you through the next steps, including the RDW inspection, BPM process, and vehicle registration in the Netherlands. This allows you to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
// Common situations
Is this the right service for your situation?
The household goods exemption route does not automatically apply to everyone. Whether you qualify for an exemption depends on your personal circumstances. Below are three common situations in which Marlog can assist.
Returning to the Netherlands
You are returning to the Netherlands after an extended stay abroad and would like to bring your car with you. Marlog will assess in advance whether you are likely to qualify for the exemption based on ownership and residency requirements.
Expat relocating with a car or motorcycle
Your vehicle is being transported together with other household goods to the Netherlands. Marlog coordinates customs procedures, container planning, and any applicable exemptions, ensuring everything is handled as part of a single process.
Vehicle and household goods shipment
You are shipping your car together with personal belongings in a container. Marlog takes care of the packing list, ownership documentation, and customs coordination for the entire shipment.
// From relocation plans to Dutch registration
How your relocation process works
Marlog first assesses your personal situation before transport and customs arrangements are scheduled. This helps prevent surprises upon arrival and ensures you know exactly what to expect in advance.
01
Relocation assessment
We evaluate your country of origin, length of stay abroad, ownership period, and vehicle type. Based on this information, we determine which import route (including any potential exemptions) applies to your situation.
02
Document verification
Invoices, registration documents, relocation paperwork, and packing lists are reviewed in advance. Any missing or incorrect documents are identified early in the process.
03
Transport planning
We determine whether RoRo or container shipping is the most suitable option based on your vehicle and whether household goods are being shipped as well. Pickup, insurance, and port handling are coordinated accordingly.
04
Customs clearance
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, we handle the customs declaration and assist with any applicable exemption procedures for import duties and VAT. Marlog manages this process as a licensed customs broker.
05
Inspection and registration
After customs clearance, we guide you through the RDW inspection, BPM process, and Dutch vehicle registration. This allows you to get your Dutch license plates as quickly as possible.
Every relocation is different
Tell Marlog about your relocation plans. We will assess your eligibility for exemptions, transport options, and registration requirements, and provide you with a clear overview of the entire process.
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// Documents you may need
Checklist for BPM exemption when importing household goods
Eligibility for BPM exemption when importing household goods depends on your personal circumstances and supporting documentation. Always have your situation assessed in advance rather than waiting until your shipment arrives at the port.
- Proof of residence outside the Netherlands (e.g., employer statement or rental agreement)
- Vehicle registration certificate and proof of ownership
- Purchase date, ownership period, and evidence of personal use
- Packing list when shipping personal belongings in a container
- Passport, relocation documents, and your new address in the Netherlands
- Any technical documentation required for the RDW inspection
Import advisor
Sander
// Not sure whether you qualify?
Discuss your relocation plans with us
// Customer reviews
What customers say about Marlog Car Handling
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions about importing a car as household goods
If you are relocating to the Netherlands from a country outside the EU, you may be eligible to import your personal car without paying import duties and BPM, provided certain conditions are met. The main requirements are that you have lived outside the EU for at least twelve months, have owned and used the car for at least six months, and do not sell the vehicle within twelve months after import. The exemption must be requested before the vehicle is shipped. Marlog can handle both the exemption application and the entire transport process as part of our household goods import service.
Yes. Marlog can combine your vehicle and personal belongings in a single container shipment. This requires a detailed packing list and proof of ownership for all goods included in the shipment.
Yes. Vehicles imported as household goods must still undergo an RDW inspection before Dutch license plates can be issued. Marlog guides you through this process after customs clearance.
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