How to Import a Japanese Car to Germany: Complete 2025 Guide

Germany is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Japanese car imports — and for good reason. No registration tax (unlike the Netherlands’ BPM or Denmark’s punishing Registreringsafgift), fast TÜV individual approval, excellent port infrastructure at Bremerhaven, and a huge community of JDM enthusiasts.

Whether you’re after a Nissan Skyline GT-R, a Toyota Supra, a Honda NSX, or a low-mileage Lexus IS-F, Germany is often the most cost-effective EU country to register your import. Here’s everything you need to know.

Total Cost Breakdown: What to Budget

The landed cost of importing a Japanese car to Germany is made up of several components. Using a €40,000 vehicle as an example:

The German Approval Process: TÜV §21

To register an imported Japanese vehicle in Germany, it must pass individual vehicle type approval (Einzelabnahme) under §21 StVZO. This is carried out by TÜV, DEKRA, or GTÜ and covers:

• Compliance with ECE lighting regulations (headlights, rear fog light, reflectors)
• Speedometer reading in km/h
• Seat belt and restraint system certification
• Emissions compliance (Euro standard confirmation)
• Tyre size and load rating verification
• Structural integrity and safety equipment

For LHD Japanese export-spec vehicles, modifications required are typically minimal — mainly headlight beam pattern adjustment. For RHD JDM cars, additional steps include headlight replacement with ECE R112 units, km/h speedometer overlay or replacement, and rear fog light installation.

Historic Cars: The H-Kennzeichen

If your vehicle is 30 years old or older, it may qualify for Germany’s coveted H-Kennzeichen (historic licence plates). Benefits include:

• Flat €191 annual road tax regardless of engine size or emissions
• Emissions testing exemption (older vehicles exempt from Euro standards)
• Simplified annual inspection requirements
• Access to low-emission zones (despite not meeting modern standards)

This makes Germany particularly attractive for 1990s JDM classics — Nissan R32 GT-R (1989–94), Honda NSX (1990+), Mazda RX-7 FD (1991+) are all approaching or past 30-year eligibility.

Shipping Route: Yokohama to Bremerhaven

The most common shipping route for Germany-bound imports is Yokohama → Bremerhaven by RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) vessel. Transit time is approximately 6–8 weeks. Bremerhaven is the largest car port in Europe and handles Japanese imports very efficiently.

Container shipping is also available and preferred for high-value, low-production, or modified vehicles where additional protection is needed.

Step-by-Step Timeline

1. Weeks 1–3: Vehicle sourcing via USS, TAA, or HAA auction. Auction sheet translation and pre-purchase inspection provided.
2. Weeks 3–4: Purchase confirmed, Japanese de-registration and export documentation (EPC) obtained.
3. Weeks 4–10: Ocean shipping from Yokohama to Bremerhaven.
4. Week 11: EU customs clearance at Bremerhaven. Import duty (10%) and German VAT (19%) paid.
5. Weeks 11–12: EU compliance modifications carried out as required.
6. Weeks 12–13: TÜV / DEKRA §21 individual approval and HU (Hauptuntersuchung) roadworthiness inspection.
7. Week 13: German registration (Zulassung) completed. Kennzeichen (plates) issued.
8. Week 13–14: Inland delivery to your address.

Ready to get started? Contact our team for a personalised cost breakdown for your specific vehicle. We handle everything from auction sourcing to Bremerhaven customs and TÜV approval.