Shipping a Vehicle to Germany from the US
Are you migrating or relocating to Germany? Interestingly, the country is home to some of the most popular automobile brands and manufacturers like BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Opel and Mercedes-Benz. However, you could still opt to import or ship the car you are using in the US to Germany.
Unlike in many other countries, the German Customs office does not impose general restrictions on importation of vehicles to this European nation. Your vehicle could be shipped regardless of its age. All types of cars would be treated equally in terms of technical inspections, taxes and duties.
If you intend to stay in the country for a year or more, you would have to secure a local driving license. Shipping or importation of any US-manufactured vehicle would be covered under the Export Control List, item 5400. However, you would not need to secure an export/import permit or even any written authorization before you could ship a car to Germany.
Vehicle taxes
The German government is imposing specific amounts of taxes for automobile imports coming from the US and from other countries outside the European Union. In general, an import duty of 10% based on purchase cost on top of freight expenses and freight insurance is implemented. The import duty for vintage and collectors’ vehicles is 7%. A value added tax of 15% is also applied.
You are required to register your vehicle in Germany after it has been shipped. This would automatically subject it to Kfz-Steuerbescheid or first payment special tax on vehicle. Later tax payments are referred to as Kfz-Steuer.
Special requirements
There are several special requirements for cars that are to be imported or shipped to Germany from the US. First, vehicles to be shipped should be right-hand drive as all cars in the country are driven on the right side of each German road. Distance and speed measurement should be in the metric system (kilometer instead of miles).
Marine shipping insurance should be obtained for your car prior to shipping. Shipping companies are not held liable for possible damages that could be incurred during shipment especially if the cost would exceed $500. Shipping firms are usually careful when handling and transporting vehicles from the US to Germany but owners have to be always sure.
Before shipment
Of course, before the vehicle is turned over to the shipping firm, you have to make sure everything is in its proper place. Prepare your car for transport by observing the following: 1) leave the gas tank quarter full; 2) do not leave anything inside it; 3) disconnect any alarm system; 4) obtain ground clearance; and 5) have it inspected to make sure it is in ideal condition.
Secure all required ownership and shipment documentations so you would not face any possible hassle in Germany. Surrender the car keys to the shipping firm as it would be returned to you when you claim the vehicle days after in the European country. It may take four weeks or less to complete the vehicle shipment process.