Germany Customs Regulations for Shipping from the UK
Germany’s customs are overseen by the Zollbehörde (German Customs Service) within the EU framework, under the Federal Ministry of Finance. Post-Brexit, the UK is a third country, and shipments are subject to EU external tariffs unless qualifying for zero-duty under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA, effective 2021). Compliance with EU regulations is key for Send2Hub shipments.
1. Customs Clearance Process
-
Declaration: Managed via the EU’s Import Control System (ICS2); an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) is required pre-arrival.
-
Inspection: Customs may check for tax compliance, safety, and EU standards.
-
Duty/Tax Payment: Calculated on CIF value (cost, insurance, freight).
2. Required Documentation
-
Commercial Invoice: Details goods, value, and parties (in English or German).
-
Packing List: Lists contents, weight, and quantity per package.
-
Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air): Proves transport and ownership; includes freight costs.
-
EORI Number: Required for UK exporters to clear EU customs (Send2Hub can assist).
-
Certificate of Origin: Needed for TCA zero-duty eligibility (UK-made goods only).
-
Permits/Certs: For restricted items (e.g., food, plants).
3. Duties and Taxes
-
Duty-Free Threshold: Personal gifts under €45 and commercial goods under €22 (CIF) are exempt from duties and VAT. Above these, full rates apply.
-
Import Duties: 0-17% based on HS codes (e.g., 10% on footwear); TCA reduces to 0% for UK-origin goods with proof.
-
VAT (Mehrwertsteuer): 19% standard rate (CIF + duty); 7% for books/food.
-
Customs Fees: €5-25 depending on courier and shipment type.
4. Prohibited and Restricted Items
-
Prohibited: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, weapons without permits, and hazardous materials like asbestos.
-
Restricted:
-
Food/alcohol: EU health certificates (e.g., no fresh UK dairy; wine needs excise docs).
-
Plants/animals: Phytosanitary/vet certificates (EU Reg 2016/2031).
-
Medicines: BfArM approval for drugs/cosmetics.
-
Cultural goods: Export clearance from UK, import checks in Germany.
5. HS Codes and Valuation
-
HS Codes: EU Common Customs Tariff applies (e.g., a cotton shirt might be 6205.20). Use TARIC database.
-
Valuation: CIF value; under-declaring risks penalties or seizure.
6. Post-Brexit TCA Benefits
7. Practical Tips
-
Prepay Taxes: Couriers like Deutsche Post or UPS offer this to avoid delays.
-
EORI Setup: Essential for UK businesses exporting to the EU—Send2Hub can guide you.
-
Tracking: Use Zoll.de or courier portals for updates.
Simplifying Germany Customs with Send2Hub
Shipping to Germany post-Brexit? Send2Hub makes Zollbehörde rules easy. Goods under €22 avoid duties and VAT, but above that, expect 0-17% duties (or 0% with TCA) plus 19% VAT. You’ll need a commercial invoice, packing list, and EORI number—our team ensures accuracy. Restricted items like food or plants require EU permits, and prohibited goods (e.g., drugs, fakes) are out—we’ll keep you compliant.
We’ll help you claim TCA tariff savings, sort HS codes, and prepay taxes for fast clearance. Track live and ship with ease. From the UK to Germany, Send2Hub handles customs so you don’t have to—start now!