Bringing Used or Salvaged Cars from the United States to Lithuania

Bringing Used or Salvaged Cars from the United States to Lithuania

With the growing economic ties between the United States and the European Union, there is increasing interest in relocating to countries like Lithuania or exploring business opportunities there. One such opportunity that has gained popularity is exporting used U.S. vehicles to Lithuania. Lithuania has a growing auto market that is interested in readily available U.S. vehicles.

However, there are certain things you need to know if you want to enter the used auto market in Lithuania or bring your own U.S. vehicle to the country.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of importing a used U.S. vehicle into Lithuania. We will explain the procedures for clearing customs in both Lithuania and the United States, as well as the process of registering your vehicle once it arrives. Additionally, for those interested in the business potential of Lithuania, we will discuss the current trends and popular cars in the used car market.

Buying Used or Salvaged Cars at U.S. Auctions

If you are interested in importing used U.S. vehicles to Lithuania, you will want to know how to get the best deals on both used and salvage cars. The most effective way is through car auctions, where numerous used and salvage vehicles are sold at discounts of up to 80% every day.

In the past, only individuals and businesses with dealer's licenses could access these auctions. However, thanks to online car auctions, regular consumers and importers/exporters can now participate in these auctions. Online platforms list vehicles from certain dealer-only auction houses, providing access to a wide range of used and salvage U.S. cars at competitive prices.

Online car auctions offer the convenience of participating in auctions online, similar to eBay. To get started, set up an account and make an initial deposit, which will determine your bidding power. Connect with an experienced auction agent who will guide you through the process and share auctions that are not publicly displayed. This enables you to access a vast inventory of used and salvage U.S. cars at discounted prices.

Shipping Used or Salvaged Cars from the U.S. to Lithuania

If you have purchased a used vehicle through an online car auction or own a U.S. vehicle that you want to ship to Lithuania, arranging the shipping process is straightforward. As Lithuania is a major economic power in Europe, most U.S. ports offer shipping services to Lithuania from both the East and West Coasts.

There are two options for shipping: traditional container shipping or RORO shipping (roll-on roll-off). For valuable vehicles that require increased protection during transportation, traditional container shipping is recommended. However, if you are comfortable with a small amount of risk, RORO shipping is a cost-effective and convenient choice.

With RORO shipping, your vehicle is rolled onto the ship at the departure port and rolled off at the arrival port in Lithuania. This method offers cheaper shipping rates and hassle-free handling. The only potential risks are exposure to the elements and the need for the vehicle to be moved during transit. It is important to note that RORO shipping is available only at specific ports and from specific shippers.

The main arrival port of Klaipéda in Lithuania serves as the entry point for shipped vehicles. While there are other ports in the country, their availability for shipping from the United States is limited. For more information about the Port of Klaipéda, visit their official website.

Clearing U.S. Customs for Used or Salvaged Cars

After arranging the shipment of your used U.S. vehicle to Lithuania, you need to go through the process of clearing U.S. customs. Gather the Original Certificate of Title for your vehicle and obtain either a certified copy from a notary public or two complete copies from the issuing state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Present your vehicle and the required documents to U.S. Customs at the port of departure. Contact the Port Director of the departure port to determine the location of U.S. Customs. It is advisable to submit the documents to customs at least 72 hours before the ship's departure. This allows customs agents to review the paperwork, inspect the vehicle, and ensure compliance with regulations.

If the documentation is in order and the vehicle passes inspection, it will be cleared for loading. For more information on clearing U.S. customs when importing used vehicles to Lithuania, consult the United States Customs and Border Protection website.

Clearing Lithuanian Customs for Used or Salvaged Cars

When presenting a vehicle to Lithuanian customs, you will need the following documents:

• Completed Application Form

• Original Certificate of Title
• Original United States Vehicle Registration
• Proof of Insurance
• Passport or Driver's License
• Customs Clearance Declaration
• Original Bill of Lading

Upon arrival at the port, Lithuanian customs will check the documents and inspect the vehicle. To operate the vehicle on Lithuanian roads, you must register it or obtain a temporary (30-day) registration. For detailed information on registering a vehicle in Lithuania, refer to the sections below.

The application form for importing a used U.S. vehicle into Lithuania can be obtained from the Protocol Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information and to contact a representative from the Protocol Department, visit their website.

It is important to note that there are no significant restrictions on importing used motor vehicles into Lithuania, apart from complying with European Union safety and environmental standards. Vehicles can be either left-hand drive or right-hand drive, and there are no age restrictions for used cars imported into the country. However, certain older used vehicles with smaller engines may be eligible for tax breaks, which will be discussed further below.

Import Duties and Taxes for U.S. Vehicles Imported into Lithuania

As a member of the European Union, Lithuania imposes standard import duties on used U.S. vehicles. The applicable tariffs are as follows:

• 10% for regular passenger vehicles

• 5% for passenger vehicles with electric engines
• Between 11% and 22% for trucks, buses, and other large vehicles

The value of the vehicle will be determined by Lithuanian customs using standard references such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmund's. These references help assess the tax liability for imported used vehicles in Lithuania. The variations in import duties for trucks, buses, and larger vehicles depend on factors such as size, seating capacity, engine type, and emissions.

In addition to import tariffs, a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 21% is applicable. The VAT is calculated based on the value of the car. However, vehicles with gas-operated engines of 1600cc or smaller and diesel-operated engines of 1800cc or smaller, which are 7 years or older, are exempt from VAT. The age of the vehicle is determined by the date of manufacture, not the date of sale.

Lithuania allows a three-month grace period for payment of import tariffs and taxes. It is crucial to settle the accounts within this period, as failure to do so may result in the vehicle being exported.

Registering a U.S. Vehicle Imported into Lithuania

In order to legally drive an imported used vehicle in Lithuania, it must be registered. If you require a grace period after arriving in Lithuania, you can apply for temporary registration, which is valid for 30 days.

The registration of motor vehicles in Lithuania is handled by REGISTRA. They assist with both temporary and full vehicle registration. For full registration of your imported used U.S. car in Lithuania, the following documents need to be presented:

• Completed Registration Application
• Original Registration from the United States
• Personal Identification (Driver's License, Passport)
• Certificate of Conformity
• Commercial or Sales Document
• Proof of Insurance
• The Vehicle's Previous Registered Plates

A Certificate of Conformity is issued after a vehicle inspection to assess its roadworthiness and conformity with European Union safety and emissions standards.

For more detailed information about the registration process, visit REGISTRA's website. The registration process for imported used U.S. vehicles in Lithuania begins there.