Car import clearance: how to order a quote and the paperwork
First work out what customs will assess
Clearing a car is not one single figure. The total depends on the year of manufacture, the engine type and size (petrol, diesel, electric), the value on the documents and the country of origin. The rules for calculating the charges change, so don't rely on old calculations from forums. Ask the agent for an up-to-date one. The gap between a rough guess and an exact calculation can be big.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe the car once, and customs agents and clearing companies send offers with prices and timelines.
What to put in your request
- make and model, for example VW Golf;
- year of manufacture, because it affects the charges;
- engine — fuel and size, or electric, for example 1.6 TDI;
- where the car is coming from — the UK, Germany, Japan;
- value as per the invoice, for example $18,000;
- where the car is now and which port or customs office suits you;
- scope of service — only a duty calculation, the agent's services, or a full turnkey package with delivery, certification and registration;
- budget for the services.
Example: “VW Golf 2017, 1.6 TDI, bought in the UK for $18,000, now in a yard. I need clearance at Tauranga port as a full package: certification and registration. Please list the customs charges and your fee separately. Budget for services up to $530.”
Charges and fees: two different numbers
A clearance estimate has customs charges (duty and taxes, depending on the type of car and where it comes from) and the company's fee. Agents often quote only their own part, and the client is shocked by the final total. Ask them to split both parts and to warn you about anything that may be added: transport to the port, inspection, certification, registration.
To compare fairly, give every agent the same input and ask for a final calculation based on it. If the customs figures differ a lot, most likely the agents assumed a different value or date.
Agent or turnkey
If you only need a calculation and the filing, an agent is enough. Turnkey saves you running between offices: the company handles clearance, certification and registration. It is more convenient, but it costs more. Ask who exactly files the documents, which contract you sign and when you pay.
How to compare offers
Companies reply in chat: list of services, price, timelines, what they need from you. BlaBlaPrice compares the offers and shows the best one first, with reviews of the provider next to it. Providers can see where they stand among the others and can improve their terms.
A common mistake is buying the car without calculating the clearance in advance. Before you buy, it helps to use car sourcing and inspection. Afterwards, arrange registration and re-registration and insure the car with car insurance.
