Importing a motorcycle: what to look out for and when to insure it?
Buying a motorcycle abroad and then importing it to the Netherlands can be interesting. But it does take some effort. How do you import a motorcycle and get it registered in the Netherlands?
You find the perfect motorcycle abroad. Ideally, you are going to pick it up right away and ride it in the Netherlands, or you are going to fix it up right away. But first you have to arrange the import of the motorcycle. How does that work and how do you go about it?
Where does the engine come from?
It makes a difference to the procedure whether the motorcycle is imported from an EU country or a non-EU country. This has to do with the free movement of goods and the requirements for motorcycles. There are also a number of countries that are not within the EU, but where the same rules apply. These are the so-called EFTA countries. They include the following countries:
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
Importing from the EU
The vehicle does not yet have a Dutch license plate. You can apply for this at the RDW. First, the motorcycle must be inspected for a Dutch license plate. You can make an appointment at an RDW inspection station. Making an appointment is not always necessary. Does the motorcycle not yet have a license plate? In that case, you can first apply for a one-day registration. Take the foreign license plate and your identification to the inspection station. Then you also have to file a tax return. You do this at a bpm declaration point. You pay the BPM and possibly sales tax on the motorcycle. Is the motorcycle approved? Within five working days you will receive a registration card at home. The next step is to have a license plate made. Above all, do not forget to insure the motorcycle for at least third-party liability (WA insurance). There are different rules for importing old-timers.
What about imports from a country outside the EU?
Especially the inspection is different. For this you have to make an appointment with the RDW Customer Service. The inspection of the motor to be imported takes place in the test center in Lelystad. There is a greater chance that the engine will not be approved. The engines may not have been built according to the applicable European standards. This requires specialized knowledge, which is why you cannot go to regular inspection locations.
Choose motorcycle insurance wisely
You probably import a motor vehicle partly to reduce costs. It would be a shame to throw the money away again with overpriced motorcycle insurance. We can help you with that. At Alpina.nl you can compare several insurance companies at once.
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