Germany is the economic leader amongst the 28 nations of the European Union. It has the largest economy - over $4 trillion USD (2019), produces and exports a wide range of goods - autos, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, computer and electrical equipment, and hosts the world's largest trade fairs.
Shipping to Germany provides a gateway to the other 27 nations of the EU, which is now easier and less expensive than ever since the signing of the Canada-EU free trade deal (CETA).
The sources of information on this page come directly from the German Customs Pages, the European Union, and number of other government sources.
Secureship Offers Cheap Shipping Rates to Germany
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Germany through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Germany. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Germany
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Hessen, HE, GER
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Berlin, BER, GER
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Bremen, BR, GER
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Bayern, BA, GER
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Germany before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Most documents can be shipped to Germany duty-free. There are restrictions on what can be shipped duty-free.
If you exceed these restrictions, then tax and duty becomes payable. Some restrictions are shown below in the table.
Document Type
Restriction
Business cards
Up to 15 only.
Cheques
Must be personalised.
Gift cards
Up to 5 only.
Greetings cards and invitations.
Must be personalised.
Stationery
Must be personalised and an appropriate amount for non-commercial use.
For more information on restricted documents, click
here.
Most personal effects can be shipped to Germany tax and duty-free if you have owned the items for longer than 6 months.
German authorities may ask you for documents that verify the goods belong to you.
Some examples of acceptable paperwork include receipts, warranties and insurance documents.
Moving Temporarily
Students:
Students moving to Germany to study must be enrolled for full-time attendance in an educational institution so that their personal effects are duty and tax free.
Personal effects exempt from duties and taxes include:
Household goods such as shoes, clothing and linens (these items may be new).
Educational materials (books, computers and printers).
Furniture (must be used and intended for personal use).
Non-Students:
Moving Permanently
When moving to Germany you may import your household goods free of duties and taxes providing:
You have used those goods outside of Germany for at least 6 months.
You will continue to use them for another 12 months without lending, selling or disposing of them.
Personal Requirements
You must be able to show to German authorities that:
1. You have given up your residence abroad, for e.g. termination of a lease, or a statement from your employer that you are transferring to Germany
2. You are taking up a new residence in Germany, for e.g. with a lease agreement.
3. For at least 12 months you have been living outside of Germany.
Legitimate personal effects
The following are acceptable personal and household goods, providing they are of a non-commercial quantity:
Household items such as furnishings, shoes, clothing, linen, and any equipment needed for daily living.
Bicycles
Portable equipment, tools and instruments needed by an individual as part of her or his profession or trade
The following are not allowed to enter duty-free:
Alcohol
Tobacco and tobacco products
On-portable instruments, tools and equipment used for a profession or trade
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Ludwig van Beethoven Bonngasse 20 53111 Bonn Germany
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples are those that can only be used for demonstration purposes. The aim is to encourage people to place orders of the samples, not sell them.
Samples may be shipped to Germany duty-free providing:
They are of a small number that represent the product.
They are intended for a trade fair or convention or other exhibitions (for e.g., commercial, scientific, educational, cultural, artistic, touristic, sporting or religious).
NOTES:
Samples for private exhibitions, for e.g. in commercial stores, are not allowed.
The easiest way to send commercial samples to Germany is with an ATA Carnet. (See Temporary Imports for details.)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Ludwig van Beethoven Bonngasse 20 53111 Bonn Germany
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Shipping products to Germany for repair is a fairly simple process and is exempt from duties and taxes under the inward processing rules of the European Union.
Inward processing means goods from outside the EU brought into the EU to have work done on them, such as repairs.
Items Under Warranty
As Germany and Canada have a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning from Germany to Canada are duty-free and will not be charged GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item returning to Canada from Germany that is no longer under warranty will be charged GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Germany:
When sending equipment to Germany for repair, include the following information on the parcel:
The words "REPAIR & RETURN" are stated on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks.
Serial/Product number must be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section on the commercial invoice.
Copy of Repair Contract included with all your export documentation.
Returning Product After Repairs are Completed:
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned back to Germany, ensure to do the following:
Write "REPAIR & RETURN" on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section
Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Germany
Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.
Repair Checklist
Commercial Invoice must clearly state under the General Description or Remarks section the following: 'REPAIR & RETURN' and include the estimated time of return.
Include repair contract with shipment.
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section.
Ludwig van Beethoven Bonngasse 20 53111 Bonn Germany
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Temporary importation of certain goods into Germany, without incurring duties or taxes, is allowed for a period of up to 24 months.
Make sure to clearly indicate the return date on the commercial invoice.
Goods that are often part of a temporary import include:
Items that will be used or displayed at a fair, exhibition or event.
Scientific and professional equipment.
Commercial samples
Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing or manufacturing.
Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth
Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment
Temporary admissions are expected to follow the rules below:
They will not be changed other than from normal wear-and-tear.
Are intended to be re-exported from Germany.
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Germany, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires
you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details
below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided).
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial invoice only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. CI + an ATA Carnet
This option is great for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find
more information here:
http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/.
In addition to the 2 options above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 24 months in Germany
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature).
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import' including the return date or original export date. This must be written in the General Description section.
See example
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Any above listed items
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Ludwig van Beethoven Bonngasse 20 53111 Bonn Germany
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Occasional Shipper
If you ship occasionally to Germany (i.e. items you sold on eBay), there isn't too much you need to do. You will need to:
Include 3 copies of the Commercial Invoice with your shipment.
Provide a detailed description of the goods on the Commercial Invoice (in order to avoid customs delays).
NOTE: An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is NOT needed if you are shipping as a private individual.
Regular Shipper
If you regularly sell and ship goods to Germany, we recommend you consult with a licensed customs broker in Germany. You may need to comply with certain requirements, such as obtaining an
Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI)
number.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Ludwig van Beethoven Bonngasse 20 53111 Bonn Germany
Phone: 613-555-1234
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Germany. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Germany, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
Packing list
Infrequently required
No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Certain goods are prohibited from entering Germany and others have restrictions. Prohibitions and restrictions are in place to protect children,
minors and German citizens, protect the German constitution and abide by international trade agreements.
Here's an abbreviated list of items that are prohibited or restricted from shipping to Germany. An extensive list can be found
here
.
Prohibited items
Potatoes
Caviar from sturgeon
Vitamin and dietary supplements considered to be medicinal supplements to treat diseases and illnesses
Animal products, including milk and cheeses
Pornographic and obscene material
Material with violent and anti-democratic messages
Material that depicts violence or disparages symbols of the German state or government
Counterfeit items
Electric shock devices
Restricted Items
Medicines and narcotics
Rough diamonds (a valid Kimberly Certificate required)
Skins and products from dogs, cats and seals
Cannabis (valid permit required from Health Canada)
Import duty and taxes in Germany are calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Using the CIF Value, you can predict how much duty & tax the recipient must pay to the German government to receive their goods.
Thresholds
Some countries provide a Duty & Tax Threshold (i.e. de minimis), which means that below a certain CIF amount, no duties or taxes are charged on the import of that shipment.
For Germany, VAT is payable on shipments of any value - there is no de minimis value; however, the de minimis value for duty is €150 CIF (about $223 CDN) meaning any CIF
under this amount will not incur Duty. For goods over €150 CIF, duties are calculated based on custom tariffs.
Levies below €5 (about $9 CDN), will not be charged.
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
Currency
Euro (EUR) - €
TAX (VAT)
19%*
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
150 €**
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Threshold Method
CIF
Tax & Duty Calculation Method
CIF
*Reduced rate of 7% on some goods (including food and books)
**Excluding alcohol, tobacco, and coffee products
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Additional Resources
Questions about Shipping to Germany
How long does it take to ship to Germany from Canada?
Shipping to Germany from Canada can take between 2-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.
