In 2026, the list of documents for importing cars into Ukraine has almost not changed, but the requirements for their registration have become much stricter. It is because of errors in sales contracts, export technical passports, payments and customs declarations that cars are delayed, overvalued or not allowed to pass customs clearance at all.

In this article, we explain what documents are required to import a car from Europe in 2026, what the process looks like from a customs perspective, and where the biggest risks arise in practice — based on the real-world experience of West Auto Hub.

What the car import process looks like: logic for understanding

Most people expect a simple scheme. It really does exist:

1. You are buying a car in an EU country.
2. You receive documents from the seller.
3. Import a car to Ukraine.
4. Go through customs clearance.
5. Certify and register the car.

In practice, each of these steps is tightly tied to documents. If they are prepared correctly, the process goes quickly. If not, there are delays, fines, additional costs, or repeated trips.

Advice from West Auto Hub : we always start not by searching for a car, but by checking whether it can be properly registered in terms of documents, payment, and export.

Complete list of documents for importing cars from Europe

Documents you receive from the seller

This is the basic package. Without it, the car has no legal status for export and customs clearance:

• Purchase and sale agreement (deed of sale) or invoice
• Main vehicle registration document
• Transit or export technical passport
• Certificate of origin (if available)
• EU country export customs declaration
• Payment document confirming payment for the car

It is at this stage that problems most often arise. For example, the price in the bill of sale does not correspond to the actual payment, or the documents are drawn up by different parties.

Buyer's documents

These documents are already being prepared in Ukraine, but they are often not checked in advance:

• Passport of a citizen of Ukraine
• Identification code
• Power of attorney - if the registration is carried out by another person

To work with a customs broker, high-quality photo documents are usually sufficient, but all data must be correct.

Documents for customs clearance in Ukraine

These documents are submitted directly for entry and customs clearance:

• Preliminary customs declaration
• General arrival declaration
• Receipts for payment of customs duties
• CMR - if the car is delivered by tow truck

In West Auto Hub's practice , customs documents are prepared before crossing the border. This approach eliminates up to 80% of potential risks.

Buying a car: private individual, dealer or auction - what's the difference?

In practice, there are three main scenarios for buying a car in Europe , and each of them has its own nuances.

Buying from a private individual

This is usually a simpler deal, but with limitations:

• Most often, VAT refunds are missing
• Higher risks of errors in documents
• It is more difficult to check the car's history

Buying from a European dealer

A more structured option, but not without risks:

• The price is usually higher than that of private sellers
• Not all dealers operate equally transparently
• It is important to check payment terms, guarantees and documents

In West Auto Hub’s practice , there have been cases where dealers made critical errors in sales or export documents. Therefore, the status of “dealer” does not automatically mean safety.

Buying a car at auction

Auctions are actively gaining popularity today because:

• The purchase is made remotely.
• Technical reports, photos and videos available
• Paying through an auction reduces the risk of fraud

At the same time, it is important to know:

• Auctions are closed to individuals
• Access is only possible through the company
• Payment is made exclusively through a legal entity

VAT when importing cars from Europe: a key financial nuance

VAT is one of the most important points in the entire process.

For many cars in the EU, VAT is around 20% of the car's cost. This amount can be legally refunded when exporting to Ukraine, but only if:

• The right type of contract
• The correct side of the deal
• Legally correct payment

In West Auto Hub's practice, VAT has been refunded to customers on numerous occasions. But we have also seen situations where customers lost thousands of euros before customs due to errors in processing.

Car payment: why an individual is not always the solution

Today, most cars in Europe:

• It is not possible to pay directly from Ukraine.
• Especially when it comes to cars with VAT or auctions

Payment is made through:

• European legal entity
• Supply contract
• Banking and payment platforms

At this stage, the seller is checked, the legality of the transaction is checked, and a customs package is formed. A payment error almost always means problems at the border.

Common mistakes and risks

It is these errors that most often stop the design:

• Bill of sale with errors or without signatures
• Missing export technical passport
• Undervalued car
• Errors in the VIN code
• Documents are issued to different owners

One mistake can lead to delays, fines, or confiscation.

West Auto Hub practice: how risks are eliminated

In the West Auto Hub system approach, the logic is always the same:

1. Checking documents and the seller
2. Analysis of export possibilities and VAT refund
3. Correct payment through legal structure
4. Preparation of customs documents
5. Delivery and processing

Documents → logic → agreement → customs.

FAQ

Is it possible to clear customs for a car without a certificate of origin?

Yes, but this may affect the amount of duty.

Are photo documents enough?

For preliminary registration, yes. Originals are required later.

Will the list of documents change in 2026?

No. The logic remains, but the control becomes tighter.

What is more important - a car or documents?

Documents. A car without them is a risk.

Conclusion

Importing a car from Europe is not difficult. What is difficult is correcting errors in documents after purchase. If you act correctly, the logic is always the same: Check → Preparation → Registration. This is how West Auto Hub works.

Sources

• Customs Code of Ukraine
• Internal cases and experience of West Auto Hub