0% duty — US-built cars
Was this car assembled in the USA?
0% duty on US-built cars — what changed in July 2026
Under the EU–US trade agreement, since early July 2026 passenger cars manufactured or finally assembled in the United States qualify for a zero customs duty rate when imported into the European Union. The previous rate was 10% of the car's customs value. The preference runs until December 31, 2029. What matters is the country of assembly, not the brand. A BMW from Spartanburg, a Mercedes from Tuscaloosa or a Toyota from Kentucky qualify for 0% duty just like a Ford or a Chevrolet. Conversely, an "American" brand assembled in Canada (VIN starting with 2) or Mexico (VIN starting with 3) pays the full 10%. The easiest way to check is the VIN. The first character indicates the manufacturer's country: 1, 4 or 5 means the USA. Our checker goes further — it pulls the plant country and city from the NHTSA database, so the answer is based on production data, not just the WMI code. The cost difference is significant. For a car with a customs value of €18,000, the duty alone is €1,800. VAT is also calculated on the value including duty, so the zero rate lowers the VAT base too. In practice, a US-assembled car is about 12% cheaper to import than an identical car assembled elsewhere.
FAQ
Which cars qualify for 0% duty?
Passenger cars manufactured or finally assembled in the USA — regardless of brand. A BMW from Spartanburg, a Mercedes from Tuscaloosa or a Toyota from Kentucky qualify just like a Ford or a Chevrolet. The car must also be bought at a US auction (priced in USD) — lots from Canadian yards don't qualify.
How do I check the assembly country by VIN?
The first VIN character indicates the manufacturer's country: 1, 4 or 5 means the USA. Our checker additionally pulls the plant country and city from the NHTSA database.
Do cars assembled in Canada or Mexico get 0% duty too?
No. The preference applies only to cars assembled in the USA. A VIN starting with 2 (Canada) or 3 (Mexico) means the standard 10% duty.
Since when and until when does the 0% duty apply?
The EU regulation entered into force in early July 2026. The preferential rate is set to run until December 31, 2029.
How much do I actually save?
For a customs value of €18,000, the duty alone is €1,800. VAT is calculated on the value including duty, so the zero rate lowers the VAT base as well — the total saving is about 12% of the import cost.
Did import VAT change too?
No, the VAT rate is unchanged. However, the VAT base is lower because it no longer includes the 10% duty.