Is a Foreign APK Certificate Accepted in the Netherlands?

Posted by entri in Uncategorized

APK certificate proves the roadworthiness of a vehicle. It is a primary requirement when applying for a Dutch registration number, license, and plate. But what if your foreign vehicle already has a non-Dutch APK, is it accepted in the country?

APK is a mandatory periodic motor vehicle technical inspection practiced in Europe. The purpose of the inspection is to assure traffic safety, reduce the risk of road hazards, and to protect the environment. In the Netherlands, the Dutch government is strict in implementing the law. A vehicle without APK certification is not allowed to go out and drive on the public highways of the country.

If you are importing a foreign vehicle, it must undergo the same vehicle inspection conducted either by APK or RDW. The idea is to ensure that foreign vehicles reach the standards of Dutch driving and road safety laws. But take note, not all foreign vehicles are expected to undergo such obligation. Foreign vehicles imported permanently or have been in the country for more than 3 months are obliged to take the periodic vehicle test.

What Happens When the Vehicle Has a Valid Foreign APK? 

If you bought a new foreign vehicle, it must go through the inspection for it to be deemed roadworthy according to the Dutch traffic standards. However, the rule is different for a vehicle with a valid foreign APK.

If you procured a foreign vehicle with a valid non-Dutch APK, the certificate remains valid until it reaches the expiry date. All you have to do is take over the expiry date on the RDW registry when you report to their desk. The RDW can transfer the APK’s expiration date as long as these conditions are served.

• The availability of proof of APK in original copy presented during the inspection by RDW. The RDW accepts the original APK report; likewise, details about the registration certificate and foreign registration plate must be shown on the document.
• The foreign APK is valid during the inspection.
• The foreign APK has been carried out in an EU/EFT member state.
• The foreign APK has been carried out in the same country as the vehicle’s foreign registration.

Weeks before the expiration of the vehicle’s foreign APK, you must consult the RDW and schedule an appointment for inspection. Do not perform the inspection after the expiration date; your vehicle might be caught, and you’re in for a surprise of a huge fine.

Take note that APK testing has fees. You need to pay the fees at the designated RDW desk during the inspection. The cost of APK testing depends on the vehicle. You can ask the right authority for questions on APK testing fees and conditions.

A Tip to Pass the APK Inspection

If you’re going to buy a foreign vehicle, and have it imported to the Netherlands, make sure to do a VIN check online like Chassischeck.nl. VIN or chassis number inspection allows you to know more about the vehicle, from its technical details, history, and damages it suffered in accidents. Therefore, it’ll help you determine whether the foreign vehicle is roadworthy or not. If the data shown in the vehicle’s VIN inspection do not satisfy the RDW standard, then don’t proceed with buying the vehicle and choose one that passes the Dutch standardization on road safety.