EX-A customs export declaration in Hengelo for non-EU destinations

Business.gov.nl, the Dutch government's portal for entrepreneurs, is clear on this: if you take your vehicle to a country outside the European Union or EFTA, you must also file an export declaration with Customs. The details are on exporting vehicles from the Netherlands.

Typical destinations outside the EU include the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey, Morocco and countries in Africa or the Middle East. If the vehicle is going to a country within the EU, such as Germany, Belgium or Poland, no EX-A is needed.

The EX-A does not replace the RDW export document; it comes on top. The export document (from €50) takes the car off the Dutch register: the buyer gets the export certificate, the seller the vrijwaringsbewijs. The EX-A is the export declaration to Customs for a vehicle leaving the EU. For a non-EU destination you need both. Deregistration at our desk is explained under car export documents.

If the car leaves the EU on its own wheels, it also needs white plates and temporary cover; see our export insurance. The policy and Green Card determine which countries you are covered in.

The overview above lists four items. This is how they fit together:

1. The vehicle in the Netherlands, with its Dutch registration certificate. Customs may carry out a spot check, so the car has to be here, with the certificate.
2. The last border crossing from the EU. This is where the vehicle leaves the EU, known as the office of exit. Agree the route with the buyer or transport company in advance.
3. An invoice naming the buyer abroad. The buyer on the invoice is the person or company abroad, so it is clear who the vehicle is sold to.
4. A valid EORI number of the seller. The selling party is the exporter, and an EORI number is needed for all customs operations. It is free and you apply for it with Dutch Customs, as explained on EORI number for all customs operations. We do not apply for it on your behalf.

Our desk is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30, and on Sundays by appointment. The EX-A follows Customs hours: we can only file it Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:00. Planning to come by on a Saturday? Let us know beforehand so we can plan the EX-A.

Once Customs approves the declaration, we receive the EX-A document. We cannot predict how long that takes or promise approval, so leave enough time before departure.

1. Call or WhatsApp first. Tell us the destination and where the vehicle will leave the EU.
2. Send the paperwork. The invoice, the EORI number and the border crossing; photos and documents can go by WhatsApp or email.
3. Car in the Netherlands. It must be here with its Dutch registration certificate for a possible spot check.
4. Filing. We submit the declaration to the customs officer on a weekday between 08:00 and 16:00.
5. Approval. Once approved, we receive the EX-A document and get in touch with you.

The desk is about 2 km from the Markt square in Hengelo and about 1 km from the A1. Coming in person? Ideally, call 20 minutes before you arrive.

The EX-A deals with the export from the EU. What happens on arrival depends on the destination country. Import duties, VAT and registration there are not part of our service, so check them with the buyer or the local authorities. Rules for driving on Dutch export plates also differ per country, according to the RDW, so check your destination and every transit country first.

The EX-A customs document costs from €150, including VAT where applicable. The RDW export document (from €50) and, if needed, export insurance with plates come on top. We always confirm the price in advance; you pay in cash or by bank transfer. All rates are listed on our car export papers prices page.