ETSA-Einfuhr-Info

Customs Information for Household Goods, Personal Effects and Automobiles to be imported into Germany

Documentation Reguirements

A. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects
1. Copy of shippers passport (picture page).
2. German residence registration confirmation.
3. Brief statement confirming "no firearms or alcohol" are shipped.
4. German Citizens only - Proof of absence from Germany for more than one year (statement from employer, tax or rent receipts will suffice).
5. Comprehensive inventory which E.T.S.A. will translate into German.

Note: Any Non-German Citizen may import all of his Household Goods and Personal Effects tax and duty free. Any returning German Citizen is also exempt from tax & duties, provided he has spent more than one year abroad (see note 4. above). Germans who have been out of the country less than 1 year must declare and possibly pay duties and taxes on any items purchased overseas.

B. Automobiles or Motorcycles

1. Copy of shippers passport (picture page)
2. German residence registration confirmation.
3. German Citizens only - Proof of absence from Germany for more than one year (statement from employer, tax or rent receipts will suffice).
4. Copy of Certificat of Title and Registration.
5. Proof of insurance coverage for Auto or Motorcycle after customs clearance.

Note: For vehicles less than 6 months in the customers possession (from shipping date) a copy of the purchase / sales contract is required and the vehicles are presently (Year 2001) subject to the following duties & taxes: Duties for Automobiles: 10.0% of cif-value, Duties for Motorcycles: 8.2% of cif-value, V A T (Value Added Tax) on both: 19.0% of cif-value & duty.

The above meant as a guide for our customers. lt does not claim to represent the total customs laws & regulations. Please feel free
to contact E.T.S.A. with specific problems and / or questions.