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How obtain a Zoll Plates Customs Plate (Zollkennzeichen) in Germany?

A Customs Zoll Plates (Zollkennzeichen) in Germany allows non-residents to use a foreign-registered vehicle in the country temporarily without having to register it permanently. To obtain a Customs Plate, the vehicle must be owned by the applicant, imported into Germany temporarily, and used for a specific purpose. The applicant must also have a valid insurance policy recognized in Germany and pay the required fees. Customs Plates are valid for a maximum of one year and are subject to taxes and duties.

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Obtaining a Customs Plate (Zollkennzeichen) in Germany

If you are planning to import a vehicle into Germany or use a foreign-registered vehicle in the country for a limited period of time, you may need to obtain a Customs Plate (Zollkennzeichen). This special type of license plate is issued by the German customs authorities and allows you to use your vehicle in Germany temporarily without having to register it in the country.

In this article, we will explain the requirements and process for obtaining a Customs Plate in Germany.

Requirements for Obtaining a Customs Plate

To be eligible for a Customs Plate, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a non-resident of Germany. This means that you must not be a German citizen or have a permanent address in Germany.
  • The vehicle must be owned by you or your company, and it must be registered in your name or in the name of your company.
  • The vehicle must be imported into Germany temporarily, and it must be used for a specific purpose such as business or tourism.
  • You must have a valid insurance policy for the vehicle that is recognized in Germany.

Process for Obtaining a Customs Zoll Plates

The process for obtaining a Customs Plate in Germany involves the following steps:

  1. Contact the German customs authorities to request a Customs Plate. You can do this by visiting the website of the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) or by contacting the customs office responsible for the region where you will be using the vehicle.
  2. Submit the necessary documentation. You will need to provide the following documents to the customs authorities:
  • A copy of your passport or other valid identification document
  • A copy of the registration certificate for the vehicle
  • A copy of the insurance policy for the vehicle
  • A declaration stating the purpose for which the vehicle will be used in Germany
  1. Pay the required fees. The fees for a Customs Plate vary depending on the type of vehicle
  1. Pick up the Customs Plate and attach it to your vehicle. Once your application has been approved and the fees have been paid, you will receive the Customs Plate. You will need to attach the plate to the front and rear of your vehicle in a visible location.
  2. Use the vehicle in Germany. You can use your vehicle in Germany for the purpose stated in your declaration for a maximum of one year. After one year, you will need to either export the vehicle from Germany or register it permanently in the country.

Important Considerations

There are a few important considerations to keep in mind when using a Customs Plate in Germany:

  • You are responsible for paying all applicable taxes and duties on the vehicle. This includes VAT, customs duties, and any other applicable taxes.
  • You must carry a copy of the customs certificate (Zollkennzeichenbescheinigung) with you at all times when using the vehicle.
  • You must not sell, transfer, or lend the vehicle to anyone else while it is in Germany.
  • You must not use the vehicle for any purpose other than the one stated in your declaration.
  • You must comply with all German traffic laws and regulations while using the vehicle in the country.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Customs Plate in Germany allows you to use your foreign-registered vehicle in the country temporarily without having to register it permanently. To be eligible for a Customs Plate, you must be a non-resident of Germany, own the vehicle, and have a valid insurance policy. The process for obtaining a Customs Plate involves contacting the customs authorities, submitting the necessary documentation, paying the required fees, and attaching the plate to your vehicle.Keep in mind that you are

responsible for paying all applicable taxes and duties, carrying the customs certificate with you at all times, and not selling, transferring, or lending the vehicle while it is in Germany. You must also comply with all German traffic laws and regulations while using the vehicle in the country.

Obtaining a Customs Plate can be a useful option if you are planning to use a foreign-registered vehicle in Germany temporarily, but it is important to carefully follow the requirements and process outlined by the customs authorities.

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