How to Export a Car From Germany

The procedure for exporting a car from Germany depends on the country the car is being imported to. In the United States, the major concerns for importing include making sure that the car is up to safety, environmental and bumper standards and providing the necessary documentation to establish sale and ownership. Agencies can be hired to import the car from Germany, but it is also possible to do so on your own.

Instructions

1

Make sure the car meets the safety, bumper and environmental standards for the U.S. Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency. Unfortunately most vehicles in Germany that meet U.S. standards are made specifically for export dealers. Verify any seller that claims its vehicles are U.S. ready. If the vehicle doesn't meet U.S. standards, then modifications must be made to bring it up to code.

2

Have the shipper or carrier provide an estimated arrival date and place for the car.

3

Notify the customs office of the entry point when the car will arrive. The car must clear customs at its initial port of entry before it is allowed into the country.

4

Provide all necessary documentation for the vehicle. This includes the shipper or carrier's original bill of lading, the vehicle bill of sale, foreign registration, verification of safety, bumper and emissions standards and any other form related to the vehicle. In this case it's better to err on the side of providing too much information than too little. Make sure that all forms are in English and are either the original document or a certified copy.

Vehicles manufactured to U.S. standards have a label affixed to the driver's side door. Those that have been previously modified to meet code bear similar labeling from the modifier. To important a non-conforming vehicle, contact a Department of Transportation registered importer to confirm that the car can be modified to standards and bring it up to code before importation. A bond of 1.5 times the vehicle's dutiable value must be paid to have the modifications made.

5

Clean the car thoroughly before shipping. This assures that no soil containing potentially harmful bugs are on the undercarriage of the car. Similarly, the car must be shipped without any other items contained in it.

6

Pay the duty on the car. For cars, the duty is 2.5 percent of the car's sale price or value. Exemptions exist for U.S. citizens employed abroad, members of the military, civilian employees of the U.S. government and non-U.S. residents (for up to one year of personal use). Other fees, such as the gas guzzler tax, may also apply.

7

Receive a license plate from the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Arrangement for these must be made through the state of residence.