Sourcing & Importing Products from China to Germany
Germany is the EU’s largest import market and your gateway to the whole single market — clear goods through Hamburg or Bremerhaven and they can move freely across the EU. Imports are governed by the EU Union Customs Code, an EORI number and the German customs authority (Zoll).
The biggest 2026 change: the EU is scrapping the €150 duty-free de minimis threshold on 1 July 2026, replacing it with a temporary flat €3-per-item duty on low-value parcels until 2028. Import VAT has applied from the first euro since 2021. We price in the current EU duty and 19% VAT so your landed cost is accurate.
Key import facts
Duties, taxes & tariffs
| Customs duty (varies by TARIC commodity code) | 0%–12% |
| Import VAT / Einfuhrumsatzsteuer (reclaimable if registered) | 19% |
| Flat low-value duty (parcels ≤ €150, from 1 Jul 2026) | €3 / item |
| Anti-dumping duty on specific Chinese goods (bikes, ceramics, solar) | Varies — can be high |
- Customs clearance / broker fee: Charged per entry by your freight agent
- Product Identifiers (PIDs): Mandatory from 1 Nov 2026 on customs declarations
Compliance & certifications
Shipping from China
- ▸ Sea FCL (20ft / 40ft / 40HQ) — lowest per-unit cost for full-container volume
- ▸ Sea LCL — shared container for smaller shipments
- ▸ China–Europe rail — faster than sea, cheaper than air (strong option for Germany)
- ▸ Air / express — samples and time-sensitive goods
Customs clearance
- ✓ EU EORI number (mandatory for all EU imports)
- ✓ German VAT registration to reclaim import VAT
- ✓ ATLAS customs declaration
- ✓ Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading / air waybill
- ✓ Correct TARIC commodity code
- ✓ CE marking and technical file where the product requires it
Top imported categories
Frequently asked questions
Q.Is there still a duty-free threshold for small imports from China to the EU?
Not from 1 July 2026. The EU abolishes the €150 duty-free de minimis threshold and introduces a temporary flat €3-per-item customs duty on low-value parcels until 2028. Import VAT (19% in Germany) has applied to all imports since 2021 regardless of value.
Q.What certifications do I need to sell Chinese products in Germany?
Most regulated products need CE marking with a technical file; electronics also need RoHS/WEEE compliance, and chemicals fall under REACH. Toys must meet EN 71. The voluntary GS mark is a strong trust signal in the German market. We arrange the right testing before production.
Q.Is rail freight from China to Germany worth it?
Often yes. China–Europe rail to hubs like Duisburg takes roughly 16–22 days — faster than sea and far cheaper than air. It’s a popular middle option for German importers balancing cost and lead time.
Q.Do I need an EORI number for Germany?
Yes. An EU EORI number is required for all imports into Germany and the EU. To reclaim the 19% import VAT you also need German VAT registration.
Get an accurate landed-cost quote
We'll classify your product, confirm compliance and price in current duties — no surprises at the port.
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