Download Free Word/PDF Authorization Template for Customs Clearance (Car Import) in Portbou

Importing a vehicle into Spain through a strategic border crossing like Portbou requires strict adherence to customs regulations. When dealing with the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) and international freight forwarders, you cannot handle clearance procedures without explicit legal consent. The Modelo de Autorización para el Despacho de Aduanas (Car Import Custom Clearance Authorization) is a mandatory legal document that grants a licensed customs agent (transitario or agente de aduanas) the legal power to act on your behalf to clear your vehicle through customs, pay the corresponding VAT (IVA) and registration taxes (Impuesto de Matriculación), and process your import documentation.

Instructions on how and where to submit it in Portbou

Portbou is a vital rail and road entry point on the French-Spanish border, making it a frequent hub for vehicle imports. To submit this authorization successfully:

• Complete the Template: Fill out the template below with your exact personal details (or company data), vehicle identification number (VIN/Chassis), and the details of the designated customs agency operating in Portbou.
• Sign the Document: The document must be signed manually or with a valid digital certificate (Certificado Digital / Cl@ve) if submitted electronically.
• Where to Submit: You will typically submit this directly to the designated customs broker (Agente de Aduanas) handling your dossier at the Portbou border facilities, or digitally via the Spanish Electronic Customs Office (Sede Electrónica de la Agencia Tributaria - AEAT) if you are telematically linked to the import declaration (DUA - Documento Único Administrativo).

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

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AUTHORIZATION TEMPLATE (CAR IMPORT)

DON / DÑA. (Mr./Ms.): [Insert Name and Surname], con DNI/NIE [Insert ID/Passport Number], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Insert Street, City, Postal Code],

(Holder with ID/NIE [Insert ID], and address at [Insert Address],)

OTORGA PODER Y AUTORIZACIÓN / GRANTS POWER AND AUTHORIZATION TO:

A la empresa / al agente de aduanas [Insert Customs Agency Name or Broker Name], con NIF [Insert NIF/CIF Number], y domicilio profesional en [Insert Agency Address], para que, en mi nombre y representación, realice todos los trámites, gestiones y declaraciones necesarias ante la Dependencia de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales de Portbou (Girona) y la Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria (AEAT) relativos al despacho de importación del siguiente vehículo:

To the company/customs broker [Insert Name], with tax ID [Insert Tax ID], and professional address at [Insert Address], so that, in my name and on my behalf, they may carry out all procedures, formalities, and declarations necessary before the Customs and Special Taxes Office of Portbou (Girona) and the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) regarding the import clearance of the following vehicle:

DATOS DEL VEHÍCULOS / VEHICLE DETAILS:

• Marca / Make: [Insert Brand]
• Modelo / Model: [Insert Model]
• Número de Bastidor / VIN (Chassis Number): [Insert 17-digit VIN]
• Matrícula de origen / Original Registration: [Insert Foreign Plate]

La presente autorización incluye expresamente la facultad para firmar la Declaración Única Aduanera (DUA), presentar liquidaciones de impuestos (IVA, Impuesto de Matriculación), solicitar levantes, así como subsanar cualquier incidencia que pudiera surgir durante el proceso de despacho fronterizo en Portbou.

This authorization expressly includes the power to sign the Single Administrative Document (DUA), submit tax settlements (VAT, Registration Tax), request customs release (levante), and resolve any issues that may arise during the border clearance process in Portbou.

Y para que así conste y surta los efectos oportunos, firmo la presente en [Insert City] a [Insert Day] de [Insert Month] de [Insert Year].

And for the record and relevant purposes, I sign this document in [Insert City] on [Insert Day] of [Insert Month], [Insert Year].

Fdo. / Signed:

_________________________________

[Insert Your Name]

Additional documentation required

To ensure your customs clearance in Portbou goes smoothly without costly delays, your customs agent will require several documents alongside this authorization:

• Proof of Ownership: The original purchase invoice or signed bill of sale (contrato de compraventa).
• Vehicle Documents: The original foreign vehicle registration certificate (both parts if coming from an EU country or equivalent export docs if coming from outside the EU).
• Identification: A clear copy of your DNI, NIE, or valid Passport.
• Proof of Transport: CMR (international consignment note) or bill of lading if the car was transported on a truck or train into Portbou.
• Technical Sheet (Ficha Técnica): If available, the European Certificate of Conformity (COC) to simplify subsequent ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) procedures in Spain.

Expert Tip for Portbou: Border customs operations can experience bottlenecks due to international freight traffic. Ensure all your foreign paperwork is translated if requested and double-check that your VIN matches perfectly across all documents before submitting your dossier to avoid temporary impoundment at the border.