How long does shipping from the UK to Germany take?
RORO transit from Tilbury or Immingham to Hamburg or Bremerhaven is 3 to 6 days, with a further 2 to 4 weeks for customs clearance, TÜV inspection and German registration.
Shipping a Car to Germany from the UK: Complete 2026 Guide
A practical 2026 guide to shipping a car from the UK to Germany — Hamburg port, Brexit customs, TÜV inspection and German registration explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a right-hand-drive UK car to Germany?
Yes. Right-hand-drive cars are legal in Germany but headlights and lighting must be adjusted to comply with right-hand traffic before TÜV approval.
What is the TÜV inspection?
The TÜV (or DEKRA, GTÜ) is the German type-approval and roadworthiness inspection. Every imported vehicle must pass it before German plates can be issued.
Do I have to pay VAT on a UK car imported to Germany?
Yes. German import VAT at 19% applies to all vehicles imported from the UK, calculated on customs value plus duty plus shipping. VAT-registered businesses can reclaim it.
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