ITV inspection for an imported car in Andorra: what they check, what fails and what it costs

The ITV inspection of an imported car in Andorra is not just another check: it is the step that decides whether the car can be registered. And it does not look at the same things as the German TÜV. There, they check the car is in good condition; here, they also check that the car is exactly what its type approval says, part by part. That is why a flawless car can still fail first time. Here is how it works, what usually fails and what it costs, based on the inspections we take our imported cars through every week.

When an imported car takes its ITV

The order is always the same:

1. Customs: the import declaration is filed and the 4.5% IGI is paid.
2. ITV: straight after, with the car already in the country.
3. Registration with the Government and plates from the ACA.

You need to book by phone. Sometimes there is a slot within a few days, sometimes it takes about a week, so it pays to call as soon as customs is done. The station is in Aixovall (Sant Julià de Lòria), on the Bixessarri road.

How to get the car there without Andorran plates

This catches a lot of people out: the car has to be driven legally to the inspection, but it does not have Andorran plates yet. There are two options: Andorran trade (test) plates or the export plates of the country it comes from (in Germany, the export plates the car leaves on). You can take it yourself, or the person or company handling the paperwork can.

The papers you need: COC or individual approval

• European car: the COC (certificate of conformity) is essential. It is issued by the manufacturer and describes the car as it was type-approved: dimensions, engine, approved tyres, weights… If the car does not have one, it can be requested from the brand; we handle that, and it usually costs about €190.
• Car from outside Europe: it needs an individual approval, approved beforehand by Andorra's Department of Industry. It is done at a vehicle testing laboratory with an engineer; the nearest is IDIADA, in Catalonia. It takes longer and costs more, so it is worth knowing before you buy.

What they check: the difference from the German TÜV

The German TÜV does not look at type approval: it checks that the car is in good condition and safe. In Andorra they also check condition, but above all that the car has all the parts and specifications listed in its COC or individual approval. Anything fitted to the car that is not in those papers can make it fail, even if it was perfectly legal in Germany.

What fails most often (and how to avoid it)

• Tyres with the wrong load index. The most common one: the tyres are in good condition, but their load index or size is not listed in the COC. We have had to replace all four tyres more than once, at our own cost. Before buying, compare what is written on the tyre sidewall with the COC.
• Tinted windows. If they are not approved for that car, they fail.
• Added tow bars. A tow bar fitted afterwards that is not in the approval is a reason to fail.
• Dashboard warnings from a low battery. Cars that have stood still for a while (at the dealer or in transport) sometimes show an engine fault that is really the battery. It is fixed by clearing the error at a garage, but it costs you an appointment.

Overall, we have not had serious problems at inspection with the cars we import: when something fails, it is almost always one of these four.

How much the ITV costs in Andorra (2026)

Periodic fees are the 2026 rates and include IGI.

After registration: how often

Once registered, the car has its first periodic inspection at 4 years old and then every 2 years. It counts as on time if you take it in the month it is due, the month before or the first 15 days of the following month; after that, the late fee applies.

Import with us and the inspection is on us

At Importocotxe we handle the whole process: we do customs, book the slot, take the car to the inspection and register it in your name. If something fails, we sort it out. See the cars available with their final price in Andorra or read our guide to importing a car to Andorra.

Frequently asked questions

When does an imported car take its ITV in Andorra?

Straight after the customs declaration and payment of IGI, and before registration. You need to book by phone.

How much does the ITV for an imported car cost in Andorra?

€62.20. Periodic inspections cost €26.25 on time and €49.10 late (2026 rates).

Do you need a COC for the ITV in Andorra?

Yes, for a European car the COC is essential. A car from outside Europe needs an individual approval approved by Andorra's Department of Industry.

What usually fails at the ITV of an imported car?

Mainly tyres with a load index not listed in the COC, tinted windows, added tow bars and dashboard warnings caused by a low battery.

How do I take the car to the ITV without Andorran plates?

With Andorran trade (test) plates or with the export plates of the country of origin.

How often is the ITV in Andorra?

The first at 4 years old, then every 2 years.

Information checked in October 2026, based on the 2026 ITV fees and our experience taking the cars we import to Andorra through inspection.