Short answer: You usually ship a car to Uruguay by RoRo (roll-on/roll-off): the roadworthy vehicle is driven onto the ship in Hamburg and travels across the Atlantic to Montevideo, the country’s main port on the Río de la Plata. However, it is not the route that is crucial, but the import process: Uruguay imposes strict restrictions on the import of second-hand vehicles, and for private individuals this is often only permitted in exceptional cases. You should therefore check before purchasing whether import is permitted at all, and ensure you have the commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents and proof of export to hand.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy vehicles bound for Uruguay.
- The port of destination is Montevideo – and, at the same time, a hub for the region.
- There are restrictions on the import of second-hand cars – Clarify admissibility in advance.
- Transit is an important use case for onward delivery to the region.
- Documents complete Required documents: commercial invoice, B/L, vehicle documents, proof of export.
What makes Montevideo such a great port of call?
Montevideo lies on the Río de la Plata and is Uruguay’s main seaport. The port is a regional hub: cargo is not only unloaded here for the Uruguayan market, but is also transhipped to neighbouring countries such as Paraguay.
What is the route from Hamburg, and how long does it take?
From Hamburg, the maritime route crosses the Atlantic to the east coast of South America. Ro-Ro services often call at several ports in the region before reaching the Río de la Plata. The transit time is in the region of several weeks and depends on the timetable and port rotation. Our article on the region provides an overview of Ro-Ro shipping to South America.
What sort of cargo can you ship to Uruguay?
As well as passenger cars, Ro-Ro services are suitable for agricultural machinery, ‘high & heavy’ cargo such as construction machinery or lorries, and project cargo. Vehicles in running order roll on board; goods that cannot roll or are oversized are loaded onto flat racks, whilst vehicles requiring special protection are also loaded into containers. ODS Orient, a freight forwarder based in Hamburg, has been organising all three options since 1974.
What do you need to bear in mind regarding documents and customs?
Uruguay imposes restrictive regulations on the import of second-hand vehicles; for private individuals, such imports are often severely restricted. Exceptions apply, for example, to certain groups such as returnees or diplomats, as well as to vehicles in transit. You should therefore check with the relevant authorities in Uruguay or your freight forwarder before making a purchase to confirm whether importation is permitted in your case. On the German side, export is handled via the electronic ATLAS export declaration; the basics are explained in the German customs.
Why is transit via Montevideo so important?
Some of the vehicles do not enter the Uruguayan market at all, but are forwarded elsewhere. Different procedures apply to such consignments than to imports; the country of destination and transit status must be clearly and consistently stated in the documents.
What practical tips can make shipping easier?
Allow plenty of time, as Ro-Ro sailings to Montevideo do not run daily. Remove any personal belongings, take photos to document the condition of the vehicle, and clarify the clearance procedures at the port of destination in advance. Many of the procedures are similar to those in the neighbouring market – find out more in our guide on how to Ship a car to Brazil.
FAQ
How long does it take for a shipment to reach Uruguay?
The sea journey from Hamburg takes several weeks, not to mention the pre- and post-carriage and customs clearance.
As a private individual, am I allowed to import a second-hand car into Uruguay?
Often only to a limited extent. Be sure to check whether this is permitted before making a purchase.
Is RoRo or container shipping better?
For roadworthy vehicles, RoRo is usually the simplest solution; a container is worth considering for non-roadworthy vehicles or where greater protection is required.
Can I ship agricultural machinery to Montevideo?
Yes. Agricultural machinery that can be rolled on and ‘high & heavy’ loads are transported by RoRo, whilst units that cannot be rolled on are transported on flat racks.
Can Montevideo be used as a port of transit?
Yes, Montevideo serves as a hub for the region, for example for onward shipments to Paraguay.
Who is responsible for exports in Germany?
Your freight forwarder can complete the ATLAS export declaration on your behalf.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.
