Looking at a pinball machine for sale from the US or UK?
Wondering what it really takes to import one to the EU?
You’re not alone—and you’re smart to ask.
Importing a pinball machine into Europe involves more than just shipping. You’ll need to navigate VAT, customs duties, handling fees, and paperwork.
At House of Pinball, we’ve helped hundreds of customers avoid costly surprises by understanding the full cost of ownership—before they buy.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to importing a pinball machine into the EU the right way.
🧾 1. What to Know Before You Import
First, ask yourself:
- Is the machine new or used?
- Where is it coming from? (US, UK, Asia, etc.)
- Is it for personal use, resale, or commercial use?
These details directly impact:
- VAT rates
- Customs duty charges
- Required paperwork
- Whether import is worth it—or if it’s better to buy inside the EU
👉 Hint: Buying from within the EU, like at House of Pinball, means no import duties, faster shipping, and EU warranty coverage.
🌍 2. Importing from Outside the EU (e.g., USA, UK)
Let’s say you find a machine listed in the US for €4,000. Sounds like a deal—but here’s what you must add:
🇪🇺 A. VAT (Value Added Tax)
- Charged on total cost including shipping + duty
- Typically 21–23% depending on the country (e.g. 21% in NL, 20% UK, 23% in Portugal)
Example:
- Machine cost: €4,000
- Shipping: €500
- VAT @ 21% = €945
- Total so far: €5,445
🇪🇺 B. Customs Duty
- Typically 2.7%–5% for used arcade/pinball machines
- Calculated on item + shipping
Add €120–€200+
🧾 C. Broker & Handling Fees
- Charged by freight or courier companies (e.g. DHL, UPS, FedEx)
- Range: €50 – €150
💣 3. Hidden Costs People Miss
Here’s where it gets tricky:
| Hidden Cost | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Currency conversion fees | Up to 3% extra with PayPal or cards |
| Bank wire fees | €20–€50 international payment charges |
| Port/terminal fees | Extra if shipped via sea freight |
| Import delays | Inspections can delay 1–2 weeks |
| No warranty | Machines from outside EU may not be covered in case of damage |
💡 Many customers end up paying 30–40% more than the listed price when importing a machine themselves.
🚚 4. Shipping Options & Best Practices
✈️ Air Freight (Courier Services)
- Fast (5–10 days)
- Cost: €400–€900 depending on origin
- Good for one machine
🚢 Sea Freight (Container Shipping)
- Cheaper, but slower (4–8 weeks)
- Extra costs for customs clearance and local delivery
- Only worth it if buying multiple machines
🏆 Tip from House of Pinball:
Only buy from international sellers who:
- Provide original invoices
- Declare accurate values
- Offer crating and insurance
Better yet—let us handle it. We offer EU-imported machines ready to plug-and-play, with no surprises.
🇪🇺 5. Post-Brexit: Importing from the UK to the EU
Post-Brexit, importing from the UK is no longer duty-free.
Expect:
- 20–23% VAT
- 2.5–4% customs duty
- Full customs declaration
- Additional courier surcharges
Some UK sellers under-declare value to reduce your fees—this is risky and could result in:
- Seizure of machine
- Fines
- No insurance coverage if damaged
👉 All UK imports sold by House of Pinball are pre-cleared, with legal documentation and VAT invoices for business buyers.
✅ 6. Better Alternative: Buy Within the EU
When you buy your machine from inside the EU, like from House of Pinball, you:
- 🚫 Skip all customs processes
- 🚫 Avoid surprise VAT bills
- ✅ Get local delivery in 3–7 days
- ✅ Receive EU warranty + support
- ✅ Get a legally deductible VAT invoice (for businesses)
Top Countries We Deliver To:
- Germany
- Netherlands
- France
- Spain
- Belgium
- Italy
- Austria
- Sweden
- Portugal
- Eastern Europe
🔍 7. Legal Requirements & CE Marking (EU Compliance)
For commercial or business use, machines must:
- Have a valid CE mark
- Meet EU electrical and safety standards
- Be properly grounded and fuse-protected
💡 Machines imported from the US often lack CE compliance—leading to issues with insurance, fire safety, or resale.
At House of Pinball, all machines sold:
- ✅ Are tested to meet CE compliance
- ✅ Include EU plugs and safety documentation
- ✅ Come with 12-month EU warranty
💼 8. Business Buyers: Reclaiming VAT
If you operate a bar, arcade, entertainment venue, or rental company, you may be able to reclaim VAT on your purchase—but only if:
- You buy from an EU-registered seller like House of Pinball
- You receive a valid VAT invoice
🧾 We provide all documentation needed for VAT refund or deduction.