Buying a car in Europe

If you as a private person wish to buy a car in another EU country and subsequently want to import it into Belgium, you must follow the following procedure:

• Check what VAT and taxes apply.
• Make sure you have the required documents: invoice and certificate of registration.
• Obtain a European Certificate of Conformity.
• Organise the transport.
• Report to the Belgian customs with your car.
• Have the technical condition of your car inspected – especially, if it is a second-hand car.
• Insure your car.
• Register your car with the Dienst voor Inschrijving van Voertuigen (DIV) (Department for the Registration of Vehicles).
• Pay the required taxes.

Carefully consider before you buy a car. Have you signed a contract? In that case, you cannot reconsider your decision. You do not have the right of withdrawal, unless one of the following rare cases applies:

• You bought your car at a distance or online. In that case, you will be entitled to a withdrawal period of fourteen days. 
• Your order form contains a condition precedent, which stipulates that the sale may be cancelled if you are refused the loan.

If you have any questions about the guarantee or the reliability of the offer, the European Centre for the Consumer will explain what you should do in the event of problems with the guarantee or how to prevent fraud.

Are you looking into buying a car in Belgium? ECC Belgium informs you on two things you should bear in mind.