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How to Buy Cars From Abroad
Want to expand your dealership’s inventory? You’ll learn how to buy cars internationally, from online inspections to transporting the vehicles.
Looking to diversify your dealership’s offer or save money through bulk purchases? Either way, knowing how to buy a car from another country can open up new doors and boost your sales.
Sourcing cars internationally is easy when you know the right steps to take, whether you’re importing from EU members or non-EU countries.
So, let’s see how the process works and what you need to consider. But first, we’ll start with an overview of the European car market and imports so that you can better understand the opportunities in front of you.
Used car market in Europe - What do you need to know?
The used car market has been steadily growing in Europe, and we saw a successful 2024 in terms of vehicle imports and sales volumes. The Spanish market turned out to be the fastest-growing one, with the demand for used cars growing by 7.5% compared to the previous year.
Several countries have become key players when it comes to importing and exporting cars from abroad. Based on import data, these are:
- Poland: In 2024, Poland imported over 503,300 used passenger cars from Germany, followed by 100,160 from France. (Get your Import to Poland Guide here)
- Romania: In 2022, approximately 45% of Romania’s used car imports originated from Germany. (Get your Import to Romania Guide here)
- Portugal: In 2022, Portugal imported around 104,900 used light passenger vehicles from the European Union. (Get your Import to Portugal Guide here)
- Germany: Germany is a major exporter of used cars, with 300,900 units exported in November 2024. (Get your Import to Germany Guide here)
While each country has its own preferences in sourcing used cars, there’s a common trend among European traders buying cars from other countries, and that’s the rise of online distribution channels.
By the end of 2025, approximately 10% of all used car purchases in Europe are expected to take place online, projects Claight research.
Clearly, both buyers and sellers are recognizing the convenience, wider selection, and competitive pricing that online platforms bring to the used car market.
How to buy and import a car within the EU?
Thanks to standardized regulations and open borders within the EU, buying and importing cars from fellow EU members is fairly simple.
The absence of customs duties and the harmonized VAT rules for businesses make trading cars across the EU cost effective and efficient.
Still, there are specific steps and requirements you need to follow to ensure a smooth import process. Whether it’s arranging transport or calculating taxes, having a clear plan is key. Here are the two key resources to help you.
Take a look at our detailed import guides
Our comprehensive import guides provide all the essential information you need, including:
- The necessary documentation for importing
- Tax, fees, and VAT procedures
- Transport tips
Essentially, they guide you through the import process based on the regulations and practices in your country. The guides also point you to the right authorities to contact if you need assistance or clarification.
These guides are tailored for B2B traders, making the process as straightforward as possible.
eCarsTrade Delivery Service
Another step you can take to make buying cars internationally easier is hiring our eCarsTrade Delivery Service.
While some of our customers choose transporting vehicles themselves, most prefer more streamlined ways of transporting cars between dealerships.
One such method is our Delivery Service, in which eCarsTrade organizes vehicle transport on your behalf. In other words, we collaborate with truck transport companies and handle all the logistics for you.
We take car of the transport so that you can focus on running your business instead of managing transport details. The only thing you have to do is to have a parking accessible by a transport truck, and we’ll handle the rest.
How to buy and export a car to a non-EU country?
Simplified regulations and lower costs make trading cars within the EU the most approachable option. However, sometimes there are opportunities you don’t want to miss, whether it’s accessing a rare car model or tapping into markets outside the EU.
In these cases, understanding the steps and requirements for importing and exporting to non-EU countries is crucial. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this process successfully.
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Check import regulations |
Every non-EU country has its own vehicle standards, so check out restrictions like emission standards, age limits, and safety requirements before buying/selling. |
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Prepare documentation |
Prepare the vehicle registration certificate, purchase invoice, an export declaration, and any other country-specific documents you might need. |
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Arrange transportation |
Hiring specialized transport companies is a convenient option because they’ll handle shipping logistics in accordance with local regulations. |
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Clear customs |
Present the vehicle to customs authorities and pay any applicable import duties and taxes. |
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Complete local registration |
Register the vehicle in the destination country to comply with local laws. |
Get your EX-A declaration with eCarsTrade
When exporting a car outside the EU, one of the key documents you’ll need is the EX-A export declaration. This is a customs document that confirms that a vehicle is leaving the EU, and customs authorities require it to process the export.
It also allows businesses to claim a VAT refund if eligible.
eCarsTrade can help by generating the EX-A declaration on your behalf, ensuring all necessary details are correctly filled out and submitted.
Then, you’ll get a document looking like the one below.
The red on the declaration above marks the MRN, which is an identifier on your EX-A document. This number is essential for monitoring the status of your export and confirming customs clearance.
Keep in mind that you can only request your VAT refund after the vehicle has crossed the EU border or the EX-A document has been officially registered by the EU customs officials. Either way, having a properly processed EX-A declaration and a valid MRN ensures that your export is fully documented.
So, if you want to make sure you’ll clear customs and be able to claim your VAT refund without complications, reach out to your eCarsTrade Account Manager and we’ll get you sorted.
Top 3 advice before purchasing a car from abroad
Whether you’re buying a single car or making a bulk purchase, you’ll want the import to go as smoothly as possible. Follow these three tips, and you’ll maximize the efficiency of the entire process.
Online inspection and evaluation
If you’re buying online, then online inspections are the way to go! Thorough service reports, VIN reports, and history overviews will help you assess the car’s condition without ever leaving your office.
Combine these documents with carefully examining photos, and you’ll get a clear and accurate picture of the car before making a purchase.
In some cases, your supplier may even have detailed appraisal reports from services like Dekra and Makadam, so you can get an independent expert evaluation for extra confidence in your purchase.
All in all, if you’re looking to assess cars quickly, efficiently, and reliably, then online documentation is all you need.
Logistics
Once you’ve bought a car, the next step is arranging transport. The most cost-effective and time-efficient solution is to use a trusted delivery service.
You can hire a transport company, or sign up for eCarsTrade Delivery Service to handle the transport process for you. Whatever option you choose, it’s more time-efficient and affordable to let professionals deal with logistics.
So, we always advise our clients to go with professional delivery services—it helps you save time and avoid unnecessary complications.
Vehicle registration and taxation
Even if you’re buying cars from other countries within the EU, you should still keep in mind that each country has its own local rules. That’s why you should always research the exact procedures for vehicle registration and taxation before buying.
If you’d like to avoid the risk of delays or unexpected costs, it’s better to hire a specialized import agency. These agencies are in tune with current regulations and legal requirements and have seen all the different scenarios firsthand, so you’ll always be in the clear.
Source cars internationally - with eCarsTrade it’s simple
Long story short, knowing how to buy cars from another country will give your dealership an advantage over competitors and open up new opportunities for sourcing quality vehicles at better prices.
With eCarsTrade, the entire process becomes easier—from finding, inspecting, and buying cars online to handling transport and export paperwork. Whether you’re buying within the EU or exporting beyond, we provide the tools and services to make it smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.
So, head over to our current auctions, and you’ll be able to start sourcing cars internationally right away.
Importing vehicles from Europe can be complex, but eCarsTrade is here to simplify the process. Learn how to:
