Exporting a Harley-Davidson from the US to Europe
European riders pay a premium for US-bought Harleys — once duty and VAT are in.
By Priya Nair, Motorcycle import researcher · 6 min read
EU motorcycle duty (~6%) is lighter than car duty, but 19% VAT still applies.
EU type-approval or single-vehicle approval is needed to register.
The full cost breakdown
Plug in your own purchase figure — everything below the vehicle scales only modestly with value. All amounts are researched 2026 estimates in USD.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $20,000 |
| Seller-side export documentation | $150 |
| Professional crating | $400 |
| Ocean freight (crated, LCL) | $1,500 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $300 |
| EU motorcycle duty is around 6% | $1,308 |
| 19% German import VAT on duty-inclusive value | $4,391 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $410 |
| Inland transport & registration | $750 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $29,209 |
Compliance & the fine print
A Certificate of Conformity smooths registration; without one, expect an individual approval.
Frequently asked questions
EU bike duty?+
Around 6%, plus VAT.
Approval?+
CoC or individual approval to register.
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