Case Study 47 – Audi Q8 and Motorcycle from the Netherlands

This customer had recently moved from the Netherlands to Portugal and wanted to import his Audi Q8, a BMW motorcycle, and a trailer. Because the move qualified as a change of residence, the Audi Q8 could be imported tax-free. Motorcycles imported from another EU country are subject to relatively low taxes, making the import financially viable.

The trailer was initially included in the plan, but it broke down before the import process began. As a result, the customer decided not to proceed with importing the trailer.

Document Collection

Collecting the required documents proved to be one of the biggest challenges in this case. The customer did an excellent job gathering everything that was requested. However, for unclear reasons, customs did not actively process the file for several months. During this time, we contacted customs repeatedly to follow up on the status.

While the application was already pending, customs suddenly decided that an additional document had become mandatory: a Social Security clearance certificate (proof of no outstanding social security debts). Instead of communicating this change, the file was simply put on hold again. Classic bureaucratic logic.

Eventually, we discovered that customs had mistakenly applied a new rule to this older application. Unfortunately, even after acknowledging the mistake, they were unable to make an exception. The customer was required to provide the document regardless. Because he was abroad at the time, obtaining this certificate took several additional weeks.

Once all documents were finally complete, customs continued to work slowly but eventually approved the process. This was one of the slowest import cases we have handled, and there was no clear or logical explanation for the delays.

Vehicle Inspection

During the inspection, the inspector initially insisted that Part 2 of the Dutch vehicle registration was missing. We were able to clarify that this document only exists, and is only required, when a vehicle is registered with export plates. After explaining this, the issue was resolved and the Audi Q8 passed the inspection without further problems.

Motorcycle Import

The motorcycle import moved considerably faster. In fact, the customer received the Portuguese license plate for the motorcycle long before the car was approved. While the motorcycle process still took longer than average, it was not delayed by several months as the car import was.

Final Outcome

In the end, both the car and the motorcycle were approved, although the process took significantly longer than we are accustomed to.

Key Takeaways

• Customs may, in rare cases, leave import files untouched for weeks or even months
• Documentation requirements can change mid-process (also rare, but possible)
• Part 2 of the Dutch vehicle registration is only required—and only available—when a vehicle has export plates