Importing goods and customs clearance in Germany

If you want to ship your goods to Germany then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into Germany. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Importing goods

Importing goods into Germany involves adhering to EU customs regulations, as Germany is a member state of the European Union. Customs operations are managed by the Zollverwaltung (German Customs Administration). The English version of their website offers guidance on duties, procedures, and forms: German Customs – English.

General Import Process

Customs Declaration
- Submit an Import Declaration electronically through the ATLAS system (Automated Tariff and Local Customs Clearance System).
- Required documents include the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list.
Import Duties and VAT
- Duties are calculated using the EU TARIC database (TARIC Calculator).
- VAT rates are as follows:
  - Standard rate: 19%.
  - Reduced rate: 7% for goods like food, books, and pharmaceuticals.
Additional Non-Financial Requirements
- Check the Access2Markets portal (Access2Markets) for specific import requirements, such as health, safety, and labeling rules.
Inspection and Clearance
- Goods may be inspected. Processing time is generally 1-3 days if documents are in order.
Release of Goods
- Once cleared, the goods can be transported to their destination within Germany or the EU.

Service Providers for Assistance

Dachser – dachser.com
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics – hellmann.com
Gebrüder Weiss – gw-world.com
Schenker Deutschland AG – dbschenker.com
Alpha Customs Services – alpha-customs.de

Importing Small Parcels

For small parcels, major couriers like DHL, UPS, FedEx, and Hermes operate in Germany. Typical shipping costs for a 2kg parcel:

From the USA: €25-€50.
From China: €15-€30 for economy services.

Express options (3-5 days) are available at higher rates. Rates vary by provider, so consult their websites for detailed pricing.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into Germany in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.