Germany – One Roof Autos

Japan Used Car Import Duty / Regulation in Germany

Year Restrictions

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Destination Port

Hamburg and Bremerhaven

Time of Shipment

RoRo (24-34 Days)

Vessel Schedule

RoRo (Monthly)

Shipping Line

Zim Germany Gmbh, Hamburg Sud-Line, Hapag-Lloyd

Inspection

TUV

Shipping Ports:

Major shipping ports in Germany are Hamburg and Bremerhaven.

Left-Hand Drive Vehicles:

Importation of left-hand steering vehicles is permitted in the country.

Inspection

Technical Inspection (Fahrzeug-Hauptuntersuchung, common ‘TUV’) is required on vehicles imported in Germany. When registering a vehicle in the country, Technical Inspection certificate is required.

Documents Required:

Copy of passport or other identification
Residence Registration Confirmation
Copy of certificate of Title and Registration
Proof of Ownership - bill of sale, commercial invoice: required for vehicles in the owner's possession less than 6 months
Insurance Card - from origin country
Export permit
Original vehicle registration papers
Third Party Liability Insurance - initiated at Customs clearance
Proof the vehicle has successfully completed the safety and roadworthiness inspection and emissions control test

Taxation in Germany:

Import Duty of 10% of the vehicles Cost and Freight (C&F).
Tax at 19% of the vehicle Cost and Freight (C&F)
Every motor vehicle registered in Germany is subject to a special motor vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer). The first payment must be paid soon after registering the vehicle.

Exemption on duty is given, provided the following conditions are satisfied:

The importer must have lived outside the European Union (EU) for at least a year.
The vehicle must be bought outside EU and have driven for at least six months before its importation.
The importer must be a registered citizen of Germany.
The vehicle is intended for personal use only.
The importer should keep the vehicle for at least one year following its importation.

It is allowed to drive the imported vehicle with the home license plates and registration if one imported the vehicle for temporary basis i.e. for a period of up to 12 months. Registration document with German translation is required. If one is staying for a longer period, then the vehicle must be registered at local Kfz-Zulassungsstelle.