Turnkey Car Customs Clearance in Ukraine

How the Process Works

If you handle the customs clearance of a car imported from the U.S. to Ukraine on your own, it can take a long time. Freight forwarding companies with experience in customs accreditation can help you complete the process quickly.

The “turnkey” car customs clearance process works as follows:

• A suitable vehicle is selected at an auction.
• The vehicle’s condition and history are checked.
• A contract is signed, and payment is made.
• The vehicle is deregistered in the U.S.
• It is imported into the country.
• Customs duties are paid.
• Registration is completed at the MREV, and the vehicle receives a technical passport and other title documents.
• License plates are installed.

That completes the paperwork. Legalization can take 2 to 3 days. This timeframe applies only if a complete set of documents has been submitted and there are no issues with them; otherwise, you’ll have to wait just as long. Used vehicles must meet Euro 2 emissions standards, while new vehicles (including trucks) must meet Euro 5 standards. If the vehicle does not meet these standards, registration cannot be processed. You can clear customs for any number of cars imported from the U.S.

What Happens If You Don’t Clear a Car Imported from the U.S. Through Customs

Car enthusiasts often wonder what will happen if they don’t clear a car through customs in Ukraine. In such cases, the law provides for a fine. The amount of the fine depends on how long the vehicle has been in the country:

• No more than three days—850 UAH; sometimes just a warning.
• Up to ten days or for a repeat offense—5,100 UAH.
• From ten to twenty days—17,000 UAH.
• From twenty days to one month—85,000 UAH.
• More than one month—170,000 USD, sometimes confiscation.

Cost of clearing a car from the U.S. The cost of clearing a car at the Port of Odessa in 2020 depends on the year of manufacture and the vehicle’s components. Currently, the clearance process can be completed quite inexpensively. To determine the amount of the excise tax, you must multiply the base rate by an age coefficient (for cars 15 years old or older, this coefficient is fixed at 15) and by the engine displacement in liters (to calculate this, divide the displacement in cubic centimeters by 1,000). The base rate is determined as follows:

• Gasoline engine up to 3,000 cm³—50 €,
• over 3,000 cm³—100 €.
• Diesel engine up to 3,500 cm³—75 €,
• over 3,500 cm³—150 €.

In the case of an electric vehicle, the excise tax is calculated at a rate of 1 € per 1 kWh; no other taxes apply. When clearing a car from the U.S. through customs in Ukraine, other taxes are also payable:

• import duty. It amounts to 10% of the price for personal vehicles and 20% for buses designed to carry 10 or more people. When purchasing an electric vehicle, the owner is exempt from this payment. The price is indicated on the customs declaration; however, customs officials may dispute it and order an appraisal.
• VAT: 20% of the value, plus excise tax on the customs clearance of American cars in Ukraine and customs duties. VAT on the customs clearance of vehicles in Odesa is not required when purchasing an electric vehicle.

Why “Star Trans Logistic”?

We have been providing freight forwarding services for over 20 years. Our team consists of professionals who know their business inside and out. They handle vehicle customs clearance in Ukraine quickly and take absolutely all the hassle off the client’s hands. Every stage of our collaboration is meticulously planned, and we process requests almost instantly. Our experience allows us to handle complex tasks, and assigning a dedicated manager to each client guarantees a personalized approach and a precise solution to any problem. We assume full financial responsibility. By contacting us, you’ll be able to buy a car abroad without spending a fortune. Our clients know exactly what they’re paying for—we provide a detailed report.