In the process of importing a car to Portugal, the Brand Representative (Representante da Marca) plays a crucial role, particularly when the vehicle is from outside the EU, does not have a European Certificate of Conformity (COC), or has been modified.
Role of the Brand Representative in Car Imports
A Brand Representative is an official agent or distributor of the vehicle manufacturer within Portugal. They are authorized to validate and provide technical information about the vehicle, ensuring it meets EU and Portuguese standards for safety, emissions, and roadworthiness. Their involvement is essential in certain cases to complete the import approval process.
When a Brand Representative Is Needed
Non-EU Imports: Vehicles imported from outside the EU often lack the COC, a document that certifies compliance with European standards. In such cases, the Brand Representative can issue or validate a technical data sheet, providing the necessary information for Portuguese authorities.
Individual Approval (Homologatie): If the vehicle has no EU type approval or has been modified (for example, changes to the engine, emissions system, or body), it requires an individualized homologation process. The Brand Representative helps confirm that the modifications meet Portuguese regulations or assists in creating an equivalent approval document for the vehicle.
Technisch Inspectie Support: For the mandatory inspection (Category B), which verifies that the vehicle complies with national standards, the Brand Representative’s documentation helps the inspection center understand and verify the vehicle’s technical specifications.
Older or Unique Vehicles: Vehicles that are unique, vintage, or uncommon in Europe may need specialized documentation from the Brand Representative to ensure compatibility with local road requirements.
Why the Brand Representative Is Important
The involvement of a Brand Representative ensures that the import process aligns with Portuguese standards, facilitating a smoother approval and registration. They provide essential technical details that might otherwise be unavailable, making their role indispensable in cases where standard certification documents are missing or additional approvals are required.
At Car Import Portugal, we coordinate with the relevant Brand Representative as needed, ensuring that all technical verifications are in place to meet IMT en douane requirements, thus simplifying the import process for you.
