Paying Vehicle Tax

In The Netherlands you have to pay BPM (special vehicle tax for cars and motorcycles) for all vehicles that get Dutch license plates for the first time, including imported cars. Dutch Customs calculates the payable amount when the car is being inspected by the RDW (Dutch Department for Motor Vehicles). Before you can obtain license plates for your vehicle the BPM has to be paid first. But how can you know in advance how much you have to pay for your specific vehicle?

Calculating the BPM amount

Please do not rely on the many free websites that offer an online BPM calculation. Although these websites are an excellent way to get an estimate of the BPM amount you have to pay, please do not expect this to be exactly equal to what Dutch Customs will charge you. This is especially true for all vehicles that are normally not available at car dealers in The Netherlands.

SCL Rotterdam can make a detailed BPM-calculation for your vehicle. Because we utilize the same methods as Dutch Customs does, our pre-calculation is as accurate as possible. Your benefit: no unpleasant financial surprises and a clear insight in the costs envolved.

Exceptions on paying BPM

In a limited number of cases you do not have to pay BPM when you import a vehicle:

• Your vehicle's age is 20 years or older
• You are shipping your vehicle as a part of your household goods if you are moving to Europe

To get approved for the lastmentioned removal arrangement your specific situation needs to meet a number of criteria. Please read more on the Dutch Removal Arrangement at the Vehicle Relocations page.