Car Shipping Guide from Germany

Complete shipping costs, transit times, and customs requirements for importing German vehicles to Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

RoRo vs Container Shipping

Choosing the right shipping method depends on your vehicle value, timeline, and protection needs.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

Vehicles are driven onto the vessel and secured on open decks. Most cost-effective method for standard vehicles.

  • Cost: €1,800 – €3,800 depending on destination
  • Speed: Faster — 3–5 weeks typical transit
  • Best for: Used vehicles under €80,000
  • Limitation: Vehicle exposed to weather

Container Shipping

Vehicles are loaded into sealed 20ft or 40ft containers. Maximum protection for high-value vehicles.

  • Cost: €3,500 – €5,800 depending on destination
  • Speed: 4–5 weeks — slightly longer
  • Best for: Luxury cars over €80,000 or multiple vehicles
  • Advantage: Full weather and theft protection

Shipping Costs by Destination

Compare costs, transit times, and customs duties for your destination country.

CountryPortRoRo CostContainer CostTransit TimeCustoms DutyNotes
NigeriaApapa (Lagos)€1,800 – €2,800€3,500 – €5,0004 – 5 weeks~35%Form M and PAAR required. Plan for 7–14 days port clearance.
NigeriaTin Can (Lagos)€1,900 – €2,900€3,600 – €5,2004 – 5 weeks~35%Alternative to Apapa with slightly faster processing.
KenyaMombasa€2,200 – €3,200€4,000 – €5,5004 – 6 weeks25 – 35%KEBS inspection required. Left-hand drive allowed.
GhanaTema (Accra)€2,000 – €3,000€3,800 – €5,2004 – 5 weeks20 – 30%Ghana Revenue Authority customs processing. Vehicle must be under 10 years old.
UAEJebel Ali (Dubai)€2,500 – €3,500€4,000 – €5,5003 – 4 weeks5%Simplest clearance process. Re-export friendly for GCC dealers.
Saudi ArabiaJeddah€2,800 – €3,800€4,200 – €5,8003 – 5 weeks5 – 12%Vehicle must comply with SASO standards. Istimara registration required.
Saudi ArabiaDammam€2,800 – €3,800€4,200 – €5,8003 – 5 weeks5 – 12%King Abdulaziz Port. Good for Eastern Province delivery.
QatarDoha (Hamad)€2,600 – €3,600€4,100 – €5,6003 – 5 weeks5%Vehicle inspection required before registration.
South AfricaDurban€2,500 – €3,500€4,000 – €5,5004 – 6 weeks25 – 40%ITAC import permit required. Strict on emissions standards.
TanzaniaDar es Salaam€2,300 – €3,300€4,000 – €5,5004 – 6 weeks25 – 35%TRA customs assessment. Vehicle age restrictions apply.
UgandaMombasa to Kampala€2,500 – €3,500€4,200 – €5,8005 – 7 weeks25 – 35%Landlocked — shipped to Mombasa then trucked to Kampala.
EthiopiaDjibouti to Addis€2,800 – €3,800€4,500 – €6,0005 – 8 weeks10 – 30%Landlocked via Djibouti port. Complex customs documentation.

Costs are estimates for a standard sedan/SUV and may vary based on vessel availability and fuel surcharges. Contact us for a precise quote.

The Shipping Process Step-by-Step

From German port to your destination — here's exactly what happens at every stage.

01

Vehicle Inspection & Purchase

Our Germany team inspects the vehicle in person. You approve via photos, video, and reports. We purchase only after your explicit confirmation.

02

Export Documentation

We prepare all German export papers: Fahrzeugbrief, TUV certificate, commercial invoice, export certificate, and certificate of origin.

03

Shipping Booking

We book RoRo or container space on the next available vessel from Hamburg or Bremerhaven to your destination port. You receive vessel details and tracking.

04

Marine Transit

Your vehicle is secured for sea transit. RoRo vehicles are driven onto the vessel and lashed to the deck. Container vehicles are secured inside a sealed container.

05

Port Arrival & Notification

The shipping line notifies your clearing agent 3–5 days before arrival. We provide the bill of lading and all documentation needed for customs processing.

06

Customs Clearance

Your licensed clearing agent handles Form M, PAAR, duty payment, and physical inspection. We support with documentation and can recommend trusted agents.

07

Delivery

After customs release, your vehicle is collected from the port and delivered to your specified address. We confirm delivery and follow up on your satisfaction.

Marine Insurance & Protection

Protecting your investment during international transit.

Comprehensive Coverage

Marine insurance covers total loss, collision damage, fire, theft, and jettison during sea transit. Premium is typically 0.5–1% of declared vehicle value.

Document Protection

All shipping documents are duplicated and stored securely. Bill of lading is issued in original form for maximum security at destination customs.

Delay Protection

If shipping delays exceed 14 days beyond the estimated arrival, we provide weekly updates and can arrange temporary storage at destination port if needed.

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?

Get a precise shipping quote for your destination. We handle everything from German port to your doorstep.