EX-A customs document for a car leaving the EU from Deventer

The EX-A does not replace the export document. The car is deregistered with the RDW for export in any case: the buyer receives the export certificate, the seller the vrijwaringsbewijs (proof that the registration has ended). This RDW export document costs from €50. If the car then leaves the EU, the customs declaration is added.

Within the EU no EX-A is needed, so a drive from Deventer along the A1 to Germany or Poland does not require one. It does apply to destinations such as the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey or Morocco, and to countries in Africa or the Middle East. What those countries require for import and registration is up to them; we make no promises about their rules.

The overview below lists what we need. Here is why each item matters:

• The car in the Netherlands, with its Dutch registration certificate. Customs may carry out a spot check, so plan the application before the car leaves the country.
• The last border crossing from the EU to outside the EU. This is the office of exit, where the vehicle leaves the EU, so work out the route in advance.
• An invoice naming the foreign buyer. The person or company abroad must appear on the invoice as the buyer. Check the name and address before you send it.
• A valid EORI number of the seller. The selling party is the exporter. The number is free and you request it from Dutch Customs: see Business.gov.nl on the EORI number. We do not apply for it on your behalf.

From Deventer, one well-prepared visit to Hengelo is better than two. Work in this order:

1. Send the details first. Email or WhatsApp the invoice, the EORI number, the registration number and the planned route, so we can see early on whether anything is missing.
2. Pick a weekday. Customs applications are only possible Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00, while our desk is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 16:30. To arrange the RDW export on the same visit, come on a weekday between 10:00 and 16:00.
3. Keep the car in the Netherlands. For a possible customs spot check, it must be here with its Dutch registration certificate.
4. Bring the documents for the RDW export, listed below.

We file your application with the customs officer, which is only possible Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:00. Once it is approved, we receive the EX-A customs document.

We cannot promise how quickly approval comes, because Customs decides. So do not plan your departure too tightly, especially if the 14 days of the export registration are already running: after deregistration the car may be driven on Dutch public roads for 14 days, and never beyond the APK (Dutch roadworthiness test) expiry date.

The EX-A customs document costs from €150, including VAT where applicable. The RDW export document is charged separately, from €50. If the car is driven, it also needs export insurance and white plates; the complete export package costs from €150. Your policy and Green Card show the countries where you are insured. We always confirm the price beforehand, and you pay in cash or by bank transfer. All rates are on our car export documents prices page.

We handle the Dutch side: the RDW export, the export declaration and, if needed, temporary export insurance with white plates. Import into the destination country is outside our scope. Registration, inspections and import rules there are set by that country, so check with the local authorities beforehand. The rules for a Dutch export registration also differ per country; check them for the destination and every country you drive through.

Not sure whether your destination needs an EX-A? Call or message us for free advice, or use the contact page.