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Homologating a non-EU car in Netherlands

Individuele goedkeuring (RDW)

The RDW approves vehicles imported from outside Europe one by one (an individuele goedkeuring) rather than by type, even if you're importing several of the same model. Vehicles are generally physically inspected at RDW's test centre in Lelystad against Dutch/EU technical requirements before a kenteken (registration) can be issued.

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The process, step by step

  1. 1
    Identification & document check

    The vehicle's origin, VIN, and existing paperwork are verified. This is a fixed identification step RDW charges for regardless of outcome.

  2. 2
    Technical dossier

    We assemble the technical data RDW needs: emissions, lighting, safety systems, and any local specification differences from EU norms.

  3. 3
    Physical inspection in Lelystad

    The vehicle is inspected in person at RDW's test centre. This is billed even if the vehicle doesn't pass on the first attempt.

  4. 4
    Modifications, if flagged

    Any non-compliant points identified at inspection are corrected and the vehicle is re-presented.

  5. 5
    Kenteken issued

    Once approved, the vehicle receives its Dutch registration and can be plated and insured.

Typical timeline

RDW's own guidance points to several weeks to a few months depending on complexity: straightforward imports often clear in roughly 6-8 weeks, while vehicles without any standard type approval on file can take 3-6 months.

Cost

RDW charges fixed fees for identification and physical inspection regardless of outcome, on top of any technical/modification work the vehicle needs. A simple, well-documented import costs a few hundred euros in RDW fees alone, while a complex or unique vehicle's individual approval can run into the thousands. We give you a real number after reviewing your vehicle, not a generic estimate.

Authority: RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer)

Frequently asked

Do I have to bring the car to Lelystad myself?

The vehicle needs to be physically presented at RDW's test centre in Lelystad for inspection. We coordinate the logistics and the appointment as part of the process so you're not navigating RDW's booking system on your own.

What happens if RDW rejects the vehicle on first inspection?

You're billed for the inspection either way, and the vehicle is corrected and re-presented. This is exactly why we assess a vehicle's real compliance gaps before the formal RDW inspection, to catch what will fail and fix it first instead of paying for a rejection.

Still need to source the vehicle?

HomologateMyCar handles what happens once the car is in Europe. If you haven't sourced it yet, our sister company DriveSino exports vehicles from China to Netherlands and has a dedicated import guide for it.

DriveSino's Netherlands import guide

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