How to properly import a car from Germany and customs clear it in Ukraine: step-by-step instructions
Buying and customs clearing a car from Germany is a popular process among Ukrainians, allowing them to obtain a high-quality car at an affordable price. We offer step-by-step instructions that will help you do this correctly, avoiding unnecessary problems and costs.

1. Searching for a car
   The first step is to choose a car. The most popular resource for finding a car from Germany is the Mobile.de website. This website collects ads from all over the country, which greatly facilitates the search.
2. Deregistration in Germany
   After purchasing a car, it must be deregistered. For this purpose, there are transit license plates:
   Red license plates – have a long validity period.
   Yellow plates – short-term (up to 5 days).
   If the car's technical inspection has expired, yellow plates allow you to travel to Ukraine without undergoing additional technical inspection in Germany.
3. Calculating customs duties
   Before entering Ukraine, it is important to calculate the amount of customs duties. To do this, you need to send a photo of the technical passport to a customs broker, who will help you calculate the exact amount. Remember that a car with damage may be valued lower, which reduces the amount of customs duties.
4. Filling out an export declaration (EX-1)
   This declaration confirms the export of the car from the EU and allows you to claim back VAT (if applicable). Sellers can claim back VAT after crossing the Ukrainian border.
5. The process at the border
   At the border, you must have a preliminary PD declaration and a general ZDP arrival declaration. The customs broker completes these two declarations immediately after the purchase of the car, but before crossing the Ukrainian border. These two declarations have numbers. The broker sends you two numbers, and with these numbers you cross the border and drive to the customs office of destination in your city to complete customs clearance.
6. Car customs clearance
   Customs clearance is carried out at internal customs terminals, which are located in every regional center. The procedure takes several hours on average, if there are no technical obstacles.
7. Car certification
   After customs clearance, it is necessary to undergo certification of conformity in Ukraine. This is a mandatory procedure that confirms the car's compliance with Ukrainian standards.
8. First registration
   Car registration is carried out at service centers. You must undergo an expert examination of the VIN codes, after which you will receive a technical passport and Ukrainian license plates.
9. Insurance
   According to the law, you must take out insurance immediately after registration. This can be a standard policy or comprehensive insurance, depending on your preference.
10. Final stage
    Congratulations, you are now the owner of a car from Germany! The main thing is to follow all the steps, do not pay any advance payments to dubious intermediaries, and keep control over the process.

Tips for beginners

• Use trusted brokers and consultants.
• Keep your car documents in a safe place.
• Avoid large prepayments — they can lead to fraud.
• Always check the terms of the deal and the accuracy of the prices.
   

A car from Germany is a smart choice if you approach the process with the right preparation.