Country Customs Information

View Customs Rules



Imports

General Import Guidelines
  • The importer must have a Company Registration number from Customs Authorities
  • Imported goods must conform to licensed activities of the importer
  • Imported goods must be accompanied with an International Waybill, an Original Commercial Invoice, and Packing List
  • HS Codes must be stated clearly on Commercial Invoice. If the HS Codes are not stated, Customs will determine proper HS Codes based on the goods based on the stated description


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Import Duties and Fees
  • The customs valuation is based on CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) which means that the amount used to assess customs duty is the sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping cost to Germany
  • Customs tariff applicable on imported goods depend on HS Codes
  • The standard rate of VAT imposed on imported goods into Germany is 19%
  • International express or courier imports with declared value below EUR 22 are duty free
  • Goods with declared value of more than a EUR 22 will be treated as normal cargo goods, and will require a formal customs clearance
  • Intoxicating liquors and Tobacco will be subjected up to 150%


The following is a trade agreement with Germany that can benefit from customs reduction rate. To benefit from customs reduction, Certificate of Origin accompanied with Commercial Invoice are required
  • European Union (EU)


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Duties Exemption

A number of goods are exempted from customs duties and VAT. Below are some of the applied exemptions:
  • Raw materials for manufacturing in Germany destined for companies holding industrial license
  • Goods addressed to government or semi-government agencies
  • Diplomatic goods
  • Personal Effects ( used more than six months)

Goods are exempted from customs duties:
  • Cell phones and tablet PCs
  • Items with a value lower than EUR 150


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Imports Required Documents

General Imports

Import Declaration is processed in the event of goods being imported into Germany. The below documents are required:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • EORI number
  • Proof of payment (for goods purchased in Germany)


Re-Export

Import Declaration is processed in the event of importing goods into Germany for purpose of re-exporting. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • Customs Procedure Code (CPC)


Temporary Import - Exhibition / Repair and Return

Upon entry of goods into Germany on temporary basis for the purposes of taking part in an exhibition or repairs / maintenance, a deposit amount equivalent to customs duties has to be made for the benefit Customs Authorities. The deposit is refunded upon exporting the goods. If the goods are not being exported the deposit is forfeited. The below documents are needed:
  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • Customs Procedure Code (CPC)

When completing your Commercial Invoice, we recommend that you abide by Aramex guidelines to ensure timely and efficient clearance Read More


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Exports

When exporting goods from Germany some documents and regulations will be applied before the exit of goods to the destination. Failure to submit required documents may delay goods when exporting


Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods:

  1. Original Commercial Invoice
  2. Customs Declaration (EX1) if goods’ value is above EUR 1,000, or if goods are destined to Iran , or Libya will require Customs Declaration regardless of the value of goods. Fee: EUR 30 per shipment presented to customs authorities. EUR 55 (If needed) for Additional inspection per shipment
  3. For certain goods, a strategic export license is required. military, dual-use, chemicals, technological, cultural products, radioactive material, and agricultural goods. For more information
  4. click here to check if your goods require an export license
Other documents that could be required would depend on the specific requirements of the destinations. Aramex maintain a list of needed documents and customs information per country (please select country name on this page )



Important Notes

  • All exported goods might be inspected by Customs Authorities
  • Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Germany
  • For more information on exporting from the Germany click here


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Transiting Goods

Transiting Goods through Germany can only remain in for 87 days from the date of arrival into the country

To process Transiting Goods, the following documents are needed:

  • Original Waybill
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List (detailed)
  • Customs Procedure Code (CPC)


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Prohibited / Restricted Goods

Aramex will not transport goods that are prohibited by the laws or regulations of Germany

In accordance to Aramex Shipping Policy, the following items are not acceptable for transport by Aramex:
  • Monetary items including currency, fake money, and coins
  • Publications that are offensive to religions, morals, human rights or aims to cause corruption and disorder
  • Narcotics and drugs including heroin, opium, drugs raw material (powder, liquid), cannabis leaves, etc.
  • Counterfeit goods covering all brands of clothes, machinery, shoes, electronics, watches etc.
  • Fireworks*
  • Ivory and ivory products*
  • Furs*
  • Jewelry, precious metals , stones, articles or antiques of exceptional high value*
  • Bullion*
  • Chemical waste and nuclear waste
  • Hazardous as defined in IATA Regulations*
  • Ammunitions*
  • Human remains, including ashes*
  • Animals, plants, food items and perishable*
  • Pharmaceutical items (Psychotropic drugs, and Stopped drugs (listed as per international convents)

* Certain goods which are listed above as prohibited may be accepted by Aramex on a contractual basis, if exporters / importers are able to comply with all applicable regulations

Some goods require approval from the designated authority prior to importing into Germany. Some examples are shown below:



Top Standard pickup service for IMPEX & SRN includes:

  • Pickups from business addresses
  • Max. length of a piece of 120cm
  • Not more than one side of 70cm or more
  • Only cartons, envelopes (pallets, cans, luggage, bags, etc. will cause special pickup charges)
  • Next day pickup, with a transit time to our warehouse of 1, max. 2 days
  • Handling of customs goods (T1) not included in standard service
If a shipment does not meet all of these parameters, it will be subject to special pickup charges, as follows:

  • The first KG will cause 17.50USD
  • Every additional KG will cause 1.50USD
  • Any piece exceeding 50kg will cause another 50USD special handling, in addition to the already calculated amount
  • Any piece exceeding 100kg will cause another 100USD special handling, in addition to the already calculated amount
  • Handling of customs goods (T1) will cause 25USD handling charges
  • Document pickups from a domestic address (no business) are calculated with 10USD special pickup charges

References
  1. Germany Customs
  2. Customs Terminologies