Import a used vehicle to Germany

The following information was shared to us by someone who went through this process.

What documents do you need

Proof of ownership – Proof of purchase / Hire purchase agreement
Dealers Invoice
Original Vehicle registration documents – Proof of registration in your name
Current vehicle insurance documentation
EU Certificate of conformity (Konformitäts-bescheinigung or EWG – Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung)
Certificate of exhaust emissions (AU-Bescheinigung) – vehicles older than 3 years
Tax clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung). This is to confirm that the vehicle has not previously been registered in Germany
Drainage certificate for the shipping agent (you will need several copies)
Packing list
Documents from the shipping agents for customs. The customs agents will open your container and check your declaration

What else do you need

A Shipping agent
You will need a conform container

The process

Get all the necessary documents together
Arrange a shipping agent
Have your vehicle VeriDotted –
Prepare the vehicle (no fuel, fuel line and battery disconnected etc)
Deregister the vehicle in SA
Ship the vehicle
Collect your vehicle at customs / arrange vehicle delivery to TUV. You will not be allowed to drive your vehicle before all the paperwork is done and you have a TUV certificate
Customs in Germany will issue you with a Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung to enable you to get your vehicle licensed, registered and insured here in Germany.
Vehicle is modified to German standards e.g changes to the headlights
Register your vehicle in Germany – Licensing

Registering your vehicle

You will need the following documentation

Proof of identification
Proof of your registration in Germany (home address)
Original registration documents
Tax clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung)
Proof of duties paid or exemption (Zollrechtliche Bescheinigung)
Original Certificate of Conformity
Proof of insurance
Road tax form
TUV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) certificate – Testcentre for Roadworthiness
Proof of the original purchase contract

Costs

As a rule, you have to pay the following:
Duty Fees – 10% import duty
Import VAT – 19%

You can get an exemption from the duty and VAT if you are establishing a new residence in Germany and have given up your residence in a non-EU country. The vehicle must be registered in your personal name (sole owner) for at least 6 months and be used by you personally. You will have to declare the vehicle as Übersiedlungsgut

Shipping Fees
Customs fees

Pitfalls

In Germany, you drive on the right lane and the driver sits on the left
Your vehicle will have to go through TUV, there are some adjustments that need to be done for example the angle of the headlights