Own import

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An import of goods that is carried out by private individuals and not by a dealer is generally referred to as self- import .

root cause

Manufacturers sell products in different areas at different prices. Motor vehicles are often more expensive in the safe home market than in foreign markets, where buyers tend to prefer other products. The VW Sharan was cheaper in Great Britain than the identically constructed Ford Galaxy, in Germany it was the other way around. Outside the euro zone, differences in exchange rates also lead to large price differences.

Another reason is that certain models are not available in all countries. The Lancia Kappa Coupé was only available in a few markets. The VW Routan is currently only available in the USA.

process

As part of free competition, the EU punishes manufacturers who hinder car purchases abroad. Brand dealers selling vehicles to buyers from other areas have faced repeated reprisals. Guarantee and warranty rights remain granted within the EU.

In the meantime, self-import is no longer widespread, as some dealers have specialized in EU imports and are just as cheap by using volume discounts.

Problems

Vehicle authorization used to be a problem when importing vehicles yourself. While the importer normally had to take care of a type approval of a vehicle and was able to issue a type certificate, the own importer had to apply for an individual approval, which was associated with additional work. This problem has now been solved by a Europe-wide certificate of conformity . This Certificate of Conformity , known as COC for short , is a document that contains the EU standards for motor vehicles. This certificate is issued by the vehicle manufacturer and gives all the technical details and characteristics of the vehicle. With this document the self-import has been simplified significantly.

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