VEHICLE IMPORT FROM CANADA – Reliably from A to B
VEHICLE IMPORT FROM CANADA – Reliably from A to B
YOUR IMPORT. OUR MISSION.
THE EXPERTS FOR VEHICLE IMPORTS TO GERMANY
Importing a car from Canada? No problem – we’ll take care of it for you!
Shipping by ocean freight in a consolidated container starts at $1,250 USD and typically takes between 2 and 7 weeks – depending on the vehicle type, the port of origin in Canada, and the destination in Germany.
Below you’ll find our complete guide, walking you step by step through everything you need to know about importing a vehicle from the United Arab Emirates to Germany – from costs and procedures to essential documents and practical tips for a smooth process.
START IMPORTING YOUR VEHICLE
Get a free shipping quote now – quickly and easily online.
Whether it’s a car, motorcycle, or other cargo – we’ll prepare your customized quote and get back to you within 24 hours.
Have questions, or would you like to discuss your project directly?Our team is available anytime by phone or email.
Our logistics experts are happy to answer all your questions about shipping, procedures, and documentation – we’re just a phone call away!
OUR SERVICES FOR IMPORTING FROM CANADA
- Canada Vehicle Import Checklist »
- Vehicle Import Options »
- Import Permit »
- Canada–Germany Import Costs & Timeframe »
- Importing Cars from Canada »
- Additional Services »
- Available Ports in Canada and Europe »
- Undercarriage Wash for Your Vehicle »
- German Registration of Your Vehicle »
- Additional Shipping Options: Canada/USA »
Need More Information on Importing Your Vehicle to Germany?
YOUR DREAM CAR FROM CANADA – SOON IN YOUR DRIVEWAY
Need more information on importing your vehicle to Germany? No problem – we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: from a vehicle import checklist and various transport and import options to the available ports in Canada and Germany.
Discover how to bring your vehicle to Germany safely, efficiently, and stress-free.
Whether it’s your dream car, a collector’s item, or an everyday vehicle – we ensure your import goes smoothly, transparently, and reliably.
CANADA VEHICLE Import Checklist
With CFR, importing your vehicle from the USA to Germany becomes simple, safe, and stress-free.
We handle the entire process – from document review to final registration.
- Vehicle Eligibility & Import Planning
Before shipping begins, we work together to determine whether your vehicle can be registered in Germany and which import option is the best fit. CFR provides individual guidance on all requirements, shipping routes, and process details.
- Documents & Paperwork
To prepare your import, we will need:
- Bill of Sale
- Certificate of Title (original required)
CFR checks all documents for completeness, handles the customs paperwork, and prepares everything for import into the EU.
- Costs & Duties
We provide a transparent overall calculation of all import costs, including:
- Freight rate and cargo insurance
- Wharfage fees, drayage, and delivery costs in Bremerhaven
- Import duties (customs duty, import VAT, and vehicle tax where applicable)
- Registration and insurance requirements in Germany
- Customs Clearance and Logistics Services
Upon request, CFR handles the complete customs clearance process and all communication with the authorities.
- Transport & Shipping
Once all formalities are complete, CFR organizes the entire transport process – from the seller all the way to Bremerhaven:
- Pickup from the seller
- Ocean transport by container or RoRo shipping
- Insurance and photo documentation
- Coordination of departure and arrival ports
Your vehicle is professionally loaded, secured, and monitored by our partners throughout the entire shipping process.
- After Arrival in Germany
In Bremerhaven, CFR takes care of all the next steps:
- Unloading and customs clearance
- Onward transport or local pickup
- Upon request: referral to partner shops for
- Homologation and technical modification
- TÜV inspection and registration preparation
This way, you receive your vehicle registered, inspected, and ready to drive – with no hassle or uncertainty.
Online-Angebote - Garantierte Antwort innerhalb von 24 Stunden!
Angebote sind online für nationale und internationale Fahrzeugtransportdienste verfügbar. Verlassen Sie sich auf unseren zuverlässigen und schnellen Fahrzeugumzug – Unser engagiertes Team von Speditionsspezialisten steht Ihnen jederzeit telefonisch zur Verfügung, um alle Ihre Fragen zu beantworten.
Please use our shipping inquiry form or contact us directly by email with any questions:
info@cfr-germany.com
- ADDRESS
Administration & Warehouse:
Alaskastraße 12
D-27580 Bremerhaven
- PHONE
v
08:00 – 17:00 Uhr
Vehicle Import Options
If you’re in the process of importing your vehicle from abroad, you should consider the following questions:
- Are you planning to import the vehicle permanently or temporarily?
- Is it a classic car, a new vehicle, or another vehicle type?
- For household goods relocation: Have you owned the vehicle for more than 6 months?
- Are you importing the vehicle for a vacation?
- Are you relocating to Europe, and was the vehicle registered in your name for at least 6 months prior to shipping?
- Are you planning to register your vehicle permanently?
These questions will determine whether your vehicle can be imported duty-free or which import duties will apply. You should never assume your case will proceed the same way as someone else’s – different vehicles are subject to different import conditions. For relocation/household goods shipments, it is ultimately your country’s customs authority that decides whether duty-free import is possible – CFR is happy to provide guidance on this. We can answer any questions you have about import regulations.
To determine the exact cost of your import, we recommend filling out our free quick-quote form.
Import Permit
Here is a brief list of what you’ll need to import your vehicle into Germany.
We ensure smooth operations beyond the terminal as well: we coordinate local and long-haul truck transport, organize pre-carriage and on-carriage, and manage the onward routing of freight by road. Through selected partners, we also handle domestic and cross-border transport – efficiently and aligned with your handling processes.
- Upon the vehicle's arrival in Europe, it must be declared to customs immediately. Once you've confirmed your vehicle is eligible and selected an import option, gather all necessary documents, including:
- Bill of Sale
- Registration certificate or an equivalent official original document, such as a Certificate of Title
- The invoice, if it is a purchase transaction
- Things you should keep in mind:
- Kunden die kanadische Fahrzeuge in Deutschland importieren wollen müssen die Rahmenbedingungen der deutschen Gesetzeslage erfüllen
- Wenn Ihr Fahrzeug alle Bedingungen erfüllt, erhalten Sie von einer Behörde eine Genehmigung für die Ausfuhr nach Deutschland
Canada–Germany Vehicle Import Costs & Timeframe
Typically, the price for a standard vehicle shipped from Montreal or Toronto to the port of Bremerhaven is approximately $900 USD, with an estimated transit time of 3–7 weeks. However, the price of importing a vehicle to Germany depends on several factors, such as the make and model, current location, nearest port of departure, transport method, availability of the selected service, and final destination.
In addition, you should factor in other costs such as storage, customs inspections, and import duties (customs duty & import VAT), which are calculated based on your vehicle’s transport costs and purchase price.
Vehicle Tax & Customs Duties in Germany
Before purchasing and importing a vehicle from Canada to Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, check whether your vehicle’s technical specifications meet the registration requirements in your country.
Since Canada is not a member of the European Union, import duties generally apply to shipments into the EU or Switzerland. For Germany, the following applies: for new vehicles or those under 30 years old, a 19% import VAT and a 10% customs duty apply. Vehicles over 30 years old and in original condition can be imported duty-free, with a 7% import VAT. However, please note that this determination is made at the discretion of the processing customs officer. Customs clearance for imports in Bremerhaven typically takes about 3–6 days.
In some cases, no import duties are due:
- For example, those simply passing through Germany or vacationing there only need to leave a security deposit.
- Canadian citizens who are relocating and want to bring a vehicle to Germany can import it duty-free as part of their household goods, provided the vehicle has been owned for at least 6 months prior to shipping. Customs clearance as household relocation goods can only be carried out in the country the owner is relocating to.
- If you are an EU citizen who has lived in Canada for more than one year and owned the vehicle for at least 6 months, you can also import it duty-free.
- Ultimately, it is your country's customs authority that decides whether duty-free import is possible – CFR is happy to provide guidance on this.
Online Quotes
Quotes are available online for domestic and international vehicle transport services. Count on our reliable, fast vehicle relocation service – our dedicated team of freight forwarding specialists is available by phone at any time to answer all your questions.
Please use our shipping inquiry form or contact us directly by email with any questions:
info@cfr-germany.com
- ADDRESS
Administration & Warehouse:
Alaskastraße 12
D-27580 Bremerhaven
- PHONE
We are available Monday through Friday between
08:00 – 17:00 Uhr
Importing Cars from Canada
Shipments from Canada to Germany can be arranged via consolidated container, dedicated container, or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service.
Consolidated Container Service
A 40- or 45-foot container is used to transport multiple vehicles simultaneously. The total costs are shared among the number of vehicles in the container. These costs include terminal handling charges, container drayage, loading and unloading, and customs clearance fees. This method is faster than RoRo thanks to weekly departures. We use our steel ramp system for loading to ensure maximum protection against damage and loss, while other companies still use wooden ramps.
The major advantage here is that our R-Rak system allows us to load safely and cost-effectively. Take advantage of our years of experience and well-trained staff. Send us your shipping inquiry today.
Full Container Load (FCL)
This process is similar to consolidated container shipping, except only one vehicle is placed per container. Costs that are shared in a consolidated container must be borne individually here. Container shipments offer a very high level of security. When the vehicle is received, photos are taken of the vehicle and the loading process right up until the container door is closed. The vehicle remains inaccessible until the container arrives at the destination, where photos are taken again before and during unloading. Since the vehicle remains completely secure inside the container throughout transport, additional items can be transported inside the vehicle.
However, these items must be securely stowed to prevent damage to the vehicle or the items themselves. CFR is not liable for items left inside the vehicle. This method is faster than RoRo thanks to weekly departures. We use exclusively our steel ramp system for loading to ensure maximum protection against damage and loss, while other companies still use wooden ramps.
Roll-On/Roll-Off
We use this method when cargo can’t be shipped inside a container – for example, school buses, large agricultural vehicles, large boats on a trailer, and similar items. The vehicle is driven onto a large ferry and secured there.
Zusätzliche Services:
Sourcing Vehicles
Vehicle owners looking to sell their vehicle can, for a commission or additional flat fee, benefit from our extensive list of buyers specifically searching for cars overseas. You can also enlist their help in searching for your dream car. Make your dream a reality!
Other Services
Some of our vehicle transport services include domestic trucking, customs information and documentation assistance, track & trace, and a complete Vehicle Inspection Report. We also offer an escrow service – protection against fraud! A pre-purchase inspection, known as a Car Inspection, can also be arranged.
CFR SafePay – For the Secure Payment of Your Vehicle
Your money is in safe hands with us. Take advantage of our escrow service. You transfer the amount in advance to the CFR U.S. account, and we contact the seller and send a test transfer to confirm the banking details are correct and to rule out any unexpected issues with the actual transfer. During pickup, our driver verifies the vehicle’s VIN, and once it matches the documentation (Certificate of Title), the funds are sent to the seller via real-time transfer and the vehicle is loaded.
Available Ports in Canada and Europe
Departure Ports – Canada
The port from which your vehicle is shipped depends on the shipping method, the vehicle’s location, your budget, and the services required.
We have several terminals:
- Vancouver
- Toronto
- Halifax
Destination Ports – Europe
- Bremerhaven
- Hamburg
- Rotterdam
- Antwerp
REGISTERING Your Vehicle in Europe
Vehicles shipped to Europe must be registered before they’re permitted to drive on European roads.All vehicles must therefore undergo a safety inspection (TÜV) before they can be registered.
If you need homologation or technical modifications for the TÜV inspection, we’re happy to connect you with our partners, whose shop is located right around the corner from our warehouse in Bremerhaven. This means your vehicle doesn’t need to be moved to another location entirely, since everything can be handled on-site.
With offices in Berlin and Bremerhaven, CFR can also arrange vehicle inspections and other services within Germany related to shipping from Canada to Germany.
To arrange the transport of your vehicle from Canada to Germany, as well as any additional services, please fill out our free quick-quote form.
PERSONAL. RELIABLE. ACCESSIBLE.
Contact Us Now
At CFR, your project is our top priority. Whether it’s complex project cargo, short-notice handling needs, or special clearance: we provide personal, solution-oriented guidance with a dedicated point of contact from start to finish.
- PHONE
We are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Please use our shipping inquiry form or contact us directly by email with any questions: info@cfr-germany.com
- ADDRESS
Administration & Warehouse:
Alaskastraße 12
D-27580 Bremerhaven
Container
Handling
FREIGHT FORWARDING
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Logistics
YOUR SPECIALIST FOR CONTAINER HANDLING AND TRANSSHIPMENT LOGISTICS
Container Freight Revolution from Bremerhaven
Container Freight Revolution (CFR) stands for high-performance container handling and efficient transshipment logistics in the heart of one of Europe’s most important ports. Our company supports customers throughout the entire process of cargo movement – from precise planning to physical handling, warehouse organization, and special clearance procedures. With an experienced team, modern processes, and extensive storage and handling areas located directly in the port area of Bremerhaven, we offer tailored solutions for industrial, trade, and logistics service providers. Whether standard containers, project cargo, or individual requirements – we are your reliable partner for all processes related to port handling.