Importing a car from outside the EU — you're on the right route *
Car import from a non-EU country (Ukraine, Georgia, USA, Japan, etc.) requires customs clearance, a manufacturer data sheet and a § 21 StVZO individual inspection. This guide walks you through every step.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
More complex than EU — but very doable
A non-EU car has no EU type approval. Germany needs to individually verify that it meets German technical standards. The route is longer but clearly structured: customs → technical data → TÜV↗/DEKRA↗ individual inspection → insurance → registration.
Special case: relocating with your car (Übersiedlungsgut)
If you’re moving permanently to Germany and bringing your own car — check the Übersiedlungsgut exemption. If you qualify, you pay zero import duty and zero VAT. Potential saving: several thousand euros. Details in the next step.
Your five steps
Customs (Zoll) — clearance and Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung
Poland, Austria, France, Czech Republic — EU single market. No customs, no § 21 inspection. Much simpler. Don't take the long route if you don't have to.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I'm importing from an EU country (Poland, Austria, France) — am I on the right route?▾
No. For vehicles from EU countries there's a simplified process — no customs, no § 21 inspection. Switch to the 'Car import from the EU' route. Link below. Important: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein do NOT count — they lie outside the EU customs union.
Which countries are considered non-EU?▾
All countries outside the EU: Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Turkey and others. The UK is a third country since Brexit. A note on four countries often mistaken for the EU. Switzerland is a third country for both customs and registration: § 6 (7) FZV expressly requires proof of customs clearance when you register, and without it the registration office notifies the Hauptzollamt. Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are EEA contracting states: customs formalities on import into the EU still apply (the EEA is a single market, not a customs union), but the registration office does not ask them for proof of customs clearance — § 6 (7) FZV exempts contracting states. Common to all four: the § 21 individual inspection is normally not needed, because an EU type approval exists.
How long does the whole process take?▾
Realistically 4 to 12 weeks. The main delays: manufacturer data sheet (2–6 weeks), TÜV/DEKRA appointment for the individual inspection (1–4 weeks).