Importing your car from Germany to the United Kingdom

We do this using an IVA test. We have the only privately operated IVA testing facility in the UK, meaning your car will not be waiting for a testing slot at a government testing centre, which can take weeks, if not months to obtain. We IVA test every week on-site and therefore have the fastest turnaround to get your car registered and on UK roads.

Every car is different and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process, so please get a quote so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost option for your circumstances.

We manage the whole process on your behalf, whether that is dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer or the Department for Transport, so you can relax in the knowledge that you will be legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.

Australian cars may require some modifications, including the speedo to display an MPH reading and the rear fog light positioning if it is not already universally compliant.

We have built an extensive catalogue of the makes and models of cars we have imported so can give you an accurate estimate of what your car will require to be ready for its IVA test.

Cars over 10 years old are type approval exempt but still require a safety test, called an MOT, and similar modifications to an IVA test prior to registration. The modifications depend on the age but are generally to the rear fog light.

If your car is over 40 years old it does not need an MOT test and can be delivered directly to your UK address ahead of it being registered.

Please note that whilst you can ship your car, road freight is one of the fastest methods of getting your car into the United Kingdom from Germany.

We recently invested in a multi car transporter that utilises an enclosed rear trailer to ensure you get the same quality of protection that most container shipping offers.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch regarding the transport of your car from Germany if you have any queries regarding the transportation of your German car to the UK.

We only import cars to the United Kingdom. So we can certainly help with the process of exporting your car from Germany and bringing it into the United Kingdom….

But if you are looking to export your car from Germany to somewhere like the United States of America you are better off looking elsewhere.

The main difference is you will now have to pay VAT. But it’s not all bad news!

If you have owned the car for over 12 months, that’s good news.

You could qualify for a VAT-free import under the ToR scheme (that is if you are moving to the UK). Otherwise, you will be liable to pay the full amount of tax due.

Prior to Brexit, you could import cars under the freedom of movement between EU countries, but the UK is no longer in the EU.

In 2010 it became the law that you need winter tyres to be fitted if you are driving in Germany.

This is not the law in the United Kingdom so any import that doesn’t have winter tyres won’t fail any testing (so long as the tyres are in good condition).

If your car is already in the United Kingdom and you are facing issues with the registration process we are more than happy to help remotely register your German car.

For most cars over ten years old the work can be undertaken by your local garage to modify the car. We then take care of all the paperwork remotely and post your number plates to you.

Please note that if you are within driving distance we are more than happy to schedule a one day apointment to undertake the modifications at our premises in Castle Donington.

The duration of shipping a car from Germany to the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the specific locations in Germany and the UK, the shipping method chosen, and any unforeseen circumstances. Typically, the estimated transit time for shipping a car from Germany to the UK ranges from 3 to 7 days.

If you opt for a conventional shipping method like roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), where the car is driven onto a specialized vessel, the transit time is generally shorter. It usually takes around 2 to 4 days for the RoRo shipping process.

On the other hand, if you choose container shipping, where the car is loaded into a container and then transported, the transit time may be slightly longer. It can take approximately 5 to 7 days for the container to be shipped from Germany to the UK.

It’s important to note that these timeframes are just estimates, and there may be additional factors such as customs clearance, weather conditions, or other logistical considerations that can affect the overall shipping time. To get the most accurate information for your specific situation, it’s advisable to fill out a quote form and we can provide you with more up to date accurate information.

At My Car Import, we have been importing vehicles from Germany to the United Kingdom for years. We have an extensive network of trusted partners but recently due to the rise in EU imports we have our own multi-vehicle enclosed transporter to offer even more to our offering.

As car enthusiasts ourselves we understand that your car is not just a possession and we want to take care of your car. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure its safe and secure journey from Germany to the United Kingdom.

With our premium enclosed car transport service which is priced at around the same as a normal unenclosed multicar transport service, your car is safe from the elements, road debris, and prying eyes throughout the entire journey.

We also have numerous contacts to also ensure that if we can’t collect the car ourselves, or you need transportation urgently, it can be arranged.

Yes, you can buy a car in Germany and bring it to the UK. At My Car Import we take care of the entire process of importing the car on your behalf, so once you find one you like don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Many people choose to do this because they might find better deals, a wider selection, or specific car models not readily available in the UK. The process of importing a car from Germany to the UK involves several steps, and it’s essential to follow the necessary legal and administrative requirements. Here’s a general outline of the process:

Research and Purchase:

Start by researching the car you want to buy in Germany. Once you find the right car, negotiate the purchase with the seller and complete the transaction.

VAT and Taxes:

You may need to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) in Germany when buying the car. However, you might be able to claim this back once the car is imported into the UK. Be sure to check the specific VAT rules for exporting a car from Germany.

Transportation:

Decide on the transportation method to get the car from Germany to the UK. You can choose between driving the car yourself or using professional car transport services like RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping or container shipping.

Customs and Import Duty:

When importing the car into the UK, you’ll need to declare it to UK customs and pay any applicable import duty and taxes. The amount of duty and taxes will depend on the car’s value, age, and emissions.

Vehicle Approval and Registration:

The car will need to undergo certain checks and modifications to comply with UK regulations and road standards. This might include getting a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer, an MOT (Ministry of Transport) test, and potentially some modifications to meet UK standards.

Vehicle Registration:

Once the car meets all the necessary requirements, you’ll need to register it with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK and obtain UK number plates.

Insurance:

Make sure to get car insurance that covers the car during transportation and complies with UK requirements.

It’s essential to be well-informed about the import regulations, taxes, and duties before proceeding with the purchase and import process. Consider seeking advice from a specialist car importer or a shipping agent experienced in importing cars from Germany to the UK. This will ensure that you follow all the legal procedures correctly and make the process as smooth as possible.

That is of course if you choose to undertake the process by yourself, or you can fill out a quote form to avoid the headache of doing it yourself.