Export Car to Iceland - By Ship or Ferry from the Netherlands
Arranging a car export from the Netherlands to Iceland? Iceland belongs to the European Economic Area but not to the EU, so customs steps apply: an EX-A export declaration on the Dutch side and an import declaration with Icelandic customs on arrival. Auto Export Document in Hengelo takes care of the RDW deregistration, export certificate, proof of discharge and the 14-day export insurance with white plates for the drive to the port or the ferry in Denmark. Registration in Iceland goes through Samgöngustofa. Our part takes about 15 minutes.
Why export a car from the Netherlands to Iceland in 2026?
Iceland has a small car market with high prices, so importing pays off. Most in demand are 4x4s, SUVs, campers and winter-ready cars: the rugged landscape, gravel roads and climate call for them, and the tourism sector regularly imports campers and off-roaders from the Netherlands.
Iceland is an EEA country but not an EU member. An EX-A export declaration is therefore required on departure. Thanks to the EEA agreement there are normally no import duties on EU passenger cars, but Icelandic customs does charge 24% VAT and a CO2-based excise on import. Registration then follows with Samgöngustofa, including the technical inspection (skoðun).
Transport works two ways: RoRo or container shipping with carriers such as Eimskip or Samskip from Rotterdam to Reykjavík (roughly 5 to 7 days at sea), or driving to Hirtshals in Denmark (±700 km) and taking the Smyril Line ferry to Seyðisfjörður. For that drive our white export plates with 14-day insurance are ideal.
Iceland as an export destination - facts 2026
- ✔EEA country, not EU: EX-A export declaration required
- ✔Normally no import duties thanks to the EEA
- ✔24% VAT and CO2-based excise charged on import
- ✔Registration via Samgöngustofa, with inspection (skoðun)
- ✔RoRo Rotterdam → Reykjavík or ferry Hirtshals → Seyðisfjörður
- ✔4x4s, campers and winter-ready cars are most in demand
Step-by-step: exporting a car to Iceland
Make an appointment
Book a visit at our Hengelo office. Reachable 24/7 by appointment.
RDW deregistration
We deregister the vehicle from the Dutch registry with the RDW on the spot.
Export certificate + discharge
You receive the export certificate for Iceland; the seller gets a proof of discharge.
EX-A + shipping
Have the EX-A declaration prepared, then ship from Rotterdam or drive with export plates to the ferry in Hirtshals.
Everything is handled in one visit at Slachthuisweg 135, Hengelo. Within 15 minutes the paperwork is ready for the crossing to Iceland. Read more on our EX-A customs document page.
Documents required to export a car to Iceland
Seller (Dutch)
- ✔ Vehicle registration card (part 1B)
- ✔ Registration transfer codes
- ✔ Both license plates
- ✔ Valid ID document
Buyer (Icelandic / foreign)
- ✔ Valid ID (passport or identity card)
- ✔ Present in person at the office in Hengelo
For Iceland the EX-A export declaration is added. On arrival the importer files an import declaration with Icelandic customs and then registers with Samgöngustofa, so keep the export certificate and proof of purchase with the shipping documents.
Prices for car export to Iceland 2026
| Service | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Export document | Official RDW export certificate + deregistration + proof of discharge, sufficient when shipping on a trailer | €50 |
| Export insurance 14 days | Third-party export insurance with green card for the drive to Rotterdam or Hirtshals, valid in Iceland | €100 |
| Complete export service | Document + deregistration + discharge + insurance + white export plates | €150 |
The EX-A export declaration, Icelandic VAT and excise and the shipping costs are not included. See the full pricing overview. Source: autoexportdocument.nl, August 2026
Our office - car export to Iceland
Exporting to Iceland combines customs work with shipping, so the basics must be right: RDW deregistration, export certificate and proof of discharge. We have handled this since 2016, in 15 minutes at our Hengelo desk, with clear guidance on the EX-A and the next steps with Icelandic customs and Samgöngustofa. Call ahead and we will gladly advise.
Auto Export Document
Address: Slachthuisweg 135, 7556 AZ Hengelo
Phone: +31 6 38199986
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:30 · 24/7 by appointment
Make an appointmentCamper, caravan or motorcycle export to Iceland
Campers are a particular success story in Iceland, driven by the tourist rental market. We prepare export paperwork for every vehicle with a Dutch registration: campers, caravans, motorcycles, trailers and vans. Rates are identical for all vehicle types; allow for Icelandic VAT and excise on import.
See all options on our services page or request export insurance with plates for the drive to Rotterdam or Hirtshals.
Car Export Rates
| Service | Price from |
|---|---|
| Car Export Document part 2 | €50 |
| Car Export Insurance & Export Plates (valid 14 days) | €100 |
| Complete package – Export Document + Export Insurance + Export Plates | €150 |
| Export insurance extension, 2 weeks | €120 |
These are starting prices. Please note that online requests include administration and delivery costs, and requests outside office hours may carry surcharges.
Call, email or WhatsApp in advance to make an appointment.
Source: autoexportdocument.nl · 24 July 2026 · RDW-approved vehicle export office
Related export services
Explore our other export services
EX-A Customs Document
The export declaration required because Iceland lies outside the EU customs territory.
More informationExport Insurance & License Plates
Third-party export insurance with green card and white plates for the drive to the port or ferry.
More informationExport Car to Denmark
The ferry route to Iceland starts in Hirtshals, Denmark - see that page too.
More informationExport Car to Norway
Another EEA destination outside the EU with a similar customs process.
More informationFrequently asked questions about exporting a car to Iceland
Bron: autoexportdocument.nl - 20 maart 2026
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Slachthuisweg 135, 7556 AZ Hengelo · Easily accessible by car, ample parking available