Importing a car from Germany can seem daunting, but with some guidance, it can actually be a smooth process. There are many great vehicles offered in Germany that may not be available where you live. By following this guide, you’ll understand the key steps for importing your dream car.
Benefits of Importing From Germany
Germany is known for engineering excellence, and their automakers produce some of the top performing and most innovative vehicles globally. Here are some of the main benefits of going through the import process:
- Unique models or trims: Germany gets exclusive versions of vehicles that may not be sold elsewhere. This includes high-performance trims, special editions, wagon variants, and features not offered to other markets.
- Advanced technology: German automakers tend to lead in introducing cutting-edge tech into mainstream cars earlier than competitors. This includes advanced driver-assistance systems, turbocharged efficient engines, and intuitive infotainment.
- Customization: Special ordering a new custom-spec vehicle in Germany allows buyers to get the exact color, wheels, interior packages and other options they want. This personalized experience is more accessible than in many markets.
- Diesel engines: Germany is a leading diesel market globally. For those that do high mileage or want torquey efficient diesel power, the selection in Germany can’t be beat.
- Better pricing: Despite Germany’s renowned engineering and technology, vehicle prices are generally lower than comparable models in other Western European countries. This value pricing makes imports more compelling.
Clearly, Germany offers many advantages for car buyers willing to handle importing. Next, let’s look at critical steps in the import process itself.
Overview of Import Process
While importing does take research and preparation, the general flow is straightforward. Here are the key steps:
- Decide on the specific vehicle you want and place your custom order with the German dealer if applicable.
- Have the car inspected to identify any issues needing resolution before export.
- Obtain critical export documentation from the dealer.
- Schedule shipping logistics from the port or vehicle collection point.
- Clear customs documentation and import taxes/fees in your destination country.
- Register the car with your local DMV once it arrives so it can legally drive on public roads.
As long as you manage each stage methodically, importing your German car will go smoothly. Now let’s explore these key phases in more depth so you know what to expect.
Choosing Your Ideal German Car
The first step is deciding precisely what car you want to import. While browsing German car dealer websites is valuable for research, keep the following tips in mind:
- Understand trims: Germany has unique trims, often denoted by letters or words foreign to other markets. Decode these model designations so you pick the exact variant you want.
- Consider diesel: If you drive high annual miles and want efficiency, evaluate Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen diesels to leverage Germany’s expertise here.
- Compare specs sheets: Dig into detailed German spec sheets to confirm items like horsepower ratings, dimensions, cargo space and other parameters versus what your local market offers. Spot the differences.
- Build your spec: If custom ordering, piece together all the standalone options and packages wanted into one ideal configuration. Things like sports suspensions, larger wheel upgrades, extended leather, multi-contour seats, parking assist and more may be available à la carte.
- Get quotes: Have the German dealer provide an accurate pricing quote and estimated completion timeline for your bespoke ordered car spec before placing the formal order contract. This locks in commitments upfront.
Doing this spec research diligently prevents surprises later in the import process. You’ll know exactly what car is coming, its equipment, and total cost.
Pre-Export Inspection
Once you place the order for your German car, allow a few months for assembly if having a custom-build. When the vehicle is ready for delivery, have a trusted mechanic do a comprehensive pre-purchase and export inspection before it ships internationally. This should cover:
- Mechanical condition: A full fluid service, test drive and multi-point inspection ensures no leaks, slippage, noises or faults are brewing under the skin. Fix any now.
- Electronic systems functionality: Check all dashboard warning lamps are off, test entertainment/navigation, validate phone pairing, sensors and camera views. Basically, thoroughly exercise every electronic feature to unearth bugs.
- Certify roadworthiness: The mechanic will issue a signed, stamped certificate that officially declares your car mechanically fit and legal for export out of Germany once they complete the inspection. This is mandatory paperwork the shipping company will need later.
- Create photo evidence: Take detailed photos capturing the car’s pre-shipment condition from all angles so any new damage appearing during transit is documented later. Thorough photo proof is key.
While an extra cost, a pre-sale inspection protects you from nasty surprises down the road by establishing the vehicle’s condition at origin.
Receiving Critical Export/Deregistration Paperwork
In tandem with the inspection, start procuring the essential paperwork needed to legally export and deregister the car in Germany:
- Certificate of Conformity or COC: The automobile manufacturer issues this, verifying your specific car was built to comply with European emissions and safety standards. It also guarantees continent-wide warranty coverage.
- Registration papers or Fahrzeugbrief: This proves legal German roadworthiness and registration under your name as latest owner. It also formally releases the car from Germany’s vehicle registry upon export.
- Invoice purchase receipt: Have the German dealership furnish a final correct invoice listing your name/address, exact vehicle details like VIN, model, production date and itemizing all associated costs in detail.
Collect originals of these documents before shipment. They’re compulsory for customs clearance later. Don’t lose them!
Scheduling Logistics: Sea vs. Air Shipping
The next big decision is plotting transportation logistics to your end destination. You have two main options:
Sea shipping in enclosed container
- Much cheaper (60-70% lower costs typically)
- Slower transit (up to 2 months)
- Possible damage/theft risks
Air shipping in enclosed pallet
- Blazing fast transit (as quick as 5-7 days)
- Significant added expense
- Very safe and secure
Weigh cost versus speed priorities carefully here. Air shipping is vastly quicker but sea container transport still has good security if packing carefully. Just anticipate a longer wait.
When comparing freight quotes between carriers, confirm insurance, tracking visibility, packaging used, handover locations and who handles customs documentation. These variables really impact price and service quality.
Once you select a transport method and freight forwarder, provide them the condition photos, roadworthiness certificate and other paperwork gathered earlier to expedite clearing German customs pre-export.
Clearing Customs & Final Import Duties
As your car nears its destination port, take steps to expedite clearance through your country’s import customs process:
- Apply for import eligibility: Depending on vehicle age, emissions, safety compliance and other factors, most countries have an approval scheme for personally imported cars. Research these requirements and submit your application early so approval is ready when your car arrives.
- Have import taxes/duties pre-calculated: Tally estimated customs duties, goods and services taxes (GST), excise taxes and other charges expected so these government payments are prepared upfront. Avoid surprises!
- Prepare authorization letter: Create a letter granting permission for a specified customs brokerage firm to act as your representation for clearing the shipment through your country’s import process when it enters the port. This saves complications.
- Gather paperwork package: Finally, create a master packet consolidating all the critical documents previously gathered during the export phase (invoice, registration papers, COC, inspection certificate, etc). Customs authorities validate paperwork thoroughly to assess final import eligibility.
If crossing these preparation items off your checklist before arrival, you’ll minimize release delays from import customs so delivery goes more rapidly and cost-effectively.
Registration & Insurance For Legal Road Use
The final major step once taking physical possession of your imported car is formally registering it locally for legal road use:
- Acquire import plate: Depending on state, you may need temporary import license plates while handling permanent registration. Research DMV requirements so your car can transport legally from the delivery depot to your home address.
- Pass safety/emissions inspection: Part of registration involves scheduling an inspection proving your German import meets local vehicle integrity standards for vehicle safety and environmental emissions. Your car must pass these assessments.
- Show import clearance: Present your customs clearance paperwork to the DMV when registering to prove all relevant import taxes and duties were satisfied so registration can proceed.
- Complete registration documentation: With these prerequisites complete, finish the standard title transfer, registration and plate application paperwork like normal at your local DMV. Insurance paperwork may also be needed.
- Get insurance coverage: Lastly, secure suitable classic car insurance if owning a rare older import, or standard coverage for newer vehicles. Without proof of insurance, registration can’t finalize.
It takes a little time and paperwork shuffle, but once these steps are ticked off, your international import is street legal and ready for enjoyment!
Conclusion
While importing a vehicle from Germany takes research, diligence and active project management through every transportation and bureaucratic stage, the rewards are plentiful. By following this guide, you’re now equipped to handle each phase seamlessly. Soon, the thrill and pride of owning your unique German import will make the effort more than worthwhile when driving it daily!
The process need not be overly complex with proper understanding of the operational workflow. Carefully evaluate each recommendation provided above to leverage the collective lessons from previous importers. Use these best practices to target a smooth end-to-end process. While delays or surprises can’t fully be prevented, thorough preparation is the ultimate antidote to minimize headaches.
You’re now an expert on precisely what’s entailed to import from Germany. There are fantastic cars awaiting your selection there once ready to pursue the journey. Gute Fahrt!
