How to import a classic car from Romania to Germany

Germany is one of the largest markets for classic cars in Europe, and Romanian classics offer interesting opportunities - both unique Eastern Bloc vehicles and Western European cars that found their way east decades ago. Here's how to bring one home.

Why Import from Romania?

Romanian classics offer compelling advantages for German buyers. Prices typically run 20-40% lower than equivalent German market prices, making it attractive for budget-conscious enthusiasts. The market features unique Eastern Bloc vehicles like Dacia, ARO, and Trabant that are rare in Western Europe, alongside Western European cars that migrated east decades ago. Many Romanian regions use less road salt, resulting in better-preserved underbodies. As the classic car scene grows in Romania, more barn finds continue to emerge from decades of storage.

Step 1: Before You Buy

Documentation Check

Ensure the seller can provide the Carte de identitate vehicul (CIV) or vehicle identity card, the Certificat de înmatriculare (registration certificate), proof of ownership such as sales contract chain if recently purchased, and the RAR inspection technical status (ITP). Verify the VIN on documents matches the car physically by checking all locations: dashboard, door jamb, engine bay, and under carpet.

History Verification

Request a vehicle history check from Romanian authorities. For cars imported to Romania from Western Europe (common in the 1990s), try to trace the original country's records.

Step 2: Complete the Purchase in Romania

Sales Contract

A proper sales contract (contract de vânzare-cumpărare) is mandatory and must include full details of buyer and seller, vehicle identification (VIN, registration number), sale price and payment method, and date and signatures of both parties. For vehicles over certain values, notarization is required.

Export Registration Cancellation

The seller must cancel the Romanian registration at the local vehicle registration authority (DRPCIV). You'll receive the Certificat de radiere (deregistration certificate) and the original documents for export.

Step 3: Export from Romania

Transit Plates

Obtain temporary transit plates (numere de tranzit) from DRPCIV. These allow you to legally drive the car out of Romania. Valid for 30 days.

Cost: approximately €30-50

CMR (International Consignment Note)

If transporting by truck, the transport company will provide a CMR document. Keep this - German customs may request it.

Step 4: Transport Options

You have three main transport options, each with distinct advantages. Driving with transit plates works for mechanically sound cars but requires verifying insurance coverage for Germany and accepting the risk of breakdown in unfamiliar territory over 1,000+ km. Enclosed transport is the premium choice at €600-1,200, offering door-to-door service with full insurance coverage and zero wear on your classic - ideal for valuable or non-running vehicles. Open trailer transport provides a budget-friendly middle ground at €400-800, though vehicles remain exposed to weather and road debris, making it suitable for projects or less pristine examples.

Step 5: German Import Process

No Customs Duties

Romania is an EU member state. There are no customs duties or import taxes for vehicles moving between EU countries. You do not need to clear customs.

TÜV Inspection (Hauptuntersuchung)

Before registration, the car needs a German technical inspection. For classic cars, this means either a standard HU for regular registration or an H-Gutachten for additional assessment if seeking H-Kennzeichen (historic plates). Bring all documentation. The inspector will verify the VIN matches documents, technical safety including brakes, lights, steering and suspension, emissions which varies by age and historic status, and overall condition and originality for H-Kennzeichen eligibility.

H-Kennzeichen Requirements

For the coveted H-plates with their tax benefits and environmental zone exemptions, the vehicle must be 30+ years old, in largely original condition, show a good state of preservation, and have no significant modifications from original specification. Cost for H-Gutachten: €80-150.

Step 6: German Registration

Required Documents

Bring to your local Zulassungsstelle (registration office) the Romanian CIV and certificat de radiere, COC (Certificate of Conformity) if available though unlikely for older cars, TÜV report or HU certificate, H-Gutachten if applying for H-plates, proof of insurance with eVB number, your ID and proof of German address, and the sales contract.

Registration Costs

Item	Cost
Registration fee	€25-30
Number plates	€20-35
Fahrzeugbrief (Zulassungsbescheinigung II)	Included
H-Kennzeichen surcharge	€10-20

Total Cost Estimate

Item	Cost Range
Transit plates (Romania)	€30-50
Transport (enclosed)	€600-1,200
TÜV + H-Gutachten	€150-250
German registration	€50-85
Total (excl. purchase)	€830-1,585

Common Pitfalls

Be aware of several common issues. For post-1996 EU vehicles, a missing COC simplifies registration, but without it you may need a Vollgutachten (full assessment). Undocumented modifications can fail TÜV inspection or prevent H-Kennzeichen eligibility. Ensure Romanian registration is properly and completely cancelled to avoid complications. Verify insurance coverage for both the transport period and registration period to avoid gaps.

Summary

Importing a classic car from Romania to Germany is straightforward within the EU framework. The key steps are proper documentation, transport arrangement, TÜV inspection, and registration. Budget €800-1,500 beyond the purchase price for the complete process.

Browse Romanian classic cars on Finds - we can help coordinate with German buyers on documentation requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay customs duties when importing a classic car from Romania to Germany?

No. Romania has been an EU member state since 2007, and the EU single market allows free movement of goods between member states without customs duties or import taxes. You do not need to clear customs when transporting a vehicle from Romania to Germany. However, you must deregister the car in Romania (certificat de radiere) and register it in Germany within the registration deadline. The only costs involved are transit plates (EUR 30-50), transport, TUV inspection, and German registration fees.

What is an H-Kennzeichen and why does it matter for classic car imports?

H-Kennzeichen (Historisches Kennzeichen) are special German license plates for vehicles 30 years or older in largely original condition. The benefits are significant: a flat annual tax of EUR 191 regardless of engine size (compared to EUR 400+ for some larger engines under standard taxation), exemption from environmental zone restrictions across all German cities, and often lower insurance premiums. To qualify, the vehicle must pass an H-Gutachten assessment (EUR 80-150) verifying originality, good preservation, and no significant modifications. According to the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry), over 600,000 vehicles carry H-plates in Germany as of 2025.

How long does the complete import process take from Romania to Germany?

The total process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Allow 3-5 business days for Romanian deregistration and transit plates, 2-5 days for transport (depending on route and method), 1-2 weeks for TUV inspection scheduling (book in advance during busy periods), and 1-2 days for German registration at the Zulassungsstelle. Budget EUR 830-1,585 total beyond the purchase price for the complete process. Planning ahead, especially booking the TUV appointment before transport, can compress the timeline significantly.

Sources: EU Regulation 2018/858 on motor vehicle type approval, German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) registration statistics, VDA historic vehicle registration data 2025, TUV Rheinland H-Kennzeichen guidelines, Romanian DRPCIV export procedures.

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