Importing used cars from Japan to Austria can be a cost-effective and practical option for buyers looking for reliable vehicles. Austria’s import regulations, however, require compliance with specific standards, including roadworthiness inspections, emissions control, and customs duties. This guide will help you navigate the rules, regulations, and steps necessary to import Japanese used cars into Austria successfully.
Import Rules and Regulations
Vehicle Age and Type Requirements
Austria does not impose a strict age limit on imported vehicles, but vehicles must meet certain safety and environmental standards. Japanese domestic models that are right-hand drive (RHD) may not be suitable for daily use in Austria, as left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are preferred and required for most road uses.
To ensure a smooth import process, buyers should focus on importing left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles that meet Austrian driving regulations. Many European models sold in Japan are available in left-hand drive and can be easily imported into Austria.
Technical Inspection: §57a Prüfgutachten (Pickerl)
Before an imported vehicle can be registered in Austria, it must pass a §57a inspection, often referred to as the Pickerl inspection. This inspection ensures that the vehicle complies with Austrian road safety standards and emissions regulations. Key aspects of the inspection include:
- Roadworthiness: The vehicle must meet Austrian safety standards.
- Emissions compliance: The vehicle must comply with EU emissions standards, including Euro 6 for diesel vehicles and Euro 4 for petrol vehicles.
The Pickerl inspection must be passed before the vehicle can be registered and legally driven in Austria.
Import Duties and Taxes
When importing a car from Japan into Austria, several taxes and duties apply. These are calculated based on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the vehicle, which includes the purchase price, shipping costs, and insurance.
Import Duties and Fees
- Import Duty: A 10% import duty is levied on the vehicle’s CIF value.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Austria applies a 20% VAT on the vehicle’s CIF value plus the import duty.
- NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe): A special fuel consumption tax (NoVA) is applied to all imported vehicles. This tax is calculated based on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
These taxes must be paid before the vehicle is released from customs and registered for road use in Austria.
Exemptions for Returning Residents
If you have lived outside the European Union for at least one year and owned the vehicle for at least six months, you may qualify for exemptions from customs duties and VAT under certain conditions. This is particularly useful for Austrian citizens or residents returning from abroad.
Procedures for Importing Cars
Step 1: Select a Vehicle and Confirm Left-Hand Drive Configuration
Since Austria requires left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles for regular use, focus on purchasing LHD models from Japanese auctions. European models such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Audi are often sold in Japan and can be re-imported to Austria.
Step 2: Arrange Shipping and Documentation
After selecting the vehicle, arrange for shipping to Austria, typically through major European ports such as Hamburg or Bremerhaven in Germany, or directly to Austrian customs offices. Essential documents include:
- Bill of Lading (BOL): Proof of shipment from Japan.
- Commercial Invoice: Includes the purchase price of the vehicle.
- Export Certificate: Proof of the vehicle’s export status from Japan.
- Third-Party Liability Insurance: Required for driving the vehicle after arrival.
Step 3: Customs Clearance and Payment of Duties
Once the vehicle arrives in Austria, customs clearance is required. The importer must present all the necessary documentation and pay the applicable import duties, VAT, and NoVA. Customs authorities will assess the taxes based on the vehicle’s CIF value, and once payment is made, the vehicle will be released.
Step 4: Vehicle Inspection and Compliance
After clearing customs, the vehicle must pass the Pickerl (§57a) inspection. This ensures the vehicle meets Austrian roadworthiness standards and EU emissions regulations. Once the vehicle passes the inspection, a certificate will be issued, allowing it to proceed to the registration stage.
Step 5: Vehicle Registration
With the Pickerl certificate in hand, the vehicle can be registered with the Austrian Motor Vehicle Registration Authority. You will need to submit the following documents:
- Pickerl certificate (proof of roadworthiness)
- Proof of customs clearance and tax payments
- Insurance certificate
- Original Japanese registration papers
Once registered, the vehicle will be issued Austrian license plates and can be legally driven on Austrian roads.
Popular Imported Vehicles
Since Austria requires left-hand drive vehicles, most of the imported cars from Japan tend to be European models that were originally exported to Japan. Popular vehicle choices include:
- Mercedes-Benz: Known for its luxury and reliability, models like the E-Class and S-Class are highly popular.
- BMW: The 3 Series and 5 Series are commonly imported due to their performance and comfort.
- Volkswagen: Models like the Golf and Passat are frequently chosen for their practicality and efficiency.
- Audi: Vehicles such as the A4 and A6 are often imported for their premium features and German engineering.
These vehicles are preferred for their left-hand drive configuration and compliance with Austrian driving standards.
Key Considerations for Importing Cars
Total Import Costs
When budgeting for vehicle importation, it is important to account for all associated costs beyond the vehicle’s purchase price. This includes shipping fees, insurance, import duties, VAT, the NoVA fuel consumption tax, and compliance costs for the Pickerl inspection. These additional expenses can significantly increase the overall cost of importing a vehicle.
Compliance with Austrian Regulations
Ensure that the vehicle you plan to import can meet Austrian road safety and emissions standards. Left-hand drive vehicles are easier to register and will typically comply more easily with local laws. Older vehicles may require modifications to pass the Pickerl inspection.
Availability of Spare Parts and Repairs
European vehicles, such as those produced by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen, are popular in Austria, and spare parts are widely available. For more exotic or rare models, it’s essential to verify the availability of spare parts and specialized repair services in Austria.
Conclusion
Importing left-hand drive vehicles from Japan to Austria is a viable option for those looking to acquire high-quality used cars. By following Austrian import regulations, paying the necessary taxes, and ensuring the vehicle meets roadworthiness standards, you can successfully import a reliable vehicle from Japan. Understanding the total cost and ensuring compliance with Austrian laws will make the process smoother and more efficient.
