Germany is a significant market for used cars from Japan due to the affordability and reliability of Japanese auction vehicles. However, there are specific requirements and regulations that must be followed to import a vehicle into Germany. Since Germany only permits left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles for regular road use, most imported vehicles tend to be European brands that were originally exported to Japan. This guide explains the key steps, regulations, and taxes involved in importing cars from Japan to Germany.
Import Rules and Regulations
Vehicle Type and Left-Hand Drive Requirement
A critical regulation in Germany is that only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are allowed for standard road use. This means that many Japanese domestic models, which are right-hand drive (RHD), cannot be imported for regular use. However, left-hand drive vehicles, particularly European models that were exported to Japan, are commonly purchased at Japanese auctions and imported into Germany.
TÜV Inspection and Compliance
Before an imported vehicle can be registered in Germany, it must pass a rigorous technical inspection known as the TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) inspection. This inspection ensures that the vehicle complies with German safety and environmental standards, including:
- Structural safety: Ensuring the vehicle is free of any damage that would compromise its roadworthiness.
- Brakes, lights, and safety systems: All essential safety components must function properly.
- Emissions standards: The vehicle must comply with Euro 6 emissions standards for diesel vehicles and Euro 4 emissions standards for petrol vehicles.
The TÜV certificate is mandatory for registering the vehicle in Germany.
Import Duties and Taxes
When importing a vehicle into Germany, several duties and taxes must be paid. These costs are based on the Cost and Freight (C&F) value of the vehicle, which includes the purchase price and shipping costs from Japan.
Taxes and Fees
- Import Duty: A 10% import duty is applied to the C&F value of the vehicle.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): A 19% VAT is levied on the C&F value plus import duty.
- Motor Vehicle Tax (Kfz-Steuer): An annual tax based on engine capacity and CO2 emissions, applicable to all registered vehicles in Germany.
Exemptions for Returning Residents
If you have lived outside the EU for at least a year and have owned the vehicle for at least six months, you may be eligible for duty exemptions. This is especially useful for returning German residents or expatriates relocating to Germany.
Procedures for Importing Cars
Step 1: Select a Vehicle and Verify Left-Hand Drive Compliance
Since only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are permitted for regular road use in Germany, buyers should focus on European and other international brands that are available in left-hand drive configurations at Japanese auctions. Examples include models from brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi, which were exported to Japan and are now available for resale at auctions.
Step 2: Arrange Shipping and Documentation
Once you have selected a left-hand drive vehicle, arrange for shipment to Germany, typically via major ports such as Hamburg or Bremerhaven. The necessary documents for customs clearance include:
- Bill of Lading (BOL): Proof of shipment from Japan.
- Commercial Invoice: Details the purchase price of the vehicle.
- Export Certificate: Confirms the vehicle’s export status.
- Third-Party Liability Insurance: Required for operating the vehicle upon arrival in Germany.
Step 3: Customs Clearance and Payment of Duties
Upon arrival in Germany, you will need to clear customs. Present the required documents and pay the necessary import duties and VAT. Customs officials will assess the vehicle’s value based on the C&F amount, and after the payment is made, the vehicle will be released for further inspections.
Step 4: TÜV Inspection and Registration
After clearing customs, the vehicle must undergo the TÜV inspection to verify that it meets German road safety and emissions standards. Once the vehicle passes the inspection, you can proceed with registration at the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. You will need to provide the following documents:
- TÜV certification
- Proof of customs clearance and duty payments
- Proof of insurance
- Original registration papers from Japan
Upon successful registration, the vehicle will be issued a German license plate, allowing it to be legally driven on German roads.
Popular Imported Vehicles
Since Germany requires left-hand drive vehicles, many of the cars imported from Japan are European models that were originally exported to Japan. Buyers in Germany tend to focus on these models because they are already configured for the German road system and meet local driving preferences. Popular vehicles imported from Japan include:
- Mercedes-Benz: Particularly models such as the E-Class and S-Class, which are highly popular for their luxury and reliability.
- BMW: The 3 Series and 5 Series are commonly imported, offering a mix of performance and comfort.
- Volkswagen: The Golf and Passat are frequently purchased due to their practicality and fuel efficiency.
- Audi: Models like the A4 and A6 are often imported for their premium features and German engineering.
- Porsche: High-performance models such as the 911 are sometimes available in Japanese auctions and are favored by enthusiasts.
These vehicles are preferred because they meet both the left-hand drive requirement and the German preference for European brands, making them easy to register and use in the country.
Key Considerations for Importing Cars
Total Import Costs
When budgeting for vehicle importation, consider all associated costs, including shipping, insurance, import duties, VAT, TÜV inspection fees, and registration charges. These costs can significantly increase the overall expense of importing a vehicle, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Compliance with German Standards
Ensure that the vehicle you are importing can meet Germany’s road safety and emissions standards. Left-hand drive vehicles will typically comply more easily, but passing the TÜV inspection is still necessary for registration. Older vehicles may require modifications to meet emissions standards.
Availability of Spare Parts and Repairs
For European vehicles, spare parts and service expertise are readily available throughout Germany. This makes owning and maintaining these cars easier and more cost-effective in the long run compared to importing a less common brand or model.
Conclusion
Importing left-hand drive European vehicles from Japan to Germany is a viable option for buyers looking for high-quality used cars at competitive prices. By ensuring compliance with German regulations, paying the required taxes, and passing the TÜV inspection, you can successfully import and register a vehicle. This process allows buyers in Germany to access well-maintained vehicles from Japanese auctions that may be unavailable locally at similar prices.
