Germany → United Kingdom
Importing a Car to the UK from Germany
Import a car from Germany to the UK after Brexit: 0% duty with EU origin, 20% VAT, export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen), NOVA, DVLA registration and transport costs.
Importing from Germany: Overview
Quick answer: buy the car on a VAT-free export invoice, drive it on German export plates or ship it by covered transporter via the Channel, make a UK import declaration, pay 0% duty (with EU preferential origin) and 20% UK VAT, file NOVA within 14 days and register with the DVLA using the Certificate of Conformity.
Germany is the biggest source of left-hand-drive and premium used cars for UK buyers — Porsche, BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, Audi RS and VW Golf R models are often cheaper and better specified than UK equivalents. Since Brexit, a German car coming to the UK is a customs import, but the rules are clear and duty is usually zero for EU-built cars.
The Import Process Step by Step
1. Purchase & Checks
We confirm ownership, finance status and the build date of the vehicle in Germany, and check whether it qualifies for Transfer of Residence or historic-vehicle relief.
2. Export from Germany
The seller or our agent completes local export deregistration and delivers the car to the Channel ports or Bremerhaven.
3. Ocean Freight
The car sails by RoRo or container to Southampton, Tilbury or Felixstowe. Typical transit is 2–5 days by transporter or 5–7 days by sea.
4. UK Customs Clearance
We submit the import declaration on CDS and settle duty and VAT (or claim relief) so the car can leave the port.
5. NOVA Notification
HMRC is notified through NOVA within 14 days of arrival, which DVLA needs before registration.
6. Approval & DVLA Registration
IVA, Mutual Recognition or historic-vehicle evidence as needed, then first registration on UK plates using form V55/5.
UK Rules & Compliance
Cars imported to the UK from outside the UK pay 10% customs duty and 20% import VAT on the customs value (price plus freight and insurance). Vehicles over 30 years old, unmodified and no longer in production can qualify as historic: 0% duty and 5% VAT. If you are moving to the UK and have owned and used the car abroad for at least 6 months, Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief can remove both duty and VAT. EU-built cars with a valid origin statement on the invoice pay 0% duty under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. German-registered cars must be deregistered (Abmeldung) and can travel on export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) with short-term insurance.
Documents You Will Need
- German registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I & II)
- Purchase invoice or bill of sale
- Bill of lading
- Passport and proof of UK address
- HMRC NOVA confirmation
- C88 import entry and duty/VAT payment, or ToR1 relief approval
- IVA / Mutual Recognition certificate, or Certificate of Conformity
- MOT certificate once registered, if over 3 years old
Transit Times & Costs
2–5 days by road via the Channel, or around a week by sea from Bremerhaven. Allow 1–2 weeks for customs, NOVA and registration.
Covered transporter from Germany to the UK typically costs £700–£1,200 depending on the city. Add 20% import VAT, duty if the car lacks EU origin, NOVA, and around £55 DVLA first registration fee plus road tax.
Germany to UK Import FAQs
Do I pay duty on a car from Germany?
Usually no — 0% duty applies if the car meets EU/UK rules of origin and the seller provides an origin statement. Otherwise 10%.
Can I avoid paying German VAT?
Yes. Buy from a dealer on an export invoice (Ausfuhrlieferung) and they will refund or not charge German VAT once export is proven. You then pay UK VAT.
Does a German car need an IVA test?
Not normally if it is EU type-approved and you have a Certificate of Conformity. Headlamps and mph speedometer must still be correct for the MOT.
Can I drive the car to the UK myself?
Yes, on German export plates with export insurance. You still make a UK import declaration on arrival.