In short: clearing customs for a car imported from outside the EU means filing a DUA (Single Administrative Document) with the AEAT, paying (or claiming exemption from) VAT 21% + import duties ~10%, and receiving the H1 certificate that proves legal clearance. Without H1 you can't continue the process (ITV → IEDMT → DGT).
In person or by representative? The DUA is filed online (with electronic certificate / Cl@ve) and a customs broker / agente de aduanas can file it on your behalf. Only the physical inspection of the vehicle at a land customs office requires appearing in person.
Who files the DUA
- You as an individual — with electronic certificate or Cl@ve via AEAT sede. Possible but technically complex (54 fields, customs nomenclature, CN and régimen codes).
- Customs broker / agente de aduanas — specialised firm (Aduanas Merino, Aduanas Gracia, etc.) files on your behalf. Service cost: €200-500. Recommended for individuals.
Required documents
- Original registration certificate from the country of origin.
- Sale invoice or purchase contract with value in euros (or equivalent).
- Proof of vehicle entry into EU customs territory: ferry ticket, customs stamps from first EU country (Poland, Hungary, Romania), Green Card (international insurance).
- ID document (TIE/DNI).
- CoC (European Certificate of Conformity) if available.
- For traslado de residencia exemption: documents proving the 5 conditions (see UA-PT card).
Two paths
- Standard: you pay VAT 21% on value + import duty ~10% (TARIC code 8703.23.90 for passenger cars 1500-3000 cc petrol). For an €8,000-15,000 car this is €2,500-4,600 in customs taxes.
- Traslado de residencia exemption: €0 VAT and €0 duty, with régimen code 40.00 101 in the DUA and the franchise mention in field 31. Applies if you meet the 5 conditions of EU Reg 1186/2009.
Output: the DUA accepted with a CSV authentication code and the H1 certificate. In the DUA, field 47 shows amounts paid (or zeros if exempt); field 37 shows the régimen code.
Time: same day or 24-48h if all documents are in order.
Official source: AEAT — Vehicles and vessels.
Informational only; check the official source and a customs broker for your specific case.
