Importing without the right timing can cost you more than necessary
Importing a vehicle without waiting for the right moment can mean paying more than you need to. Import duties and VAT become due the moment a vehicle is definitively imported into the EU. For vehicles approaching classic car status, for transit to another country, or for temporary import ahead of an event, storage under customs supervision can make the difference between an unnecessary expense and a well-timed decision.
What is temporary customs storage?
Your vehicle safely stored, your options kept open
With temporary customs storage, a vehicle is held in an authorised customs warehouse without import duties or VAT becoming immediately payable. The vehicle remains under customs supervision until you decide what happens next: definitive import, onward transit or sale. Marlog Europe manages the entire process from arrival to release. Here’s what we take care of:
Deferred import duties and VAT
You only pay tax at the point when the vehicle is definitively imported. Until then, your financial flexibility remains intact.Full customs handling
We take care of all formalities, declarations and communication with customs authorities throughout the storage period.Flexible duration
Whether you need a few weeks or several months, the storage period adapts to your schedule.Transport upon release
When you're ready, we arrange the release and onward transport to your chosen destination.Who is temporary customs storage suited to?
Owners of near-classic vehicles
Vehicles approaching 30 years of age qualify for lower import rates under classic car regulations. By keeping your vehicle in storage until it reaches that threshold, you can make a significant saving on import duties. We monitor the process and make sure the transition happens at the right moment.
Importers and exporters
Importing vehicles from outside the EU or moving them onwards to another country? Temporary storage gives you the flexibility to choose the right moment for definitive import or transit, without paying tax upfront.
Private individuals and businesses with temporary imports
Bringing a vehicle into the EU temporarily for an event, rally or exhibition? You can store the vehicle without going through a full import process. Afterwards, it can either be exported again or definitively imported.
Restorers and vehicle traders
Want to have a vehicle inspected, modified or restored before definitively importing it? The storage period gives you the time to complete all technical and administrative preparations beforehand.
Why choose Marlog Europe?
- Specialists in vehicle import and storageears of experience with classic cars, imported vehicles and luxury cars gives us an edge that you'll notice directly in the quality of our service.
- Secure and controlled facilitiesYour vehicle is stored in an environment that meets all customs requirements and where your property is fully protected.
- Complete peace of mindFrom arrival to release, we handle everything: customs formalities, storage, transport and advice. You have one point of contact for the entire process.
Your vehicle safely stored. Your options open. Arranged by Marlog Europe.
How does temporary customs storage work at Marlog Europe?
Marlog Europe supports you throughout the entire process, including:
- Storage of vehicles under customs supervision
- Deferral of import duties and VAT during the storage period
- Customs declarations and all associated formalities
- Guidance on reaching classic car status
- Onward transit to other destinations within or outside the EU
- Temporary import for events, rallies or exhibitions
- Transport upon release to your chosen destination
Ready to store your vehicle with Marlog Europe?
Want to know what temporary customs storage could mean for your situation? Get in touch and we'll talk you through the options.
Mark
Import Adviser
Frequently asked questions about temporary customs storage
Temporary customs storage means a vehicle is held in an authorised customs facility without import duties or VAT being charged immediately. The vehicle remains under customs supervision until you decide whether to import it definitively, move it onwards or sell it. Tax only becomes payable at the point when the vehicle leaves customs storage for permanent use within the EU.
The maximum storage period is set at 90 days by law, but can be extended under certain circumstances. We’ll guide you through the extension process and make sure you always remain within the legal limits. If you anticipate needing a longer period, get in touch and we’ll look at what’s possible.
No. As long as the vehicle is held in temporary customs storage, no import duties or VAT are due. These only become payable when the vehicle is definitively imported into the EU.
Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for classic car import rates, which means significantly lower import duties apply. If your vehicle is approaching that threshold, it can be financially worthwhile to keep it in storage until it qualifies. We’re happy to work out what that saving would look like in your specific situation.
To a limited extent, yes, but strict customs rules govern what work may be carried out on a vehicle while it is under customs supervision. We’ll brief you on this beforehand and make sure any work stays within the permitted boundaries.
Your vehicle is kept in a secure and controlled environment. For the specific insurance conditions that apply, we’d recommend getting in touch directly. We’ll make sure you’re fully informed of the terms before storage begins.
Yes. We can organise transport of your vehicle to our storage facility, whether from a port or another location. After the storage period, we also arrange delivery to your chosen destination. There’s no need to involve separate parties for this.
If you decide not to definitively import the vehicle into the EU, there are two options: it can be returned to the country of origin, or it can be moved onwards to a country outside the EU. We handle the customs formalities and transport in either case.
At a standard storage facility, a vehicle has already been definitively imported into the EU, meaning import duties and VAT have already been paid. With temporary customs storage, the vehicle hasn’t yet been formally imported. This gives you greater financial and logistical flexibility, since you can still decide what happens to the vehicle without having already paid tax on it.
Get in touch by emailing europe@mchnl.com or calling +31 (0) 165 305065. We’ll discuss your situation, let you know what information we need, and get your application underway as quickly as possible.