From VIN to Delivery: What Actually Happens When You Import a Car

Most buyers only perceive the beginning and the culmination of the import journey—you select a car online and it ultimately reaches your doorstep. However, what unfolds in the interim? The process is considerably more intricate than most people comprehend. Understanding each stage elucidates why precision is crucial and how Bitmalo meticulously manages risk at every juncture.

Step 1: Vehicle Verification

The journey commences with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This 17-character code discloses comprehensive details: make, model, engine type, and market provenance. Our team authenticates the VIN against official databases and seller documentation, guaranteeing the car corresponds to its advertised specifications. For numerous destinations, VIN checks are also mandated for emissions compliance and registration purposes.

Step 2: Inspection & Purchase

Subsequently, a comprehensive inspection is conducted. Beyond photographic evidence, this encompasses variant checks, emissions conformity, safety equipment assessments, and detailed condition reports. Upon your approval, Bitmalo issues an invoice and functions as the buyer of record, thereby securing the title and preparing for export clearance.

Step 3: Export & Shipping

Upon completion of all requisite paperwork, the car is cleared for export. Contingent on the destination, it is loaded into a sealed container, onto a Ro-Ro vessel, or secured within an air cargo hold. Every consignment is supported by all-risk insurance to safeguard your valuable asset during its transit.

Step 4: Customs Clearance

Upon arrival, the vehicle proceeds through customs. Applicable duties, VAT, and local fees are evaluated. Bitmalo’s licensed brokers submit the necessary declarations, categorise the car under the appropriate tariff code, and ensure documents such as the bill of sale, export title, and inspection report conform to local regulations.

Step 5: Delivery & Registration

Once released from customs, the car is conveyed by a covered carrier to your specified city. Bitmalo additionally furnishes a registration pack, offering guidance customised to your country—be it emissions stickers in Germany, Crit’Air adherence in France, or REPUVE inscription in Mexico.

Final Word

The trajectory from VIN to your driveway is intricate, but with the appropriate partner, it becomes remarkably straightforward. Bitmalo meticulously orchestrates every stage, ensuring your sole responsibility is to select the desired car.