Can I export my car to Germany?

You can export your car to Germany, but it involves navigating through intricate vehicle export and import regulations. If the car is from outside the EU, you are liable to pay a 10% import duty of the car's value, plus VAT, unless you are moving to Germany as a full-time resident and have given up residency in your home country. Adherence to U.S. and German regulations, including modifications to meet German road and emission standards, is essential to avoid legal complications.

Exporting a car to Germany involves understanding and complying with both the export rules of the home country and the import rules of Germany. This process is multifaceted and requires meticulous attention to detail, including adherence to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements in the United States and modifications to meet German road and emission standards.

Process of Shipping a Car to Germany

Exporting a vehicle overseas, specifically to Germany, involves a series of systematic steps that ensure a successful and worry-free delivery. Initially, a reputable car-hauling company must be chosen, preferably one with a strong history of overseas vehicle transport. After ensuring that your vehicle meets all the German regulations and requirements, reserve a shipping date with your transporter. This step typically involves filling out a form detailing your vehicle’s specifications and your intended delivery address.

The transportation process begins once your chosen transporter has all the required information. Cars are usually transported in one of two ways: via roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ships or in a container. RO/RO ships are designed to carry wheeled cargo, allowing vehicles to be driven on and off the boat.

On the other hand, container moving involves securing the car within a shipping container, providing an added layer of protection. Upon arrival, the vehicle must clear customs and submit important documents and potential duty payments. Finally, your car can be collected at the predetermined location.

Required Documents for Car Export

Exporting a vehicle requires stringent documents to ensure everything progresses without a hitch. These documents testify to the legality and legitimacy of the car in question and cover different aspects of the procedure, including, but not limited to, the owner's identity, the validity of the vehicle, and compliance with export regulations.

Proof of ownership is indubitably a must. It is established with a valid vehicle title associated with the car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)—a unique code for every vehicle. Another cardinal document is the bill of sale. This specifies the transaction details, providing granular notes about the buyer, seller, price, and date of purchase.

Another critical document is the foreign shipper’s export declaration (SED). The SED elucidates cargo details being exported and is a vital filing for U.S. customs. Lastly, it is essential to have shipping instructions ready as well. These serve as a roadmap for your freight forwarder and contain an ocean bill of lading that designates the terms of an agreement between the car owner and the shipper.