Spain Import Regulations

General Import Information

• • Age Restriction: There is no specific age restriction for used vehicles imported into Spain.
• • Left-Hand Drive: Left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are standard and permitted.
• • Destination Ports: Barcelona, Pasajes, and Santander are the primary entry ports for vehicle imports.
• • Shipping Logistics: Shipments via container take approximately 34–41 days with a weekly schedule from Japan.

Mandatory Technical Inspection (ITV)

• • Every imported vehicle must pass the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV) at an official testing station.
• • If a vehicle fails, all repairs must be completed within two months, followed by a mandatory re-test to avoid deregistration.

Duties & Taxes

• • VAT (IVA): A standard 21% VAT is applicable and payable at customs.
• • Registration Tax: Calculated based on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions, ranging from 0% to 14.75% of the market value.
• • Exemption: Returning residents who owned the vehicle for 6+ months and paid VAT in their origin country may apply for duty exemptions within one month of residency.

Vehicle Registration

• • Once cleared, registration must be finalized at the local Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico.
• • Temporary 10-day license plates can be issued for immediate use while final papers are processed.

Required Documentation

• • Original Certificate of Title and Registration.
• • Spanish motor vehicle liability insurance (seguro de vehículos).
• • EC Certificate of Conformity (COC) for homologation.
• • Proof of NIE number and residence permit.
• • Original Commercial / Purchase Invoice.
• • DNI (for Spanish nationals) or Passport.
• • Proof of road tax and ITV test completion.