To avoid all this, understanding what customs clearance is in theory is not enough. You need to be able to structure the process in such a way as not to miss deadlines and stay within the planned budget. How to do this without experience? Turn to an experienced intermediary.
In Ukraine, the leader in this field is the company for buying and delivering cars from US auctions - PLC Group. Customs agent services are included in the cost of turnkey car delivery. This means that a specialist will handle the preparation of documents and customs clearance on site, acting in accordance with the country's legislation in the client's interests.
What documents are needed?
The intermediary handles the preparation of the paperwork. Even some of their names are new to a person buying a car in the US for the first time. For example, Title or Invoice. The title is an analogue of our vehicle registration certificate, but American. It must be presented to customs first. The invoice is a document confirming the purchase with a description, payment method, and a stamp. You will also need:
- certificate of obtaining a tax identification number;
- buyer's passport;
- bill of lading;
- receipts, waybills confirming transportation costs;
- work order for container deconsolidation.
If at least one document from the list is missing, clearing the car at customs will not be possible. Certificates, receipts, and titles will have to be restored. This takes time and costs for container downtime at the port. Such troubles can be avoided if an experienced broker handles the preparation for customs clearance. At PLC Group, for example, such a specialist will ensure that customs clearance of a car from the US goes smoothly, quickly, and without the client's involvement. Their services are included in the cost of car delivery.
Step-by-step process: how does it all happen?
Preparation for clearance begins with collecting documents for filing the declaration. At this stage, the broker will request a copy of the buyer's passport and tax ID certificate, as well as the title and invoice with the seller's stamp.
The next stage is calculating payments. The amount consists of import duty, excise tax, and VAT. Already at this stage, the client can calculate the clearance cost independently. On the PLC Group website, for example, there is an online calculator for customs clearance of cars from the US.
The next stage is preparing and submitting the original declaration. The process takes up to 3 business days. The final step is releasing the car beyond the control territory. At this point, clearance is considered complete. The car is loaded onto a car carrier and delivered to the client's address.
Customs clearance in numbers
Customs payments are calculated based on the customs value of the car. In turn, it is formed by: the lot price at the auction, the platform commission, and logistics costs. For example, if the car was purchased for $3500, the auction commission was 10% - $350, and logistics costs were $600, then the actual cost of the car will be about 30% higher, not counting the delivery price.
