What you need to know before buying a car from abroad?

Buying a car abroad is quite a complex process. You won’t have the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the car since visual inspection is insufficient; a comprehensive check is necessary. Access to auctions is only granted to licensed dealers. Therefore, it is much easier to trust the purchasing process to a verified company. 

Main nuances to consider when buying a car abroad 

Increasingly popular among Ukrainians is the import of cars from the USA. Buying such a car can save up to 50% compared to the secondary market in Ukraine. Moreover, the variety of models and configurations at US auctions is quite diverse. But besides the positive aspects, there are also a number of nuances to consider. These include:

• the choice of seller;
• inconsistency of actions;
• buying a car without prior inspection;
• incorrect calculation of key and ancillary payments;
• choosing an unverified logistics company;
• problems during customs clearance;
• repair at unfamiliar service stations before certification;
• refusal of address delivery of the car.

To minimize risks, you can rely on PLC Group. They will participate in auctions, organize the delivery process, conduct customs clearance, and prepare the car for certification. 

How does the car delivery process from the USA take place?

Almost all auctions in the USA, such as Copart, Manheim, IAIA, are oriented towards exporting vehicles to other countries. The transportation process includes several stages:

• Delivering the car to the port. This may take several days. Delivery occurs in specialized container carriers from the company.
• Loading the container. The car is placed on the ship and all necessary documentation is processed. 
• Sea transportation. It can take from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Upon arrival at the port, the car is unloaded and transported to a specialized parking area. It is important to remember that the delivery time completely depends on the workload of the departure port as well as the type of vehicle. For example, sedans and station wagons arrive faster than crossovers and heavy equipment. 

The cost of delivering a car depends entirely on the following indicators:

• type;
• dimensions;
• weight;
• safety class;
• special transportation requirements.

Very often, small and medium-sized vehicles are packed into one container, for example, 3 sedans and 1 crossover. Then the cargo is delivered to Hamburg, and from there to Ukraine. This route takes 15-20 days longer but may be cheaper. 

The company managers find the most advantageous transportation options to help the client save money. Each car is insured, so in case of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents or damage, the client can get their money back. 

Customs clearance of the car 

Customs clearance is one of the main stages you must go through when buying a car in the USA. During transportation, a special transport invoice and export declaration are issued for the car. Moreover, when importing a vehicle into Ukraine, you will need to:

• form a preliminary customs declaration;
• make mandatory payments according to the customs clearance tariffs for cars in Ukraine;
• obtain a certificate of compliance - a document that certifies that the car meets European safety and environmental requirements;
• register the car with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, obtain a Ukrainian-style number plate and registration certificate, and a new technical passport.

The company handles all these issues. When company employees manage the preparation of all necessary documents, a notarized power of attorney is executed for them in advance. 

You can calculate all expenses related to customs on the company website, which features a customs clearance calculator for cars from the USA. It includes the following mandatory payments:

• customs fee - amounts to 10% of the contractual or declared import value of the car;
• excise tax - the rate is multiplied by the engine displacement coefficient and the vehicle age coefficient;
• VAT - the client pays 20% of the estimated value of the car, which includes the contractual price, customs fee, and excise tax;
• contributions to the Pension Fund - estimated value (excluding VAT, excise, and customs fees) multiplied by the interest rate.

Electric cars cross the border at an excise rate of 1 euro for each 1 kWh of battery capacity. Remember that calculations are made at the current NBU rate at the time of the transaction. 

Certification of the car 

All cars brought from abroad must undergo mandatory certification. This is necessary to verify their compliance with the standards of environmental friendliness, safety, and operational conditions currently valid in Ukraine. Without this document, the car cannot receive state numbers and a technical passport. Those who do not wish to deal with these issues can seek assistance from PLC Group. 

A car purchased in the USA must be delivered within 14 days to one of the specialized state or private institutions that have the appropriate certification and license. You need to have a package of documents, but it will not be necessary if you ordered the "turnkey" service from the company. Usually, the inspection lasts no longer than 1 day. 

If you have entrusted this matter to us, the company specialists conduct a preliminary diagnosis. In case of any discrepancies, our craftsmen will fix all the malfunctions. Only after this will your car be sent to a specialized diagnostic laboratory. After conducting the studies, specialists make the appropriate conclusions and send them for approval to the state structure. 

The step-by-step description of the process of purchasing, delivering, and passing certification allows us to confidently say that it is better to trust this matter to professionals.