Short answer: You can ship a car to Argentina by Ro-Ro across the South Atlantic, usually from Bremerhaven or Hamburg, with the destination being Buenos Aires (partly Zárate). Transport by sea takes several weeks. The key factor is customs: Argentina’s vehicle imports are strictly regulated. You must therefore check in advance with Argentine customs and your freight forwarder whether your vehicle is eligible for import and under what conditions.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy vehicles bound for Argentina.
- Port of destination: Buenos Aires, and also Zárate on the Río Paraná.
- Route: across the South Atlantic, taking several weeks from Northern Europe.
- Imports are strictly regulated – Check the requirements in advance.
- Documents and customs are key to ensuring a smooth import process.
How does shipping to Argentina work?
Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading – usually Bremerhaven or Hamburg in Germany – secured in place, and then driven off again at the port of destination. The route takes you across the South Atlantic, following the east coast of South America. To find out how the neighbouring region is connected, see our guide to Shipping to South America.
Which ports are relevant?
- Buenos Aires: the most important port and the main gateway for vehicle imports.
- Zárate: A major port for ships and container terminals on the River Paraná, upstream from Buenos Aires.
You choose the appropriate port of destination in consultation with your freight forwarder, depending on the route and destination.
How long does the transport take?
The journey time depends on the route, the shipping line and the timetable. For the route from Northern Europe via the South Atlantic to Argentina, you should allow for several weeks. Your freight forwarder will provide you with exact times when you make your booking – be sure to factor in the lead time and the cut-off time at the port of loading.
What are the import regulations in Argentina?
Argentina generally permits the import of vehicles, but regulates it strict: Specific authorisation, registration and customs requirements apply, and not every vehicle can be imported without further ado. Special rules apply in some cases to returning citizens, diplomats and household effects. The best way to find out whether your vehicle can be imported – and under what conditions – is to before the clearance process with Argentine customs.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Argentinian customs and import documents and, where applicable, licences
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. We’ll explain exactly what’s important when it comes to the paperwork at Customs and documentation for Ro-Ro shipping.
How do you plan transport properly?
- Check import eligibility – liaise with Argentine customs and the freight forwarder at an early stage.
- Set the destination port and route.
- Compile all the documents.
- Document condition – Taking photos before loading helps in the event of complaints.
- Book RoRo shipping, take out insurance and arrange tracking.
FAQ
Which port is used for shipping to Argentina?
Usually via Buenos Aires, and sometimes via Zárate. The appropriate port of destination depends on the route and final destination and is agreed with the freight forwarder.
How long does it take for a shipment to reach Argentina?
The journey time depends on the route and timetable. From Northern Europe via the South Atlantic, the journey is expected to take several weeks.
Can I ship a second-hand car to Argentina?
Transport is possible, but importation is strictly regulated. You should check with Argentine customs in advance to find out whether your vehicle is eligible for import.
What documents do I need to prepare?
In particular, the commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents and proof of export, as well as the Argentine customs and import documents, including any necessary authorisations.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended. You should also document the condition of the vehicle before loading.
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.
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Short answer: The easiest way to ship a car to Mexico is by Ro-Ro via ports such as Veracruz or Altamira on the Gulf Coast. The transport itself is straightforward – the more complicated part is customs: Mexico regulates vehicle imports, and special regulations and documentation requirements apply to second-hand vehicles. You should therefore check in advance with Mexican customs and your freight forwarder to ensure your vehicle is eligible for import.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy vehicles bound for Mexico.
- Major ports: Veracruz and Altamira on the Gulf Coast.
- Imports are regulated – particularly in the case of second-hand vehicles.
- Documents and customs are key to ensuring a smooth import process.
- Check import eligibility in advance, before you book.
How do I ship a car to Mexico?
Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading – usually Bremerhaven or Hamburg in Germany – secured on board, and then driven off the ship again at the destination port in Mexico. We’ll show you how the region as a whole is connected at Shipping to Central America.
Which ports in Mexico are of significance?
- Veracruz: The most important port on the Gulf Coast, with good connections to Europe.
- Altamira: a major industrial and transhipment port.
On the Pacific side, there are other ports to consider. You choose the appropriate port of destination in consultation with your freight forwarder, depending on the route and final destination.
Can I import a second-hand car into Mexico?
Mexico regulates the import of vehicles. Special regulations apply to second-hand vehicles, some of which include age limits and require additional documentation. The best way to find out whether your vehicle is eligible for import – and under what conditions – is to before the booking with Mexican customs and your freight forwarder – this will prevent the vehicle from getting stuck at the port.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Mexican customs and import documents
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. We explain the role played by the bill of lading and the telex release in this context under Customs and documents for RoRo.
What practical tips do you find helpful?
- Plan ahead: Customs and paperwork need time to be sorted out.
- Document the condition: Draw up a photographic record before the handover.
- Clarify transport arrangements: What happens once you arrive at your destination port?
- Take out insurance: Shipping companies’ liability rarely covers the full value.
FAQ
Which port is best suited for Mexico?
On the Gulf Coast, Veracruz and Altamira are the main ports of call. Which one is best depends on your destination and route.
Can I ship a second-hand car to Mexico?
The import of second-hand vehicles is subject to regulation and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please check the conditions with Mexican customs in advance.
How long does it take to ship to Mexico?
The journey time depends on the route and timetable. A journey from Northern Europe to the Gulf Coast is likely to take several weeks.
Which documents are absolutely essential?
Commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents, proof of export and the Mexican import documents.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
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.
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Short answer: You can ship a car to South Korea by RoRo via ports such as Busan, Incheon or Pyeongtaek. The transport process is standard – the important thing is customs: imported vehicles must meet certain Type-approval, emissions and safety requirements meet. You should therefore check the exact requirements for your vehicle in advance with Korean customs and your haulage contractor.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy vehicles bound for South Korea.
- Major ports: Busan, Incheon, Pyeongtaek.
- Type approval & emissions standards: Imported vehicles must comply with Korean regulations.
- Check import eligibility in advance – particularly in the case of second-hand vehicles.
- Documents and customs are key to ensuring a smooth import process.
How does shipping to South Korea work?
Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading – usually Bremerhaven or Hamburg in Germany – secured in place, and then driven off the ship again at the destination port in Korea. To see how the region is connected as a whole, please visit Ro-Ro shipping to Asia.
Which ports in South Korea are relevant?
- Busan: the country’s largest port and most important transhipment centre.
- Incheon: A port near the Seoul metropolitan area.
- Pyeongtaek: a major port for shipping and industry.
You choose the appropriate port of destination in consultation with your freight forwarder, depending on the route and destination.
What import regulations apply in South Korea?
South Korea permits the import of vehicles, but has set clear requirements: imported vehicles must Type-approval, emissions and safety standards meet these requirements; in some cases, a conformity check is required. Special rules apply to returning citizens and in certain circumstances. The best way to find out whether your vehicle is eligible for import and under what conditions is to before the clearance process with Korean customs.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Korean customs and import documents and, where applicable, certificates of conformity
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. Our guide to explains how a local market works Shipping to Japan.
How do you plan transport properly?
- Clarify import and registration requirements – including Korean customs and freight forwarding.
- Set the destination port and route.
- Compile all the documents.
- Ensure that the lead time and cut-off time are observed.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
FAQ
Can I ship a second-hand car to South Korea?
In principle, importation is possible, but it is subject to registration and emissions requirements. Please check the requirements for your vehicle with Korean customs in advance.
Which ports are suitable?
Mainly Busan, Incheon and Pyeongtaek. The appropriate port depends on the route and destination.
How long does it take for a shipment to reach South Korea?
The journey time depends on the route and timetable. Journeys from Northern Europe to East Asia are likely to take several weeks.
What requirements must my vehicle meet?
Generally, these are type-approval, emissions and safety standards. In some cases, a conformity assessment is required. The details depend on the vehicle.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
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.
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Short answer: You can ship a vehicle to Egypt by Ro-Ro via ports such as Alexandria, Port Said or Damietta. The process is standard – the real hurdle is customs: Egypt has particularly strict import regulations for vehicles, and the import of second-hand vehicles is heavily restricted. You must therefore check in advance with Egyptian customs and your freight forwarder to ensure your vehicle is eligible for import.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for vehicles bound for Egypt.
- Major ports: Alexandria, Port Said, Damietta.
- Imports are strictly regulated – particularly in the case of second-hand vehicles.
- Check import eligibility in advance – otherwise the vessel risks running aground in the harbour.
- Documents and customs are the crucial part of the planning process.
How does Ro-Ro shipping to Egypt work?
Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading – usually Bremerhaven or Hamburg in Germany – secured in place, and then driven off the ship again at the destination port in Egypt. We’ll show you the options available across the Middle East as a whole at Reaching the Middle East by RoRo.
Which ports in Egypt are of relevance?
- Alexandria: the country’s most important Mediterranean port.
- Port Said: a major transhipment centre at the northern exit of the Suez Canal.
- Damietta: another relevant port on the Mediterranean coast.
You choose the appropriate port of destination in consultation with your freight forwarder, depending on the route and destination.
Am I allowed to import a vehicle into Egypt?
That is the crucial question. Egypt has particularly strict import regulations for vehicles, and the import of second-hand vehicles is severely restricted. Special rules with strict conditions apply to certain groups of people – such as returning citizens. You will need to check whether your specific vehicle is eligible for import before clarify this with Egyptian customs at the time of booking. Shipping without this check poses the greatest risk.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Egyptian customs and import documents
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. We provide an overview of the costs and general conditions in the region at Shipment to the Middle East.
How do you plan transport properly?
- Check import eligibility – including Egyptian customs clearance and freight forwarding.
- Set the destination port and route.
- Compile all the documents.
- Ensure that the lead time and cut-off time are observed.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
FAQ
Can I ship a second-hand car to Egypt?
The import of second-hand vehicles is strictly restricted. You will need to check with Egyptian customs in advance to see whether this is possible in your case.
Which ports in Egypt are suitable?
Mainly Alexandria, Port Said and Damietta. The appropriate port depends on the route and destination.
How long does the shipment take?
Journey times are shorter from the Mediterranean region and longer from Northern Europe. Exact journey times depend on the route and timetable.
Why is the import inspection so important?
Because a vehicle that isn’t roadworthy could end up stranded at the port – incurring storage and return transport costs. Checking this before you book protects you from that.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
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.
Sources
Short answer: You can ship a car to Vietnam by RoRo via ports such as Hai Phong (in the north) or Ho Chi Minh City (in the south). The transport itself is straightforward – the real hurdle is customs: Vietnam has very strict regulations on vehicle imports, and the import of second-hand vehicles is heavily restricted. It is therefore essential that you check in advance with Vietnamese customs and your freight forwarder to ensure your vehicle is eligible for import.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for vehicles bound for Vietnam.
- Major ports: Hai Phong in the north, Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
- Imports are strictly regulated – particularly in the case of second-hand vehicles.
- Check import eligibility in advance, otherwise the vehicle risks becoming stranded in the harbour.
- Documents and customs are the crucial part of the planning process.
How does shipping to Vietnam work?
Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading – usually Bremerhaven or Hamburg in Germany – secured in place, and then driven off the ship again at the destination port in Vietnam. We’ll show you how the region as a whole is connected at Ro-Ro shipping to Asia.
Which ports in Vietnam are of relevance?
- Hai Phong: the most important port in the north of the country.
- Ho Chi Minh City (including Cat Lai, amongst others): a key transhipment hub in the south.
You choose the appropriate port of destination in consultation with your freight forwarder, depending on the route and destination.
Am I allowed to import a second-hand car into Vietnam?
That is the crucial question. Vietnam has strict import regulations for vehicles, and the import of second-hand vehicles is strictly restricted. Special rules with strict conditions apply in certain circumstances – such as for returning citizens or diplomats. You will need to check whether your specific vehicle is eligible for import before Clarify this with Vietnamese customs at the time of booking. Shipping without this check poses the greatest risk.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Vietnamese customs and import documents
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. Our guide to explains how a local market in the region works Shipping to Thailand.
How do you plan transport properly?
- Check import eligibility – via Vietnamese customs and a freight forwarder.
- Set the destination port and route.
- Compile all the documents.
- Ensure that the lead time and cut-off time are observed.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
FAQ
Can I ship a second-hand car to Vietnam?
The import of second-hand vehicles is strictly restricted. You will need to check with Vietnamese customs in advance to see whether this is possible in your case.
Which ports in Vietnam are worth considering?
In particular, Hai Phong in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The appropriate port depends on the route and destination.
How long does shipping to Vietnam take?
The journey time depends on the route and timetable. Journeys from Northern Europe to South-East Asia are likely to take several weeks.
Why is the import inspection so important?
Because a vehicle that isn’t roadworthy could end up stranded at the port – incurring storage and return transport costs. Checking this before you book protects you from that.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
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.
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Short answer: The easiest way to ship a car to Morocco is by RoRo via ports such as Casablanca or Tangier Med. Transit times are short from the Mediterranean region, but correspondingly longer from Northern Europe. The key factors are the documentation and customs procedures: Morocco imposes strict regulations on the import of second-hand vehicles. You should therefore check in advance with Moroccan customs and your freight forwarder to ensure your vehicle is eligible for import.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy vehicles bound for Morocco.
- Major ports: Casablanca and Tangier Med.
- Short durations from the Mediterranean region; longer ones from Northern Europe.
- Import of second-hand cars is subject to regulations – check each case individually in advance.
- Documents and customs are key to ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
How do I ship a car to Morocco?
The usual method is Ro-Ro shipping: your vehicle is driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading, secured, and then driven off again at the port of destination. From Germany, the journey usually begins in Bremerhaven or Hamburg; alternatively, short routes from the western Mediterranean are possible. Our guide to Shipment to Algeria.
Which ports in Morocco are of relevance?
- Casablanca: the most important transhipment port on the Atlantic coast.
- Tanger Med: one of Africa’s largest ports, with excellent links to Europe.
The most suitable port of call depends on the destination within the country and the chosen route – it’s best to discuss this with your freight forwarder.
Am I allowed to import a second-hand car into Morocco?
Morocco regulates the import of second-hand vehicles. Special rules apply in certain circumstances – such as for returnees or household effects – whilst the general import of second-hand cars may be subject to restrictions and age limits. The best way to find out whether your vehicle is eligible for import is to before the booking with Moroccan customs and your freight forwarder.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Customs and import documents for Morocco
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. We explain how the key RoRo documents work together at Customs and documents for RoRo.
How do you plan the transport step by step?
- Check import eligibility – including customs and freight forwarding costs, before you book.
- Set the destination port and route – suitable for the destination.
- Compile documents – Invoice, vehicle documents, proof of export.
- Lead time and cut-off time organise.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
FAQ
Which port is best suited for Morocco?
Casablanca and Tanger Med are the main ports of call. Which one is best depends on your destination and route.
How long does it take for a shipment to reach Morocco?
Journey times are short from the western Mediterranean, but considerably longer from Northern Europe. Exact journey times depend on the route and timetable.
Can I ship a second-hand car to Morocco?
The import of second-hand vehicles is subject to regulations and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Check with Moroccan customs in advance to confirm whether the vehicle is eligible for import.
Which documents are absolutely essential?
Commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents, proof of export and the Moroccan import documents.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
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.
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Short answer: The cheapest way to ship a car to Brazil is by RoRo via ports such as Santos or Paranaguá – transit from Germany takes around three to four weeks. However, customs are the key factor: Brazil largely prohibits the import of second-hand vehicles. Ro-Ro is a realistic option primarily for new cars imported via authorised importers, classic cars, diplomatic and removal goods, and machinery. Without a Brazilian customs agent (despachante aduaneiro), importing a vehicle is practically impossible.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard For vehicles being shipped to Brazil – roll-on/roll-off is usually cheaper and easier than shipping by container.
- Major ports: Santos, Paranaguá, Rio de Janeiro and Vitória accept vehicles.
- Transit time: From Germany (Bremerhaven/Hamburg), it takes around 3–4 weeks to reach the Brazilian coast.
- The import of second-hand cars is severely restricted – Imports are generally prohibited, with a few exceptions.
- You can’t do anything without a customs agent: A customs agent and access to the Siscomex customs system are mandatory.
How do I ship a car to Brazil?
The usual way is to RoRo shipping: Your vehicle will be driven under its own power onto a specialised car carrier at the port of loading, secured in place, and then driven off again at the port of destination. This is quicker and usually cheaper than shipping in a container. From Germany, most vehicles set off from Bremerhaven or Hamburg. Expect a Transit time of around three to four weeks. But before you start thinking about ports and prices, there’s the real hurdle: Brazilian customs.
Am I even allowed to import a car into Brazil?
The answer comes as a surprise to many: Brazil generally prohibits the import of second-hand vehicles. A standard second-hand car can therefore usually be not Simply import. RoRo transport to Brazil is particularly relevant in the following cases:
- New vehicles through authorised importers and dealers.
- Classic cars and collector’s cars, which are regarded as collector’s items.
- Household effects and diplomatic vehicles under special customs arrangements.
- Construction, agricultural and industrial machinery in commercial imports.
Important: Whether your specific vehicle is eligible for import depends on the individual case. Please check this before the booking with a Brazilian customs agent and the customs authorities.
Which ports in Brazil accept vehicles?
- Santos (São Paulo): the largest port in Latin America and the most important transhipment hub for the south-east.
- Paranaguá (Paraná): one of the country’s most important vehicle terminals.
- Rio de Janeiro & Vitória: key hubs for the east and south-east.
- Suape (Pernambuco): relevant to the north-east.
Which port of destination is the most sensible depends on Destination within the country from – you’ll agree this with your haulier.
How does customs work in Brazil?
- Federal Revenue Service: The Brazilian Customs and Tax Authority handles the import process.
- Siscomex: the electronic foreign trade system through which imports are declared; depending on the circumstances, a Import licence (LI).
- customs agent: The licensed customs agent submits the import declaration and oversees the process.
- Import duties: Imported vehicles are subject to several taxes. The tax burden is high – it is essential to get a quote from your service provider.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial Invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Vehicle documents (Certificate of registration, proof of export from the EU)
- Packing list and condition report with photographs
- Import/customs documents in Brazil (prepared by the customs agent)
What common mistakes should you avoid?
- Shipment without import inspection: If the vehicle is not allowed to be imported, it will be held up at the port.
- No customs agent in the destination country: Without a customs agent, you won’t be able to get the vehicle out of the port.
- Overly tight planning: Cut-off times and long transit times require a buffer.
- Incomplete documents: Even a single piece of missing information can hold up customs clearance.
How do you plan the transport step by step?
- Check import eligibility – with the customs agent and the Federal Revenue Service before you book.
- Set destination port & route – in keeping with its destination in Brazil.
- Compile documents – Invoice, vehicle documents, proof of export.
- Approach to the port of loading organise and meet the cut-off time.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
- Imports into Brazil handle this through the customs agent.
Further reading: In our guide on how to Exploring South America by RoRo, we’ll take a regional look at Brazil. Our guide to Shipping to Colombia. You can find the official import regulations at the Federal Revenue Service.
FAQ
Can I ship a standard second-hand car to Brazil?
Generally speaking, no. Brazil generally prohibits the import of second-hand vehicles. Exceptions are made, amongst other things, for collector’s vehicles, household effects and diplomatic goods – these are always assessed on a case-by-case basis and must be clarified with customs in advance.
How long does it take for a shipment to reach Brazil?
From Germany, the sea journey alone by RoRo typically takes around three to four weeks, depending on the route and the season. On top of this, there is the lead time and customs clearance.
Which port is the right one for my vehicle?
That depends on the destination. Santos and Paranaguá cover the south-east, Rio de Janeiro and Vitória the east, and Suape the north-east.
Do I need a customs agent in Brazil?
Yes. A licensed customs agent submits the import declaration via the Siscomex system and oversees the clearance process.
Ro-Ro or container shipping to Brazil – which is better?
For roadworthy vehicles, RoRo is usually the simpler and cheaper option. A container is particularly worthwhile for non-roadworthy or particularly valuable vehicles.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for individual customs or legal advice. Import regulations are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances. For a definitive assessment, please contact our team and a licensed customs agent.