Shipping a Car to Germany from the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

Germany is the largest car market in Europe and one of the most active destinations for UK vehicle exports. Most shipments arrive at the Port of Hamburg or the Port of Bremerhaven, both major automotive hubs that handle millions of vehicles a year. From there, transporters move cars across Germany to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and Stuttgart.

The UK to Germany corridor is busy for several reasons. Britain is a large source of right-hand-drive performance cars and limited editions that German enthusiasts prize for collecting. There is also a steady flow of UK left-hand-drive cars purchased for export, of British expats relocating with a familiar vehicle, and of returning German nationals bringing back a UK-purchased car. JDM imports landed in the UK and re-exported to Germany are another recurring stream.

The Ship Cars operates regular RORO and shared container services from Tilbury, Immingham and Hull to Hamburg and Bremerhaven. For wider EU context, see our UK car export guide and UK customs clearance overview.

Since Brexit, the UK is treated as a third country by Germany. Vehicles imported from the UK are subject to German customs duty, import VAT and a TÜV inspection before they can be registered.

Customs duty — Standard 10% on passenger cars, but UK-built cars with a valid Statement on Origin under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement clear at 0%.

Import VAT — German VAT is 19%, calculated on customs value plus duty plus shipping. EU VAT-registered businesses can reclaim it through their VAT returns.

TÜV inspection — Every imported vehicle must pass an Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (ABE) check, the German type-approval and roadworthiness inspection. This is more rigorous than the UK MOT and covers headlight pattern, emissions, brakes, lighting and suspension. Vehicles that already hold EU type approval pass more quickly than those that do not.

Personal import (Übersiedlungsgut) — Returning residents and people moving permanently to Germany can apply for relief from duty and VAT on a vehicle they have owned and used for at least 6 months.

RORO from Tilbury or Immingham to Hamburg or Bremerhaven
• Indicative cost: £450 to £900
• Transit time: 3 to 6 days
• The most cost-effective option for road cars

Shared container to Hamburg
• Indicative cost: £700 to £1,200
• Transit time: 5 to 10 days
• Recommended for classics, low-clearance cars and cars with personal effects

Dedicated 20ft container to Hamburg or Bremerhaven
• Indicative cost: £1,800 to £2,800
• Transit time: 5 to 10 days
• Best for high-value vehicles

Driver-driven (Eurotunnel) — A short-term option for one-off moves, billed by mileage and driver day rate.

German landed cost components on a typical £20,000 used car
• Customs duty: 10% (or 0% with valid UK Statement on Origin)
• VAT: 19% on (customs value + duty + shipping)
• TÜV / ABE inspection: €100 to €450
• Customs clearance and broker fees: €120 to €280
• KFZ-Zulassung registration with the local Zulassungsstelle: €60 to €120
• Number plates: €25 to €60

Use our cost calculator for a tailored estimate.

When the vehicle arrives at Hamburg or Bremerhaven, the Ship Cars partners with a local clearing agent to complete the import.

1. Customs declaration (ATLAS) is filed declaring the customs value and any preferential origin claim.
2. Duty and import VAT are paid before release.
3. TÜV inspection is booked at a regional TÜV, DEKRA or GTÜ centre. Headlight conversion to right-hand traffic is required for UK RHD cars.
4. Vehicle data sheet (Datenbestätigung) is issued where the vehicle does not already hold EU type approval.
5. KFZ-Zulassung at the local registration office (Zulassungsstelle) issues German plates.
6. Insurance (KFZ-Versicherung) must be in place before registration is finalised.

The full process from UK collection to German plates typically takes 3 to 6 weeks.

- Plan for headlight conversion — UK headlights project to the left and will fail TÜV in their factory configuration. Many modern cars have a switch or auto-levelling option; older cars need physical headlight changes.
• Use the rules of origin — A UK-built car with a valid Statement on Origin clears at 0% duty rather than 10%, a significant saving.
• Apply for Übersiedlungsgut early — Personal import relief must be applied for in advance with proof of relocation, residency and 6 months of ownership and use.
• Match the registration office to your address — German plates are issued by the Zulassungsstelle for the district you live in. We coordinate with whichever office serves your address in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne or elsewhere.
• Insure end to end — A short North Sea crossing still warrants proper marine transit insurance.
• Read the broader UK export view — Our UK car export guide covers the V5C export, NOVA equivalent and customs side at the UK end.

Ready to ship to Germany? Request a free quote or contact our team to discuss TÜV preparation for your specific vehicle.