How to Download the Customs Clearance Authorization Template for Importing a Car in Ceuta (Word/PDF)

Importing a vehicle into the autonomous city of Ceuta involves a unique tax and customs regime due to the city's special status outside the EU VAT territory (instead, it is subject to IPSI). To legally clear your vehicle through customs without delays, the shipping agent or customs broker requires your official legal consent. This article provides a practical guide on how to handle this process in Ceuta, along with a legally valid template you can use immediately.

The Customs Clearance Authorization (known in Spanish as Autorización para el Despacho de Aduanas) is a formal legal document signed by the vehicle owner (the importer) that grants a designated customs agent (Agente de Aduanas) or forwarding company the legal power to act on your behalf before the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) and the Customs Office in the Port of Ceuta. Without this signed mandate, no broker can legally submit the Single Administrative Document (DUJ/DUA) required to release your vehicle.

Instructions on how and where to submit it in Ceuta

Once you have completed the template provided below, you must submit it alongside your identification and vehicle paperwork to your chosen customs broker or shipping company operating at the Port of Ceuta. While many modern forwarding agents accept digitally signed PDFs via email, the document can also be presented physically at customs offices if required:

• Primary Submission: Directly to your contracted freight forwarder or customs agent (Transitario) operating in the Port of Ceuta.
• Official Customs Office: Administración de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales de Ceuta (located at the Port area).
• Digital Submission: Through the Spanish Tax Agency electronic headquarters (Sede Electrónica de la AEAT) if you possess a Spanish digital certificate (Certificado Digital) or Cl@ve, utilizing the Power of Attorney registry (Registro de Apoderamientos) under the specific customs management procedures.

MODELO DE AUTORIZACIÓN PARA EL DESPACHO DE ADUANAS (IMPORTACIÓN DE VEHÍCULOS)

DON / DOÑA: [Nombre y Apellidos del Importador], con D.N.I. / N.I.E. número [Número de Identificación], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Calle, Número, Piso, Código Postal, Ceuta], en su propio nombre y derecho (o en representación de la entidad [Nombre de la empresa, si aplica], con C.I.F. [Número de C.I.F.]).

OTORGA PODER / AUTORIZA A:

La entidad / El profesional [Nombre del Agente de Aduanas o Empresa Transitaria], con C.I.F. / N.I.F. [C.I.F. de la agencia] y domicilio en [Dirección de la agencia en Ceuta], para que, en su nombre y representación, realice todos los trámites, actuaciones y declaraciones necesarias ante la Dependencia de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales de Ceuta de la Agencia Tributaria.

La presente autorización se otorga específicamente para la gestión, tramitación y despacho de importación del siguiente vehículo:

• Marca: [Indicar Marca]
• Modelo: [Indicar Modelo]
• Número de Bastidor (VIN): [17 caracteres del número de bastidor]
• Matrícula de origen (si procede): [Matrícula anterior o "Sin matricular"]

Las facultades conferidas comprenden la firma de la Declaración Aduanera de Importación (DUA / DUJ), la aportación de la documentación comercial, técnica y de transporte, la liquidación y pago de los tributos aplicables en Ceuta (IPSI, aranceles, etc.), así como la subsanación de cualquier incidencia que pudiera surgir hasta la completa finalización del despacho aduanero y la obtención del levante del vehículo.

Y para que así conste y surta los efectos oportunos, expido y firmo la presente autorización en Ceuta, a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].

Fdo. El Poderdante (Importador):
[Firma]

Acepta la representación (El Agente / Transitario):
[Firma y Sello]

Additional documentation required

To ensure your customs clearance in Ceuta goes smoothly, the customs broker will need several supporting documents along with your signed authorization. Make sure you have the following ready:

• Proof of Identity: Valid Spanish DNI, NIE, or Passport of the vehicle owner. If representing a company, the deeds of incorporation (escritura de constitución) and company tax ID.
• Vehicle Ownership Proof: Original purchase invoice (Factura de compra) or a legally binding bill of sale (Contrato de compraventa) showing the clear value of the vehicle.
• Technical Documents: The vehicle's foreign registration certificate (if coming from the EU or abroad) or the Certificate of Conformity (COC) alongside technical sheets.
• Transport Documents: Bill of Lading (Conocimiento de Embarque) or ferry ticket proving the transport of the vehicle across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Port of Ceuta.

Expert tip for importing into Ceuta: Always verify the exact calculation of the local tax (IPSI) with your broker before the vessel arrives. Ceuta offers specific tax advantages compared to mainland Spain, but misdeclarations in vehicle valuation can lead to costly inspections and delays at the port. Ensure your purchase invoice reflects the true market value to avoid retroactive tax adjustments by the local customs authorities.