customs-emblem

GERMANY

The below information is a brief summary of customs regulations when you plan your international shipping to Germany. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate to make sure you have all the information you need before you make your move. Contact the nearest Germany Embassy.

When you plan your international shipping to Germany, The following documents are required for customs clearance:

*NOTE:  ENTRY REQUIREMENTS DEPEND ON THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.

  • Copy of Passport (the page showing photo) and copy of Visa and/or Work Permit (for foreign citizens only)
  • Inventory (original) in German or English, valued, dated and signed by the Customer
  • Signed declaration, stating the imported goods are the owners personal effects
  • Signed declaration, stating the imported goods are not subject to any customs restrictions (e.g. drugs, weapons, etc.)
  • Statement of Transfer from employer (in German if possible) should state the shipper was an employee for the company abroad, how long he/she has lived in this certain country, and will remain an employee of the company in Germany
  • Foreign citizens must obtain a Work Permit (Arberterlaubnis) issued by the local employment office
  • Residence Visa (not needed for German nationals) or Residence Permit (granted only after a Work Permit has been issued)
  • Certificate of registration with the German police (“Polizeiliche Anmeldung”)
  • Customer’s declaration that no taxable high value goods (such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, guns, etc.) are in shipment. Such goods must be listed separately and will be taxed.
  • Certificate of Registration (Anmeldebestaetigung) from the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
  • German nationals need a declaration from German Embassy or Consulate confirming their length of stay abroad and exact destination address in Germany. Without this document, shipment will not clear Customs.
  • German Customs Form 0350 (Zollantrag) in triplicate, stating goods will not be sold for one year
  • Health Certificate may be required
  • Copy of Insurance Certificate
  • Customs clearance Power of Attorney Form authorizing Destination Agent to act on behalf of the customer in liaison with Customs
  • Foreign diplomats need a Certificate from the Embassy or Consulate
  • Power of Attorney

When shipping goods overseas to Germany, The following items customs guidelines will need to be met:

  • CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE (IF ALL DOCUMENTS ARE NOT IN ORDER)
  • Used household goods are duty-free if Customer has resided at least one year abroad, if the goods were owned by Customer over six months and will not be sold for a minimum of one year
  • Goods should be imported within one year of Customer taking up residence; if not, reasons needed for delay – maximum limit three years
  • Inheritance Items
    • Death Certificate
    • “Erbschein” or an official document which certifies the customer has inherited the items from the deceased and states the relationship between them
  • Wedding Trousseaux
    • Marriage Certificate
    • If household goods are imported before the marriage, proof must be furnished the marriage will take place within two months

When shipping goods overseas to Germany, The following items are dutiable and/or restricted:

  • New items (less than six months old) invoice required
  • Alcohol
    • Inventory must detail exact number and size of bottles, exact alcoholic strength in percent, and value of each bottle.
  • Tobacco, tea, coffee, toilet waters, perfumes, etc.
  • Foodstuffs in large quantities (do not recommend shipping with household goods)
  • Electronic items such as computers, videos, stereos, etc. (must show serial number and have purchase invoice)
    • Duplicate appliances or electrical equipment may be assessed high duties
  • Large amounts of handicrafts

When shipping goods overseas to Germany, The following items are prohibited from entry into the country:

  • Guns require a Certificate of Registration, valid passport of owner, proof of ownership, and a gun license for importation
    • Duty-free if firearm has been owned for at least six months prior to importing
    • Guns must be easily accessible
    • Must apply for a German Ownership Permit
    • List as last items on inventory, indicate model, caliber and serial number
  • Explosives
  • Ammunition
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Live plants (need special Import Permit)
  • Any protected animal or species, dried plant or items of historical significance (ivory, snakeskin, leopard fur, pre-Colombian items, etc.)
  • Pornographic material
  • Certain types of meat
  • Absinthe, methyl alcohol and pure alcohol
  • Radioactive material
  • Wine, grape juice and other various foodstuffs and consumer goods in large quantity

When shipping Motor Vehicles overseas to Germany, The following documents and regulations will apply:

  • Admitted duty-free if Customer has lived abroad for over one year, has owned and used the auto for a minimum of six months, if brought in for personal use with household goods and will not be sold for one year
  • Cars must be inspected before licensing, comply with German technical and environmental regulations and require modifications
  • Documents required:
    • Proof of ownership
    • Car documents
    • German driver’s license
    • Owner’s passport
    • Owner’s police registration in Germany (polizieliche Anmeldebestatigung)
    • Insurance record from country of origin
    • Third-party liability insurance that begins with Customs clearance
    • Declaration of Customer that no high value goods are in car
    • Origin Registration and copy of title
    • Commercial invoice, if new vehicle
    • It is highly recommended that the Customer informs the Destination Agent of all auto details prior to importing.

Moving Pets to Germany: The following documents must be presented for the importation of pets:

  • Dogs, cats and canaries permitted with Health Certificate (in German or with a translation) issued by a licensed veterinarian describing the animal and stating that the pet is free from rabies and contagious diseases
  • Health Certificate is valid ten days from the date in which it was issued (20 days for pets coming from non-European countries)
  • All endangered species and exotic animals are prohibited

The regulations are subject to change without notice. Our company is not liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.