What regulations must a car imported into Spain comply with?

Documentation required for importing cars into Spain

To import a car into Spain, it is essential to have all the necessary documents in order. Without these, you will not be able to complete the registration process. Here we explain which documents you need to have ready.

1. Invoice or sales contract

This is one of the essential documents certifying the purchase of the vehicle. It must include the details of the buyer, the seller, and the price paid for the car. If the vehicle is new, it will be a purchase invoice; if it is second-hand, a contract of sale between private individuals must be presented.

2. European Certificate of Conformity (COC)

The Certificate of Conformity (COC) guarantees that the car complies with EU regulations in terms of safety and emissions. It is issued by the manufacturer and is mandatory for new cars. In case of used cars, it can also be requested, especially if they come from outside the EU.

3. Vehicle data sheet

The technical data sheet contains details of the car’s characteristics, such as model, fuel type, engine capacity, and other important specifications. This document is crucial to complete the homologation of the car in Spain.

4. DNI/NIE and proof of residence

The owner of the car must present his or her DNI or NIE and proof of residence in Spain, which could be a census certificate or a utility bill (water, electricity, etc.).

Taxes applicable to the importation of cars into Spain

When you import a car into Spain, in addition to the administrative formalities, you will have to pay certain taxes. These taxes depend on whether the car comes from a country inside or outside the European Union, as well as the age and value of the vehicle.

1. Registration tax

This tax is payable at the tax office and is calculated according to the car’s CO2 emissions. More polluting cars will pay a higher rate, while those with lower emissions may be exempt.

2. VAT (Value Added Tax)

If the car is new and imported from another EU country, you will have to pay the corresponding VAT in Spain. VAT in Spain is 21%, and must be paid before the car is registered. If the car is second-hand, the rules may vary, and it is important to check with a tax adviser.

3. Transfer tax

This tax only applies to second-hand cars bought from private individuals. It varies depending on the Autonomous Community, but is usually around 4-8% of the value of the car.

4. Customs duties

If the car is imported from outside the European Union, import duties will be payable. This tax is usually around 10% of the value of the vehicle and needs to be paid before starting the registration process.

Car homologation in Spain: technical requirements

Homologation is a crucial process to ensure that the car complies with all the technical and safety regulations in force in Spain. Below, we explain what homologation is and how it affects vehicle imports.

1. What is homologation?

Homologation is the process by which it is verified that a vehicle complies with technical and safety regulations in order to be able to circulate on Spanish roads. This procedure ensures that the car is manufactured in accordance with the standards required in the European Union, which includes aspects such as pollutant emissions, vehicle safety and the noise emitted by the engine.

2. Approval requirements

If the car was manufactured outside the European Union or does not have a Certificate of Conformity (COC), an individual type-approval at an MOT (Technical Vehicle Inspection) station is required. This inspection checks aspects such as emissions, brakes, lighting and other safety features. If the car passes the inspection, it can be homologated and registered in Spain.

3. Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV)

Once the car is homologated, it must pass a mandatory ITV before being registered. The ITV certifies that the car meets the minimum safety and emissions requirements in Spain. This procedure is compulsory for both new and used cars.

Registration process for imported cars in Spain

Registering an imported car is the last step before it can be driven legally. Here we explain the process and the documents you need to present to register an imported car in Spain.

1. Application for enrolment

To register an imported car in Spain, you must fill out a registration application form at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. This form must be accompanied by all the documentation mentioned above.

2. Payment of registration fees

Apart from taxes, you will have to pay administrative fees for the registration of the car. The fees may vary slightly depending on the province, but are usually around 100-200 euros.

3. Obtaining registration plates

Once your application has been approved, you will be able to obtain the number plates from an authorised dealer. Once you have the plates in your possession, you must fit them to your car in accordance with the regulations in force.

Importing a car from outside the EU: additional considerations

Importing a car from a country outside the European Union can be a more complex process due to the additional regulations that must be met. Here are some key aspects to consider.

1. Tariff requirements

As mentioned above, one of the main challenges when importing cars from outside the EU are tariffs. These taxes can be a significant cost, so it is important to calculate the total value of the import, including duties, transport and other associated costs.

2. Emission standards

Cars manufactured outside the EU are not likely to comply with strict European emission standards. This means that they may need technical modifications to comply with Spanish regulations and be homologated.

Car imports from Algeria to Spain

If you are considering importing a car from Algeria, the process may have some particularities. We invite you to consult our detailed guide on importing cars from Algeria, where we explain the specific steps and regulations you need to comply with to bring your vehicle to Spain legally and efficiently.