How to Import a Car from the USA to Ukraine
A step-by-step guide for first-time importers from Copart or IAAI auctions. From lot selection to key handover - everything you need to know in one place
What is car import from the USA
Why People Buy Cars in America
The USA is the world's largest used car market - over 40 million vehicles change hands every year. Copart and IAAI auctions list 150,000+ lots weekly, ranging from clean-title cars to repairable salvage vehicles
150,000+ lots per week
Copart and IAAI together list over 150,000 vehicles weekly. Any make, year, and condition - from mint to salvage.
10–30% cheaper
With the right lot selection, savings remain significant even after shipping ($1,200–2,000) and customs clearance (20–40% of vehicle value).
Route: USA → Lithuania → Ukraine
The car is transported from the auction to a US port, then shipped to Klaipėda (Lithuania) and trucked to Lviv. Average timeline: 35–50 days.
Three types of lots
Clean title - no major damage. Salvage - insurer total loss (needs repair). Rebuilt - restored after totaling. Each type affects customs costs and registration requirements.
Step-by-step process
7 Steps from Auction to Keys
Importing a car from the USA is a structured process with a defined sequence. Average timeline from winning the auction to receiving the car in Lviv: 8–12 weeks
- 1
Lot selection and inspection
We select a vehicle on Copart or IAAI based on your budget. We check the condition via CARFAX/Autocheck, auction photos, and the damage report.
- 2
Full cost calculation
Before bidding, we calculate the complete final cost: auction price + buyer fee + shipping + customs + RSAuto fee. No surprises after the fact.
- 3
Auction bidding
RSAuto bids on your behalf. After winning, we confirm the auction price, buyer fee, and all payments with documents.
- 4
Payment and dispatch
We pay the auction and arrange transport from the lot to the US port. You receive confirmation of each payment.
- 5
Ocean shipping
The car is shipped by sea to Klaipėda (Lithuania). Average transit: 35–50 days. Then trucked to Lviv.
- 6
Customs clearance
RSAuto's in-house customs broker files the declaration and pays all duties: 10% import duty, excise tax, and 20% VAT. All receipts go to you.
- 7
Technical inspection and registration
We run diagnostics, complete the technical inspection, and register the vehicle at the MVS service centre. You receive the keys, registration document, and licence plates.
Import costs
What makes up the cost of a car from the USA
The final cost of a car from the USA consists of five components. RSAuto calculates each one before you bid so you know the exact total in advance
Auction price
depends on the lot
The winning bid on Copart or IAAI, determined by the outcome of bidding.
Buyer fee (auction commission)
depends on the lot
A fixed fee charged by the auction, depending on the lot price and platform. RSAuto calculates the exact amount before bidding.
Shipping to Ukraine
from $1,200
Transport from the auction to the US port + ocean freight to Klaipėda + trucking to Lviv.
Customs clearance
20–40% of value
10% import duty + excise tax + 20% VAT. For most vehicles, this amounts to 20–40% of the purchase price.
RSAuto fee
fixed
A fixed, transparent service fee for full deal management. No hidden charges or add-ons.
* Figures are estimates. Exact costs depend on the lot, EUR/USD rate, and customs authority decision
Documents
What documents are needed to import a car
A successful car import from the USA requires documents at each of three stages: before bidding, after purchase, and during Ukrainian clearance
1 / 3
Before bidding
- Vehicle VIN number
- CARFAX or Autocheck report
- Auction photos (front, back, interior, engine)
2 / 3
After purchase
- Auction invoice (Buyer's Invoice)
- Title (certificate of ownership) from the auction
- Bill of Lading upon dispatch
3 / 3
For registration in Ukraine
- Owner's passport and tax identification number
- Customs declaration + original invoice
- Conformity certificate for vehicle registration
Risks and how to avoid them
What can go wrong
Most problems in self-managed car imports stem from insufficient lot inspection or incorrect cost calculation. Here are the four most common risks
Hidden damage
Auction photos don't always reveal the car's full condition. Structural damage, odometer rollback, or flood damage may not be listed in the description. Essential checks: CARFAX + VIN decoder + careful review of all auction photos.
Incorrect cost calculation
Misunderstanding buyer fee structure, ignoring the EUR/USD rate when calculating excise, or incorrect assumptions about customs value can push actual costs 15–30% above expectations.
Customs delays
An incomplete document set or errors in the declaration can delay clearance. From the moment the car crosses the border, there is a 10-day window to file the customs declaration.
Title problems
A salvage title with outstanding liens, or a missing original title, can block registration in Ukraine. Always verify document status before bidding.
The RSAuto solution
Turn-key car import from the USA - no risks
RSAuto manages every deal from lot selection to key handover: vehicle inspection, pre-bid cost calculation, support at every stage, and transparent reporting
See how RSAuto's service works →
- Vehicle inspection via CARFAX, auction photos, and VIN before bidding
- Precise final cost calculation: auction + shipping + customs clearance
- In-house customs broker - all duties confirmed with receipts
- Dedicated manager from bid to key handover in Lviv
Frequently asked questions about importing a car from the USA
Have another question?
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