FAQ DUBAI

Shipping options for full containers, such as 20’ or 40’ containers from Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi, are available weekly. Depending on cargo volume, we also offer the option of loading into our own consolidated containers 2 to 4 times per month from our warehouse in Ras Al Khor.
The pure sea transit time from port to port is approximately 3–4 weeks.

We load our own consolidated containers regularly — depending on cargo volume, approximately 2 to 4 times per month.

No. Collections are carried out by local transport companies using car carriers or trailers. However, if the vehicle is operational, it may be moved on company premises using its own power.

Non-running vehicles are loaded using a winch and placed inside the container with a loading platform. Forklifts are generally avoided for loading these vehicles.

For export clearance from the Emirates and import processing in Europe, vehicle registration, a purchase invoice and a copy of your passport are required. The vehicle must be deregistered with the RTA (Road Authority Department) in the originating Emirate, after which you will receive the corresponding export certificate and, if necessary, the blue export license plates.

For further information, we — as well as our agent in Dubai — are happy to assist you.

Yes. Due to our very low damage rate, we are able to offer you highly affordable transport insurance options — whether for total loss, so-called “stranding coverage,” or full risk insurance. The insurer is a reputable German company, and all policies are based on the DTV cargo insurance clauses, which you will receive with every quotation.

Each stage of transport can be insured individually, including partial segments or full door-to-door coverage.

No, water damage is extremely rare. Containers are sealed watertight, and even if positioned on the top tier or outer stacks, they are securely protected against water ingress.

For roll-on / roll-off shipments, vehicles are likewise protected against seawater exposure.

Yes, however you may also use standard cardboard boxes, your own crates, or pallets.
If you assign us to handle the packaging, we will provide the required materials.

Please note:
Departures are not always weekly, and vehicles are stored outdoors in the port area.
Additionally, a special permit is required for deliveries to the port of shipment.

Non-running vehicles and cars containing household goods or parts in the interior cannot be shipped via roll-on/roll-off.

Yes, nationwide collections within the United Arab Emirates using reliable car transporters are possible.

We are happy to deliver your vehicle to your doorstep or a workshop of your choice in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
You may book this service at any time for an additional fee.

Yes. In coordination with your seller, we can provide an escrow-style payment transfer service.
If needed, please request our corresponding agreement for this service.

Yes, you may authorize someone to handle the pickup for you.

No. German-speaking staff from our Bremerhaven office are only temporarily present in Dubai.

Absolutely! Overseas transport of motorcycles — whether crated or uncrated — is one of our key service areas. We are happy to advise you individually based on your situation.

In general, all new goods are subject to customs duties and taxes.

When importing into Germany or any EU member state, customs duties according to the applicable tariff plus the country-specific VAT apply (Germany: 19%).

Used personal belongings may be imported duty-free if the following conditions are met and supporting documents are provided:

• Proof of at least 1 year of residence outside the EU (employment contract or rental agreement with utility bills)

• Packing list in German/English

• Copy of passport

• Current registration certificate from your local registration office

The customs clearance certificate is issued by the customs office responsible for import and is required by the registration authority when registering your vehicle. You will receive this certificate directly from us.

All expected costs are included in our quotation.
However, additional charges may occur due to official instructions or unforeseen events.
These may include inspections or X-ray screenings of a container performed by customs authorities.

For customs declaration, we submit the RTA export certificate and the commercial invoice, or — in case of relocation goods — your respective supporting documents.

Together with our quotation, you will receive an order form in PDF format.
Once we receive your completed form, we will send you an order confirmation along with further information about the process.

Roll-on/roll-off vessels are “floating parking garages” operating on fixed routes, transporting vehicles and rolling cargo from ports such as Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp and Rotterdam.
For vehicles that are too large to fit into a container or when a port offers RoRo connections, this loading method is recommended.

Non-running vehicles and cars containing household goods or parts inside the cabin cannot be transported via RoRo.
The German customs authority sets its own monthly exchange rate independently.

Our loading stations for vehicle container shipments are located in Bremen and Rotterdam.

Vehicle containers are unloaded conveniently in Ras Al Khor and are available for pickup there.
We are also happy to deliver your vehicle to you upon request.

Our office and warehouse in Bremen are open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 17:00.
In Dubai, vehicle pickups are possible Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00 to 18:00.

Yes, we can collect vehicles and household goods anywhere in Austria.

Yes, we arrange the transport of vehicles and relocation goods via our Swiss partner forwarder in Basel.

Yes, but only if you commission us to handle the packing of your relocation goods.
Otherwise, you may use standard cardboard boxes, or provide your own crates or pallets.

Unfortunately, the import of motor vehicles — even as part of a relocation — is subject to 5% customs duty and 5% VAT.
The customs value is based on the value of the vehicle.
There is no possibility for duty-free import of vehicles.

As a resident of the UAE, you do not need an importer code for private imports.
Optional services such as pickup, delivery and all forwarding-related handling can be arranged on request.

You will need the following documents:

• Copy of passport with visa

• Residence visa

• Vehicle title / registration papers

• Packing list if personal belongings are inside the vehicle

All expected costs are included in our quotation.
However, additional costs may occur due to official instructions or unforeseen events.
These may include inspections or X-ray screenings of a container carried out by customs.

No. German-speaking staff from our Bremerhaven office are only temporarily present in Dubai.

Along with our quotation, you will receive the corresponding order form as a PDF.
Once we have received your completed form, we will send you an order confirmation together with further information about the process.

No, down payments for freight services are not required.

After customs clearance has been completed, you will receive a final invoice.
This must be paid before pickup or delivery and can be settled via bank transfer.

Import duties and import VAT will be invoiced to you in a final statement together with the freight charges.

Please note that we accept bank transfers and cash payments only.
We do not accept credit cards or checks.

Customs calculates the duty based on the value of the vehicle upon arrival in Bremen – i.e., the purchase price plus any costs incurred up to that point (CIF value).
The import VAT of 19% is calculated on the CIF value plus customs duty and domestic transport costs.

To avoid exchange-rate inconsistencies and to ensure transparency, some of our quotations are provided in USD.
For invoicing, the official exchange rate on the day of vessel departure applies.

The German customs authority independently sets its own monthly official exchange rate, which is binding for customs clearance.

As a non-EU member state, Switzerland applies its own customs regulations.
Upon request, we will provide you with details regarding your individual import conditions.

If you have any further questions, please send us an email or call us at +49 471 / 48 38 38 00.