Why does the shipment go through Klaipeda instead of directly to Odesa?

Sea freight to Black Sea ports carries elevated war-related risk, which makes vessel and container insurance significantly more expensive, and some shipping lines don't call at Ukrainian ports at all. Klaipeda is a major, reliably operating EU port with direct sea lines from the USA; from there the car is delivered to Ukraine by truck. This route is more reliable and often faster.

How long does shipping take on the USA to Klaipeda to Ukraine route?

The full journey usually takes 45-60 days: 3-7 days to move the car from the auction to a US port, 25-35 days for the ocean crossing, and another 5-10 days for port handling in Klaipeda and truck delivery to Odesa. Exact timing depends on the shipping line's schedule and port congestion.

Do I have to pay EU customs duties while transiting through Klaipeda?

No. The car is processed under a customs transit procedure (a T1 document), which allows the cargo to move through EU territory without paying EU duties or VAT. All customs payments are made once, when the car is cleared in Ukraine.

How does customs clearance work in Ukraine after shipping via Klaipeda?

Once the truck arrives at the Ukrainian border or a bonded warehouse, the car is declared under the standard procedure: an electronic customs declaration is filed, duty, excise tax, and VAT are paid, and the car undergoes conformity certification. Our brokers manage the process from filing the declaration through to handing you the finished documents.

How can I track the car at every stage of the route?

As soon as the car is loaded at the US port, you receive the container number and vessel details, which you can use to track the shipment on the carrier's website. During the truck leg from Klaipeda, our manager gives you an estimated arrival date and keeps you updated at each key stage.

Vehicle Certification in Ukraine

Certification of cars from the U.S. by Star Trans Logistic offers a quick way to obtain a certificate of compliance with European safety standards. We serve all regions of Ukraine: Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, and others.

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We've compiled a list of questions that our customers are interested in

It is a check that the car meets the requirements for use in Ukraine, first of all the emission standard. The result is a document (a certificate or a compliance statement) that is needed to register the car.

If the car’s documents do not state an emission standard (or there are doubts), a compliance statement is required: without it the car cannot be registered. Before bidding at auction, we check what the documents state and tell you in advance whether certification will be needed.

Used passenger cars must meet at least Euro 2, new passenger cars Euro 6, and trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles at least Euro 5. For cars from the USA, compliance is confirmed by documents and a label with emission compliance data (US or California standards).

The usual order is: prepare the car’s documents, present the car for inspection at an accredited laboratory, receive the compliance statement or certificate, and then register the car at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (formerly MREO). We take these steps on ourselves.

Usually you need the car’s documents (title), the documents on import and customs clearance, the owner’s details and the car itself for inspection. The exact list is given by the laboratory after reviewing the documents, and we will advise you in advance.

The cost depends on the car and on which documents you already have. We include it in the overall calculation before you buy the lot.

Certification itself takes 1 day with a complete set of documents. Customs clearance usually takes 2–3 days, and the whole journey from purchase at auction to receiving the keys takes 45–60 days on average.

If a car does not meet the minimum emission standard, it cannot be registered. That is why we check the standard before the lot is bought. If the car has already been imported and does not fit, the situation must be handled individually with the laboratory and the broker.

Years on the market

9550

Satisfied customers

15300

Cleared cars

1235

Сargo delivered in 2025

Favorable conditions for dealers

Certification of Cars from the USA in Ukraine

Updated October 2026.

In short. Certification of a car from the USA in Ukraine is a check that the car meets the requirements for use, first of all the emission standard. Without a certificate or a compliance statement, the car cannot be registered. Star Trans Logistic completes certification in 1 working day with a complete set of documents.

Why Certification Is Needed

To use a car from the USA in Ukraine legally, it must be registered, and registration requires a compliance document. If the car’s documents do not state an emission standard (or there are doubts), a certificate or statement is required. We check this before the lot is bought at auction and tell you in advance whether certification will be needed.

What Requirements Apply

Used passenger cars must meet an emission standard of at least Euro 2, new passenger cars Euro 6, and trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles at least Euro 5. For cars from the USA, compliance is confirmed by documents and a label with emission compliance data (US or California standards). If a car does not meet the minimum standard, it cannot be registered.

What Is Checked During Certification

The car’s documents are checked, along with whether its construction and condition meet the established requirements: the lighting system and light devices (headlights, marker lights, turn signals, brake lights), the brake system, steering, tires and emission indicators. The car must be in working order and safe for the driver and other road users. If there are faults, for example the engine or lights do not work, they must be fixed before the document is issued. Sometimes a car needs to be adjusted to local requirements for registration (for example, the lights); this is discussed with the laboratory for the specific model.

How Certification Works

We prepare the car’s documents (title, customs clearance documents).
We present the car for inspection at an accredited laboratory.
We receive the certificate or compliance statement.
We register the car at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and receive the registration documents and license plates.

We take care of the whole package of work.

How Long It Takes and How Much It Costs

Certification takes 1 working day with a complete set of documents and a car in working order. If repairs or adjustments are needed, the time increases by the time the work takes. The cost depends on the car and the amount of work. We include it in the overall calculation before you buy the lot.

Why Star Trans Logistic

We have worked since 2006 and accompany the car from auction to registration: lot selection, shipping, customs clearance, certification, registration. We show the cost and timing in advance, we work under a contract, and a personal manager is assigned to you.

How to Order

Submit a request on our website or call us: a manager will clarify the car, calculate the cost and agree on the terms.

Contact Information

Address

103 Chernomorskogo Kazachestva St., Odessa, 65003

Phone Numbers

+38 (063) 242 32 45

+38 (067) 441 55 33

office@startranslog.com.ua

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