Can I bring my car from USA to Germany?

Yes, you can bring your car from the USA to Germany. For cars less than 30 years old, expect to pay a 10% import duty and a 19% value-added tax (VAT) based on the vehicle’s bluebook value. Cars over 30 years old may qualify as classic vehicles and could be subject to different regulations and potentially lower taxes.

Bringing a car from the USA to Germany is certainly possible, but it comes with specific financial and regulatory considerations. For modern vehicles under 30 years of age, importers should be prepared to pay a 10% import duty and a 19% VAT on the car’s assessed bluebook value upon entry into Germany. Classic cars, those over 30 years old, are often categorized as old-timers and may benefit from a different tax structure, potentially reducing the overall cost of import.

The Necessary Documents for Car Importation

There is a stringent set of papers required by the German government when importing a vehicle. The most important requisite is the Vehicle Registration document from the country of origin, which provides vital information about the vehicle such as its make, model, year of manufacture, and engine capacity. Moreover, a purchase invoice is also needed which needs to reflect the details of the seller and the buyer along with the purchase price.

Further necessitating the process, the authorities may require a certificate of conformity or proof that the car meets the necessary German/EU vehicle standards. If that is not available, the vehicle might have to undergo a technical inspection before it becomes road-legal. Also paramount to consider is having a valid insurance cover for the car – you might have to enroll for one in Germany if your current insurance doesn’t offer cover outside your home country. Lastly, a customs clearance certificate verifying that all owed taxes and duties on the vehicle have been paid is required.

Meeting the Vehicle Standards in Germany

Germany has a set of exacting standards associated with the importation of automobiles. Rules regarding emissions, technical standards, car safety, and roadworthiness must be adhered to when importing a car into the country. It is essential to ensure the vehicle under consideration adheres to these regulations to successfully complete the import process. When the vehicle is received, the German Transport Authority (KBA) will check if it meets the specifications.

To prepare for this, one should be cognizant of the stringent German guidelines, which might involve modifications to the vehicle prior to its shipment. For instance, left-hand drive cars are more common in Germany, making the importation of right-hand drive cars rather tricky, as they may not pass regulations. Additionally, all vehicles must undergo a thorough road safety inspection and, for some older models, an exhaust emissions test. Appropriate modifications can be carried out either in the home country or in Germany after the vehicle’s arrival to meet these standards.

Frequently Asked Questions