As a top freight forwarder based in China, we often get questions about importing from China to Germany. Shippers, especially those new to the game, want clarity on everything from import taxes from China to Germany to customs clearance. So, we’ve rounded up the most frequent queries and paired them with practical, real-world solutions. Let’s dive into the essentials.
Navigating import duties and costs
First up, customs duties. These charges hinge on your product’s category, determined by German customs and border protection using HS codes.
Next, there’s Mehrwertsteuer, Germany’s value-added tax, which hits 19% for most goods, though some items (like books) drop to 7%. On top of that, you might face minor extras like handling fees during customs in Germany. It’s all par for the course when shipping from China to Germany.
How to figure it out
Finding the exact rates is straightforward. Begin with your product’s HS code, which can be grabbed online from the EU’s TARIC database. Enter it into Germany’s customs portal (Zoll.de) to check your duty rate. For VAT, the math is simple: take your goods’ value (plus shipping and duties) and multiply by 19% or 7%, depending on the product.
Calculation example
Imagine you’re importing €10,000 worth of electronics from Shenzhen to Hamburg, with shipping costing €2,000. Here’s how the numbers stack up:
- Customs duty: Electronics often face a 2% duty. That’s 2% of €10,000, which comes to €200.
- Total value for VAT: Combine the goods (€10,000), shipping (€2,000), and duty (€200) to get €12,200.
- VAT: At 19%, multiply €12,200 by 0.19 to get €2,318.
- Total costs: Add it all up—€10,000 (goods) + €2,000 (shipping) + €200 (duty) + €2,318 (VAT)—and you land at €14,518.
Customs and documentation made simple
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is non-negotiable for German customs clearance. It’s like your ID for moving goods into the EU. Without it, your cargo’s stuck at the border. Typically, you can apply through Germany’s customs portal. We’ve seen shipments delayed in Hamburg over this, so don’t skip it.
Documents you should prepare
When importing from China to Germany, you’ll need:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading
- Air Waybill for air freight
Restricted items like chemicals or batteries require extra permits, such as MSDS reports, un38.3 text, etc. A real case: a batch of lithium batteries seized in Frankfurt because the shipper skipped the dangerous goods declaration. Missing any paperwork can spark delays or even fines during customs clearance in Germany. Our Airsupply broker can help you gather all the necessary documents to meet customs and import regulations.
Prohibited items imported into Germany
Then there’s stuff that’s outright banned from imports from China to Germany.
- Weapons like firearms or explosives
- Counterfeit goods like knock-off designer bags
- Narcotics, including recreational marijuana
Popular shipping methods: From China to Germany
Sea freight from China to Germany
Shipping by sea is the go-to for imports from China to Germany if moving bulk goods or heavy machinery. It’s cost-effective and handles large volumes effortlessly. Take a recent example: we moved furniture in a 20ft container from Ningbo to Hamburg in about 35 days, keeping costs low for a Berlin retailer.
Main seaports in China:
- Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Qingdao.
Main seaports in Germany:
- Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.
Air freight from China to Germany
Need it fast? Air freight is your answer for shipping from China to Germany. It’s pricier, sure, but for high-value or time-sensitive items like food or medicine, it’s worth every penny. A client rushing medical supplies to Munich once cut their transit time to 5 days via airfreight.
Main airports in China:
- Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Guangzhou (CAN).
Main airports in Germany:
- Frankfurt (FRA) reigns supreme, followed by Munich (MUC) and Düsseldorf (DUS).
Rail freight from China to Germany
Generally, rail shipping is faster than sea and cheaper than air. Picture this: a Duisburg-bound train from Chongqing hauled auto parts in just 16 days—half the time of sea freight.
Check our in-depth shipping guide for details like shipping rates and transit times. Or better yet, reach out to our logistics team. We’ll tailor a plan for your imports from China to Germany.
Leveraging Amazon FBA warehouse locations in Germany
With Germany’s central location and top-notch logistics, tapping into its FBA warehouses is smart for e-commerce sellers. The Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service lets you store goods in German hubs like Dortmund, Leipzig, or Frankfurt. You ship your products from China, while Amazon handles the rest—storage, packing, and delivery.
However, there are strict Amazon pre-warehouse and labeling requirements. That’s where ASLG steps in. We’re experts at streamlining FBA shipping from China to Germany. From prepping docs to handling German customs clearance, we cut their transit time and kept costs tight.
Top tips for a smooth import process
Partnering with a freight forwarder like Airsupply can snag great rates and lock in cargo space for you. After years of hustle on the China-Germany trade route, we’ve crafted a tight network to offer a one-stop solution for importing from China to Germany. Here’s why we stand out:
- Speedy replies: Quick responses, clear talk, and flawless follow-through.
- Pro Skills: Sharp, agile, and dead-on every time.
- Connected: Local expertise paired with global ties.
- Wallet-friendly: We hunt down cost savings for you.
- All in: Full focus, no half-measures.
- Custom-fit: Plans shaped to fit your needs.
- Specialized edge: Masters at handling sensitive items or dangerous goods.
FAQs
How long does it take to ship from China to Germany?
- Sea freight: 30-40 days (e.g., Shanghai to Hamburg).
- Air: 5-10 days—ideal for urgent goods.
- Rail: 15-20 days, like Chongqing to Duisburg in 16 days.
Please note that German customs clearance might add a day.
How much does it cost to import from China to Germany?
Costs depend on a few things: shipping mode, cargo size, and import taxes from China to Germany. Below is the estimated cost:
- Sea freight:€2,000-€4,000 per container.
- Air: €5-€10 per kilo.
