International Car Shipping: How to Export a Car from the USA (2026)

Exporting a car from the United States to another country is a multi-step process involving US Customs export requirements, ocean freight, and destination country import procedures. This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: US Export Requirements

Before your vehicle can leave the US, several conditions must be met:

Title must be clear — The vehicle must have a lien-free title in your name. If there's a loan balance, you need a lender authorization letter permitting export.
AES Filing (Automated Export System) — Required by US Customs for all vehicles exported. The shipper or broker files an Electronic Export Information (EEI) declaration. We handle this for you.
Vehicle must be owned 30+ days — US Customs requires vehicles to have been in your possession for at least 30 days before export (to prevent money laundering).

RoRo vs. Container Shipping: Which Is Right for You?

Feature	RoRo	Container
Cost	Lower (most affordable)	Higher (+30–60%)
Protection	Exposed to elements inside ship hold	Fully enclosed in steel container
Best For	Running, standard vehicles	Non-runners, classics, high-value
Loading	Driven or winched on	Loaded into 20ft or 40ft container
Personal items	Not allowed	Up to 20-30% container volume allowed

Import Duties by Country

Import duties are paid in the destination country — not to Uwon Carriers. These are set by each country's government and vary significantly:

United Kingdom: 6.5% import duty + 20% VAT (on value + duty + shipping)
Germany / EU: 6.5% import duty + 19–21% VAT
Australia: 5% customs duty + 10% GST
UAE: 5% import duty
Nigeria: 35%+ levy (varies by vehicle age and type)
Ghana: 20–35% (depends on vehicle age)
Canada: 6.1% duty on vehicles not built in North America; CUSMA/USMCA vehicles may qualify for 0%