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ESCAENPA

Exporting outside the EU

Many cars that have high mileage in Spain or no longer have an environmental label are still in demand outside Europe. But each country sets its own rules, and the process takes longer.

The steps

  1. Check the destination country before buying anything: many countries limit the maximum age of cars that can be imported, require inspections or charge high duties. Ask the consulate or a customs agent who works with that country.
  2. Permanent deregistration for export at the DGT (€8.67, free at 15 years or more). If the car is over 4 years old, it needs a valid ITV. After that, the car has 90 days to leave Spain; if not, Tráfico re-registers it.
  3. Export declaration (DUA) at customs, usually through a customs agent or freight forwarder, who charges for the service.
  4. Transport: by sea, on roll-on/roll-off ships (the car is driven aboard) or in a container, from ports such as Algeciras, Valencia or Barcelona. Or driving, if the country allows it.
  5. Paperwork in the destination country: customs, local duties and taxes, and local registration.

VAT

If you sell as a professional and the car leaves the EU with the export DUA, the sale is VAT-exempt. Keep the DUA with the confirmed exit: it’s your proof for the tax office.

The risks of exporting outside the EU

  • Getting paid: it’s the biggest risk. Get paid before the car leaves or use a secure method (for example, a documentary credit through the bank for large deals).
  • Rules that change: a country can change its age limit from one month to the next and leave your car stuck in port.
  • Money laundering: large cash payments, buyers who pay more than normal or don’t want to identify themselves are warning signs. If in doubt, don’t do the deal.