Germany’s 30-year exemption for vintage vehicles, known as Oldtimer, offers motorcycle collectors a unique opportunity to import classic bikes duty-free while enjoying significant tax savings. Unlike the broader motorcycle tariff landscape, this policy rewards preservation and historical accuracy. This guide breaks down how to leverage Germany’s Old Timer status for motorcycles, secure TÜV certification, and navigate differences between bike and car regulations.
0% Import Duty: Versus 10% for non-exempt motorcycles.
7% VAT: Reduced from the standard 19% rate.
Example Savings:
A 1990 BMW R100GS valued at €15,000 saves €1,950 in VAT alone.
No emissions testing (AU) required for motorcycles over 30 years.
Exemption from modern safety standards (e.g., ABS, Euro 5 compliance).
Must be manufactured in 1995 or earlier (for 2025 imports).
Submit a Certificate of Origin or factory build sheet.
Engine and chassis numbers must match original documentation.
Modifications allowed if period-correct (e.g., 1980s aftermarket exhaust).
Clean title with no liens.
Bill of sale for recent purchases.
| Requirement | Motorcycles | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Orientation | No restrictions | Left-hand drive required |
| Emissions Testing | Exempt | Required for permanent import |
| Modification Allowance | Period-correct parts allowed | Matching-numbers components |
Verify manufacturing date using VIN decoders or marque clubs.
Ensure lighting meets German standards:
Headlights: Adjust beam pattern for right-hand traffic.
Turn Signals: Amber lenses required.
Speedometer: Display kilometers per hour (mph-only gauges disqualify bikes).
Hauptuntersuchung (HU): Safety inspection covering brakes, tires, and frame integrity.
Historical Certification: Submit photos, ownership history, and component proof to TÜV.
Common Modifications for U.S. Bikes:
Install rear fog light (€120–€300).
Replace mph speedometer with km/h unit (€250–€600).
Submit via Zollonline portal:
TÜV certification
Original title
Proof of insurance
Purchase invoice
Pay 7% VAT on the assessed value (CIF + shipping).
Receive H-Kennzeichen (historic license plate) for road use.
A Hamburg collector imported a U.S.-market R100GS:
Pre-TÜV Modifications: Added rear fog light, swapped speedometer (€850).
Savings: €2,340 (0% duty + 7% VAT vs. standard 10% + 19%).
Outcome: Bike now tours Bavaria legally under historic classification.
Simplified Compliance: No left-hand drive or emissions testing.
Broader Modification Allowance: Period-correct upgrades accepted without losing Old Timer status.
Lower Storage Costs: Motorcycles occupy less space in bonded transit (if needed).
Our services ensure seamless compliance:
TÜV Prep: Partner with German workshops for pre-inspection modifications.
Documentation Handling: Manage Zollonline submissions and VAT calculations.
Secure Shipping: Enclosed containers from U.S. ports to Bremerhaven/Hamburg.
For broader context on tariff strategies, see our Motorcycle Tariff Impact Analysis.
Germany’s 30-year exemption transforms classic motorcycle imports into a cost-effective endeavor for collectors. By prioritizing historical accuracy and partnering with experienced logistics providers, enthusiasts can bypass tariffs, reduce VAT, and enjoy their vintage bikes on German roads.
Contact us for a tailored Old Timer import strategy.