Import to Germany – import goods, customs clearance, and delivery

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Importing goods into Germany – how it works

With imports, the usual direction is reversed: rather than sending an item yourself, you arrange for something to be sent to you – and pay for the transport. That is precisely what versandrechner.de allows you to do. You book the shipment from Germany, specify the sender's address abroad, and the carrier collects the goods there.

This is always worthwhile when the sender does not have access to favourable shipping rates or does not wish to arrange the transport: for overseas suppliers, commercial samples, complaints and returns, or private purchases from abroad. You retain full control over carrier, transit time, and costs, rather than relying on the sender.

If the goods originate from a non-EU country, customs clearance is also required. Upon request, we handle the entire process – from the import declaration through to invoicing duties and taxes. Within the EU, this step is not necessary: the movement of goods is free, and no import duties apply.

Important since 1 July 2026: The €150 customs duty exemption has been abolished

Relying on older guides will lead to incorrect calculations. Until June 2026, shipments from third countries with a goods value below €150 were exempt from customs duty. This de minimis threshold was completely abolished on 1 July 2026 under EU Regulation 2026/382.

It has been replaced by a flat-rate customs duty of €3 per product category – meaning per item listed on the customs declaration, not per parcel. For example, if a shipment contains four pairs of socks, a soft toy, and a charging cable, three flat fees of €3 are payable, totalling €9. This flat fee applies to distance sales to consumers and postal consignments; for goods valued above €150, the standard tariff duty rate continues to apply.

Import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) remains unchanged at standard 19%, reduced 7%. It has applied from the very first cent since July 2021 – there is no longer a low-value exemption. Businesses can usually reclaim this as input tax, whereas for private individuals it represents an outright additional cost. Furthermore, anyone importing commercially requires an EORI number; without one, no import declaration can be submitted.

What to expect when importing

An overview of duties, taxes, and requirements – depending on the origin of the goods.

EU country
Customs duty
No customs duty
Import VAT
None
Customs declaration
Not required
Third country, up to €150
Customs duty
€3 per product category
Import VAT
19% or 7%
Customs declaration
Required
Third country, over €150
Customs duty
Tariff duty rate
Import VAT
19% or 7%
Customs declaration
Required
Switzerland / UK / Norway
Customs duty
Depends on goods & trade agreements
Import VAT
19% or 7%
Customs declaration
Required

As of July 2026, pursuant to EU Regulation 2026/382. This does not constitute legal or tax advice – authoritative details depend on customs determinations in each individual case.

What you need for a smooth import

Commercial invoice

With product description, value, currency, and details of both sender and recipient. Without it, the shipment will be held at customs.

Commodity code

The HS code determines the rate of duty. Incorrect classification risks supplementary duty assessments.

EORI number

Mandatory for commercial imports. Applying via customs is free of charge, but takes a few days.

Proof of origin

Under preferential trade agreements, this can reduce the duty rate or bring it down to zero – provided it is properly documented.

Import and export from a single source

We handle shipments in both directions. For exports from Germany, we take care of the export declaration and accompanying documents; for imports, we handle the import declaration and settlement of import duties. For businesses with regular goods traffic in both directions, this means: one point of contact, one process, one invoice.

For details on the process, pro forma and commercial invoices, and export declarations, visit our page on customs clearance. If you are shipping in the opposite direction, head directly to international shipping. For heavy or palletised imports, freight shipping is the appropriate transport option.

Frequently asked questions about importing to Germany

Yes, that is precisely what import shipping is designed for. You book the shipment from Germany, specify the sender's collection address abroad, and cover the costs. The sender only needs to make the goods available for pickup.
No. It was completely abolished on 1 July 2026. For goods up to €150 from distance sales, a flat-rate customs duty of €3 per product category is charged instead; above that value, the standard tariff duty rate applies. Import VAT is payable in both cases.
For commercial imports, yes. You can apply for one via customs free of charge, but processing takes a few days – so be sure to arrange this in good time. Private individuals generally do not need one for occasional imports.
With complete documentation, the import declaration is usually processed within one business day. Delays almost always stem from missing or unclear invoices, inaccurate goods descriptions, or an incorrect commodity code.
Our service fee for customs clearance is shown separately during booking. Customs duties and import VAT themselves are statutory government levies and are passed on at cost – we do not make a margin on them.
Yes, and it is significantly simpler: free movement of goods applies within the EU, meaning neither customs duties nor import VAT are incurred, and no customs declaration is required. You only book the transport.

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Transport and customs clearance from a single source – for businesses and private individuals.

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