Process

Our Import Process

U.S. Car Import to Germany – Step by Step | Masso Cars & Co.

A transparent, structured process with clear responsibilities — from the initial inquiry to registration. We guide you safely through every phase of the import.

1

Inquiry & Personal Consultation

You tell us your vehicle preferences, your budget, and your desired timeframe. We explain the import process—from sourcing the vehicle in the USA to registration in Germany—and, based on this, provide a transparent cost calculation covering transport, customs duties, taxes, and any required modifications.

2

Vehicle search within verified U.S. networks

Based on your profile, we conduct research with verified dealers and partners in the USA, check vehicle history reports, mileage, condition and market price and provide you with a Selection of suitable vehicles with photos as well as complete vehicle information.

Important: The vehicle purchase and the purchase price payment are made directly between you and the respective seller.

3

Vehicle Inspection & Assisted Purchase Process

If you have decided on a vehicle and the actual technical condition if you would like to have an inspection carried out before the purchase, we will organise an independent vehicle inspection for you on site.

The inspection is carried out by specialized partner companies and can include an extensive Multi-point check, a VIN check, visual inspections from the inside and outside, the control of relevant assemblies as well as a test drive. As part of an extended check, an electronic Diagnostic scan can be performed with status report.

We coordinate the relevant inspection processes, accompany you during the purchase process and support during the compilation and plausibility check of the necessary import and contract documents.

Important: The vehicle purchase and the purchase price payment are made directly between you and the respective seller.

4

Inland Transport & Shipping to Germany

We organize inland transport from the seller’s location to the appropriate U.S. port, coordinate the shipping process, and oversee the required port and export procedures. The vehicle is handled by experienced partners, loaded, and prepared for ocean transport. We provide continuous status updates on the progress of the shipment.

5

Arrival in Bremerhaven & Customs Clearance

After the arrival of your vehicle at the port of Bremerhaven, we coordinate the customs clearance in coordination with the competent authorities and the service providers involved. We prepare the prepare the necessary import and customs clearance documents, check them for completeness and accompany the clearance process until customs clearance.

Based on our experience in the import of vehicles from the USA, the processing is structured and according to the applicable legal requirements. Only after the official clearance by customs will your vehicle released from the port and transferred to the next stage of technical processing.

6

Homologation (Adaptation to EU Standards)

Afterwards we will organize the technical adaptation of your vehicle to the applicable European Regulations on certified partner companies. Depending on the type of vehicle, adjustments can be made to this, among other things this includes lighting, electronics, speedometer display and – if necessary – exhaust and safety components.

The work is carried out on the basis of the current EU directives and serves to prepare for the subsequent Individual acceptance according to § 21 StVZO. Upon completion, you will receive a technical Documentation as the basis for the TÜV approval and subsequent approval.

7

TÜV Inspection

After the modifications are completed, we coordinate the preparation of your vehicle for the TÜV inspection and align the process with the responsible inspection authorities. We provide organizational support throughout the process up to the completion of the technical inspection.

8

Registration & Delivery in Germany

Once the TÜV report is available, we assist you with organizing the vehicle registration in Germany. Upon request, we also coordinate license plates, environmental stickers, and other required formalities.

Process

Our import process

US Car Import to Germany step by step | Masso Cars & Co.

Together, we discuss your desired vehicle, budget, and expected timeline. We transparently walk you through the entire import process — from purchasing in the USA to registration in Germany. You receive an initial, transparent, fixed-price cost overview including transport, customs, taxes, and conversions. All agreements are honored, giving you full planning certainty from the very beginning.
Based on your profile, we search exclusively with verified dealers and trusted partners in the USA. We review the history via CarFax, mileage, condition, and market price before recommending a vehicle. You receive carefully selected offers with photos, vehicle information, and a transparent total cost calculation delivered right to your doorstep. You choose the car — we handle the rest.

Before the purchase, the vehicle is thoroughly inspected by our local partners on site.

We offer two packages to assess your future dream car: the Basic package, which reviews all essential information about the vehicle, and our Plus package, which includes additional inspections.

Included in the Basic package:

A 270-point check with vehicle identity verification (VIN, data)
Visual and condition inspection of exterior and interior
Tire and brake inspection
Engine bay check including battery/generator and safety assessment
A test drive
Inspection of all documents relevant for import
The Plus package includes:

All services of the Basic package
An electronic diagnostic scan with error codes
You receive a detailed condition report with photo and video material. This ensures 100% whether a car is suitable for you or not. We handle the entire purchase process for you, including contract review and payment to the seller.

We organize transport from the seller to the US port. Your car is properly loaded and secured for sea transport. We offer a choice of three transport options: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), LCL (Less than Container Load), and FCL (Full Container Load).

RoRo: This method is the most affordable. Your vehicle is loaded onto the ship without a container, secured with the necessary restraints. However, it carries higher risks, and the associated insurance is more expensive.

LCL: In this method, your vehicle shares a container with another vehicle. Your car is properly secured with all required restraint systems and is well protected from weather and external impacts inside the container. This type of container is the most popular among our clients.

FCL: Your vehicle gets its own container, providing maximum protection. Ideal for high-value, rare, or particularly delicate vehicles.

You will receive regular updates from us on the location and current stage of your vehicle.

After arrival in Bremerhaven, we handle the entire clearance process with customs authorities. We calculate the applicable import duties and take care of all necessary documents.

Important: After your vehicle arrives in Germany, a flat 10% customs duty on the purchase price and transport costs, as well as 19% import tax, are applied. Thanks to our specialized experience in vehicle imports, we guarantee a fast and legally compliant customs clearance. Only after official release by customs does your vehicle move to the next stage of preparation.

Next, your vehicle is professionally adapted to European standards by one of our certified partner workshops. This includes conversion of lighting, electronics, and the odometer, as well as, if necessary, adjustments to emission and safety components. All work is carried out strictly according to current EU regulations. Upon completion, you receive comprehensive technical documentation, which serves as the basis for TÜV inspection and subsequent registration.

After the conversion, we prepare your vehicle for the TÜV inspection. Any necessary corrections are coordinated directly to avoid unnecessary delays. You don’t have to handle any official procedures — we oversee the process until successful approval.

Once the TÜV report is available, we handle the entire registration process in Germany — quickly, reliably, and without bureaucracy. Upon request, we also organize license plates, environmental stickers, and insurance documents. After registration, we deliver your vehicle ready to drive or hand it over personally at our location. You receive all documents and a brief orientation, and then nothing stands in the way of your dream car.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Immediately. Once we receive your vehicle criteria, we start reviewing over 10 platforms and dealer inventories and usually send the first options within 24 hours.

You pay the US seller directly after the inspection is completed and it has been confirmed that the vehicle is in the expected condition.

Customs duties and import VAT are levied on vehicles imported from the USA.

  • Vehicles less than 30 years old: 10% customs duty + 19% import VAT
  • Vehicles 30 years and older (classic cars): 0% customs duty + 7% import VAT

Typically 2–5 business days, depending on customs workload and documentation requirements.

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