Biggi,
You may recall I've done the reverse (Germany to US). At a high level it will need to be from a US firearm exporter, to a German importer.
Make sure you received an invoice from the US seller. Also serial number (waffe nummer), barrel length, overall length, and caliber. Have this all on the invoice.
My first take in detail:
1) The US firearm dealer will need to file paperwork with the US State department (?) and BATF (US firearm regulator). This paperwork normally takes 4 weeks (more if not done correctly). You'll possibly need the purchasing invoice. Once approved, this allows for the export.
2) Then that paperwork goes to the German importer. May I recommend Krico? Paperwork from the US Exporter is filed with the Bundesamt fur Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links); The BAFA approves in about 2 weeks.
On the German end, I would suggest contacting my German exporter, Arndt Kriegeskorte, at tel. +49 (0) 9180 278-0. Website:
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links); He's in Pyrbaum, just North of you a bit (if I recall you are in the Munich area?). Tell Arndt I recommended you (he should know me by now -LOL).
The zentrale telephone number for BAFA is 06196 908-0 should you have questions.
A big US firearm dealer is Simpsons Ltd. I've a contact there I've asked importation questions, I'll as about exporting your friends rifle.
I'll have more answers tonight (after I speak to Simpsons).
Don't expect this process to be completed in days, it'll take about 6 weeks before the shipment leaves the US.
Note: it may be cheaper if you buy multiple items and perform this entire process with all. Centerfire rifles and pistols are cheaper in the US (than Germany). The only thing that's cheaper in Germany are KK and Flinte (shotguns). I had a shipment of 6 firearms in June and the individual cost was cheaper (overall more expensive).