Importing cars from US auctions (Copart, IAAI, Manheim) in 2026 is one of the most popular ways to buy a solid vehicle for significantly less — or earn money on resale. The key is to calculate every expense correctly from your auction bid to registering the car in Ukraine.
In 2026, due to the war, most vehicles from the US are shipped by sea to Klaipėda (Lithuania), and then transported to Ukraine by car carrier/trailer.
Average import expenses
$3,200–5,800
Time from purchase to Ukraine
35–65 days
Main taxes
Excise + 20% VAT + 10% duty
Full cost breakdown for importing a US car in 2026
Here’s a real-world example for a popular model — a 2021 Toyota RAV4 with an auction price of $14,000.
| Cost item | Amount ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auction price | 14,000 | Winning bid |
| Auction fees + work fee | 650–950 | Depends on Copart/IAAI |
| Delivery to US port | 400–700 | Distance 200–1200 miles |
| Ocean shipping (Ro-Ro / container) | 1,800–2,600 | Klaipėda (Lithuania) |
| Transport from Klaipėda to Ukraine (car carrier/trailer) | 600–1,200 | Depends on city and load |
| Broker services + paperwork | 300–500 | In Ukraine |
| Subtotal before customs | 17,750–20,950 | — |
| Customs clearance (excise + 20% VAT + 10% duty) | 3,800–5,200 | Depends on engine size and age |
| Total cost in Ukraine | 21,600–26,150 | Market price is ~$28–32k |
US car import steps — step by step
1. Registration & choosing a lot
Copart / IAAI → broker (if broker fee applies) → Carfax / AutoCheck.
2. Purchase & payment
Winning bid + fees → pay within 2–3 days.
3. Shipping within the US
To the port (NJ, GA, CA) — 3–10 days.
4. Ocean shipping
30–50 days to Klaipėda (Lithuania).
5. Transport from Klaipėda to Ukraine
Car carrier/trailer — 3–10 days depending on the route and queues.
6. Customs clearance in Ukraine
Broker, certification, and tax payments.
7. Registration in Ukraine
Service center → license plates.
Required documents for customs clearance (2026)
- Original Title (or salvage/rebuilt with explanations)
- Bill of Lading (original or telex release)
- Invoice / Purchase Receipt from the auction
- Carfax / AutoCheck report
- Certificate of conformity (Euro-5 / Euro-6)
- Power of attorney (if customs is handled by someone else)
Want to import US cars without costly mistakes?
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⚠️ Important: all numbers are approximate as of January 2026. Always verify current excise rates, exchange rates, and logistics pricing right before purchase.