Exporting a classic car from the US to Germany (Oldtimer)
Germany's "Oldtimer" status unlocks reduced duty and VAT — and the prized H-plate.
By Sofia Berg, Customs & compliance writer · 6 min read
Qualifying classics get ~2.7% duty and 7% VAT instead of 10% and 19%.
A TÜV Oldtimer assessment (H-Kennzeichen) confirms historic status and tax perks.
The full cost breakdown
Plug in your own purchase figure — everything below the vehicle scales only modestly with value. All amounts are researched 2026 estimates in USD.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $38,000 |
| Seller-side export documentation | $150 |
| Ocean freight | $2,000 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $570 |
| EU historic vehicles can use a reduced ~2.7% duty | $1,095 |
| Germany applies a reduced 7% import VAT to qualifying classics | $2,917 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| Type-approval / inspection | $2,500 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $49,562 |
Compliance & the fine print
The car must be 30+ years, largely original, and pass the Oldtimer appraisal to claim the reduced rates.
Frequently asked questions
Reduced rates?+
~2.7% duty and 7% VAT for qualifying classics.
H-plate?+
Granted after a TÜV Oldtimer assessment.
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