Netherlands
Importing a JDM to the Netherlands.
EU duty 6.5% · VAT 21% · BPM (power-based) · RDW registration · Budget BPM carefully
Indicative cost overview
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Customs duty (EU) | 6.5% of FOB |
| VAT (BTW) | 21% |
| BPM (passenger car tax) | High for powerful cars* |
| RDW approval / inspection | Case-by-case |
| RHD | Allowed after approval |
*BPM is complex and power-sensitive; high-output JDM turbos can trigger large BPM—model your case before buying.
Detailed costs
The Netherlands applies EU import duty and 21% BTW on imports. The major variable is BPM (Belasting van Personenauto’s en Motorrijwielen): a registration tax that can dominate the budget for high-power vehicles. Older cars may benefit from age-related BPM reductions—verify current RDW tables.
Shipping via Rotterdam or neighbouring ports is common; inland transport and RDW inspection follow.
BPM in plain terms
BPM scales with CO₂ and net power in ways that punish heavy-performance engines unless exemptions apply. Importing a near-stock car with documented factory output matters for the calculation.
Compare total landed cost including BPM against other EU countries if you have flexibility on where to register (subject to residence rules).
RDW approval
RDW registers vehicles and issues Dutch plates after technical compliance. Japanese imports typically need single vehicle approval aligned with EU/NL rules. Your service provider coordinates inspection and paperwork.
RHD in the Netherlands
The Netherlands drives on the right; RHD imports are possible but daily ergonomics and overtaking differ from LHD. Homologation addresses lighting and safety; insurance may price RHD differently.
Common questions
Why is BPM so high for some JDM cars?+
What does RDW do for imports?+
Is importing to the Netherlands cheaper than France for JDM?+
Next steps
Estimate taxes and homologation for your build in our calculator, review how we work from Japan to your door, brush up on JDM terms, or talk to the team.