AutoNesi · Import guide

Customs & Import Cost Calculator for Cars in North Macedonia

Calculate all fees when importing a used vehicle into North Macedonia: customs, DMV, VAT, registration. Uses the Schwacke catalog as the value reference, and the EUR.1 discount for EU vehicles.

Calculation

Enter vehicle details. The estimate is approximate. Customs determines the exact amounts based on the Schwacke value and the official rates.

⚠️ This is an approximate calculator for informational purposes. For the official calculation, see the official Customs Administration calculator.

What you pay at import - explanation

1. Customs

1% if the vehicle is from an EU country and you have an EUR.1 certificate. 5% without EUR.1 or for vehicles from non-EU countries. Calculated on (vehicle value + transport).

2. DMV (Motor Vehicle Tax)

Introduced 2020. Ad valorem part (0-20% of value, by table) + CO₂ part (by emissions). ⚡ Electric vehicles are fully exempt from DMV - they only pay customs + VAT. Hybrids pay normally but with low emissions = low tax.

3. VAT - 18%

Calculated on: customs value + customs + DMV. The single largest item in the total calculation. Same rate for all vehicles.

4. Schwacke catalog

Official reference the Macedonian customs uses for catalog value. If your invoice is lower, customs compares with Schwacke and may adjust the calculation base.

5. Administrative costs

Customs broker (~€80-150), technical inspection (~€30-50), registration and plates (~€50-100), transport insurance. Total around €150-250.

6. EUR.1 - key document

Certificate of EU origin. With it your customs drops from 5% to 1% - hundreds of euros in savings. Ask the seller before paying for the vehicle.

Don't want to deal with customs and paperwork?

AutoNesi offers a "Car by Order" service - we find the vehicle in Germany/Switzerland, inspect it, import it, and handle all documents and registration. Full service, no hidden costs.

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Frequently asked questions

How much customs do you pay for a car from Germany to North Macedonia?

For vehicles with an EUR.1 certificate from EU countries, customs is 1% of the customs value. Without EUR.1, or for vehicles from non-EU countries, customs is 5%. Germany is an EU member state, so with a valid EUR.1 you pay only 1% customs.

What is the Schwacke catalog and why does customs use it?

Schwacke is the official German market value catalog for vehicles. The Macedonian Customs Administration uses Schwacke as a reference value for imports. If your invoice shows a lower amount, customs compares it with Schwacke and may adjust the base for calculating duties.

How is the DMV (Motor Vehicle Tax) calculated?

DMV was introduced in 2020 and replaced the old excise. It consists of: (1) Ad Valorem - percentage of vehicle value, and (2) Specific - based on CO2 emissions (g/km). Lower emissions = lower DMV. ⚡ Electric vehicles are fully exempt from DMV. Vehicles older than 15 years pay the highest DMV.

How much VAT applies when importing a car?

VAT in North Macedonia is 18% and is calculated on: customs value + customs + DMV. It is the largest line item in the total import cost.

What is the total cost to import a used car?

As an estimate of customs value (vehicle + transport): electric ~20-25%, petrol ~35-45%, diesel up to 10 years ~30-40%, diesel older than 15 years ~50-65%. The calculator above computes the exact figure for your case.

Do used cars older than 10 years pay more tax?

Yes. Older vehicles have higher DMV because they emit more CO2 and do not meet newer Euro norms. Vehicles older than 15 years pay the highest tax (up to 65% of value). Vehicles under 5 years are the most cost-effective to import.

What is an EUR.1 certificate and why do I need it?

EUR.1 is a certificate of origin from the European Union. When buying a vehicle from an EU dealer, ask for an EUR.1 - with it your customs drops from 5% to just 1% of the customs value. That can be hundreds of euros in savings. The certificate is issued by the seller or customs authority in the country of origin.

What are the administrative costs for importing?

Besides customs, VAT, and DMV, you should also budget for: customs broker (~€80-150), technical inspection (~€30-50), customs storage (if needed), transport insurance, and registration of the vehicle in North Macedonia (~€50-100 for plates and documents).