The following are 5 methods to import a car to Europe. Each of the 5 methods show the documents needed and the clearance options. For further details, contact us by email or call the office at 1-858-547-0840.
1) Customer is Member of US Armed Forces or Contractor with logistical support
Customer will have to provide customs forms. These forms are AE190-1AA (Vehicle Registration Office) and a AE550-175 (Military Customs Office).
If customer picks up the car at the port, the above listed forms have to be stamped at the port customs house prior to exiting the port.
If vehicle gets delivered to the customer, he/she is required to meet the delivery truck at the closest local customs house, present the AE-Forms and get a customs release.
1. Must have two forms (custom form -500 and another form from transportation office: both forms they will get on base)
2. Must pay only 150 Euro at the port.
2) Customer is NON-Military, moving to Germany or Returning German citizen
Duty-free clearance of a vehicle is only possible if the customer can provide proof that he/she has permanently lived outside the EU for a minimum of 12 months and has owned and operated the vehicle for at least 6 Months.
Copy of customer’s Passport
Copy of vehicle’s Title, US Registration (at least 6 Months) and Bill of Sale
Confirmation of Liability-Insurance Cancellation
Copy of Registration with German Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
Confirmation of employer listing time frame and reason for stay in foreign country
3)Â Customer is a Tourist & Imports a Car to the EU for a Maximum of 12 Months
If the customer wants to clear the vehicle through German customs directly at the port of Bremerhaven, a safety deposit of 10%+19% of the vehicle value will be collected – Refund only happens once the car leaves the EU again.
Original vehicle Title and copy of current US vehicle registration
Proof of International Liability Insurance
Contact Ship Overseas for advice on how to avoid paying the holding taxes when entering as a tourist or when driving to another country.
4) Vehicle was Purchased by European Citizen – Vehicle less than 25 years old
Customs duties 10% and VAT 19% of vehicle value will be collected at time of clearance.
Copy of Vehicle Title
Copy of Bill of Sale, listing full name and address of Seller and Buyer
5) Vehicle was Purchased by European Citizen – Vehicle over 25 years old
If shipped to the port of Bremerhaven: Customs duties 10% and VAT 19% of vehicle value will be collected at time of clearance.
If shipped to the port of Amsterdam or Zeebrugge: Customs duties 0% and VAT 19% of vehicle value will be collected at time of clearance.
Copy of Vehicle Title
Copy of Bill of Sale, listing Full Name and Address of Seller and Buyer
On the other hand, if one of the above requirements is not met, you are importing a car into the EU. Someone needs to pay taxes and duties for this car to be used in the EU. You can however choose which country you want to pay taxes and or import duties, or you can choose to bring the car to Switzerland (as per your situation).