
Customs clearance is often where many car imports face hurdles. Even when a vehicle is bought and shipped correctly, errors in paperwork or incorrect classification can lead to weeks of delays and unforeseen expenses. This is precisely where customs brokers—known in some places as agentes aduanales or clearing agents—play a crucial role.
A customs broker acts on your behalf at the border. They handle filing import declarations, categorise the car under the appropriate tariff code, settle duties and fees for you, and coordinate with customs officials to obtain clearance. Without their help, buyers would have to navigate intricate legal procedures themselves.
Cars are unique imports. They must be classified by their VIN, frequently need conformity documents, and attract higher duties compared to many other items. Brokers are adept at preparing a pedimento de importación in Mexico, a DUIMP in Brazil, or an entry summary declaration in the EU. Accurate classification can determine whether you pay the correct duty or thousands more.
Bitmalo collaborates with licensed brokers in every country we operate in. This ensures that when your car reaches Lagos, Yokohama, Hamburg, or Veracruz, a seasoned professional with local know-how is already managing the clearance process. We settle the arrival charges through these brokers and then transparently re-invoice you.
Customs brokers are truly the silent heroes behind seamless imports. Without their input, even a simple shipment can turn into a bureaucratic headache. With Bitmalo, you gain from a worldwide network of reliable agents who guarantee your car transitions from port to your driveway without any holdups.