Taking a van, lorry or truck from the Netherlands to Germany

EU law sorts goods vehicles into categories: N1 up to 3.5 t, N2 over 3.5 t up to 12 t and N3 over 12 t. The German rules below work with weight limits of 3.5 t, 7.5 t and 12 t rather than with these letters, so check the permitted maximum mass in the papers of your vehicle before you plan anything.

A van or truck goes through the same registration steps as a car: see how to register a car in Germany. The federal basic fee is €30 (GebOSt no. 221.1); the total varies by Zulassungsstelle (German vehicle registration office) and can be higher.

For a company, the Zulassungsbehörde of its seat or of the branch concerned is responsible. Berlin, for example, asks companies for a Gewerbeanmeldung (trade registration) or an extract from the Handelsregister (commercial register), as an original or certified copy, plus the identity document of the person authorised to represent the company. The other papers are the usual ones: a CoC or Datenbestätigung, an eVB from a German insurer, a SEPA mandate for the vehicle tax, proof of inspection and the Dutch export papers.

For vehicles other than passenger cars and motorhomes, the Kfz-Steuer (annual vehicle tax) is based on the permitted maximum mass: up to 3,500 kg per 200 kg, and above that also by emission or noise class, with maximum amounts. Whether a particular van is taxed as a passenger car or as another motor vehicle (anderes Kraftfahrzeug) is for the authorities to decide, not for us.

Heavier vehicles also need a Sicherheitsprüfung (safety check). Over 7.5 t up to 12 t it is due every 6 months after the first 36 months. Over 12 t it is due every 6 months after the first 24 months.

Since 1 July 2024, vehicles with a technically permitted maximum mass of more than 3.5 t that are intended or used for goods transport pay the Lkw-Maut (truck toll), according to the BALM. It applies on the Autobahn and on all of the roughly 40,000 km of Bundesstraßen (federal roads). For a combination, the toll only applies if the motor vehicle itself is over 3.5 t. There is an exemption for tradespeople (Handwerkerausnahme): vehicles under 7.5 t carrying goods for their own trade, as long as the transport is not commercial.

The drive on its own wheels to the buyer can therefore be subject to toll as well. Ask BALM or Toll Collect before you set off; we do not quote toll rates.

• Over 3.5 t up to 7.5 t: at most 80 km/h outside built-up areas.
• Over 7.5 t: at most 60 km/h outside built-up areas.
• On the Autobahn: at most 80 km/h for motor vehicles over 3.5 t, except passenger cars.

Licence B covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg. Germany has one extra rule: if you have held licence B for at least two years, you may also drive an alternatively powered goods vehicle (for example electric, hydrogen or gas) up to 4,250 kg without a trailer, provided the extra weight comes only from the propulsion system.

At our desk the van or truck gets its export document, and for the drive white export plates and export insurance. A truck, like a van, also needs a valid APK (Dutch roadworthiness test) to be driven on Dutch roads. The table below shows insurance, APK and the number of white plates per vehicle type. For a van or truck over 2,500 kg the price is on request; see our price list.

For a business buyer we need the company name, address and VAT number. The company name can only appear on the export certificate if you export at an RDW location, not at our desk; this also applies to German dealers. A used van can qualify for the BPM refund on export. No EX-A customs declaration is needed, as the vehicle stays within the EU. Selling a company van to a buyer abroad? See selling a car for export. For motorhomes, read importing a motorhome, caravan or trailer.