Imports and exports

What rules apply to cross-border trade? Certain import exemptions and limitations exist to protect people from dangers and to ensure compliance with international agreements. Germany has a long history as a leading exporter. But what requirements need to be followed when exporting goods? You will find relevant information and government services here.

Services in Imports and exports

Service
Authorisation obtained for the production of weighing certificates for bananas
If you are an operator and release fresh bananas for free circulation, you can only draw up the necessary weighing certificates yourself with an authorisation from customs.
Service
apply for a deferred BIN from customs
Do you want to use a deferral account to process deferred payments with customs? Among other things, you need a deferral BIN with which you can identify yourself electronically.
Service
Apply for a licence for the operation of detention centres
If you want to operate a bonded warehouse, you need a permit from the customs authorities.
Service
Apply for a WHO certificate (CPP) for the export of medicinal products
To export a medicinal product approved in Germany to a country outside the EU, you need the certificate issued in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Service
Apply for authorised consignee status under the TIR procedure
Goods carried by the TIR procedure in international road transport can be received as "authorised consignee".
Service
Apply for certificates of free sale for active in-vitro diagnostics
As a manufacturer of in vitro diagnostic medical devices that are associated with an active medical device, or its authorized representative, you can apply for the issue of a certificate of free sale for export purposes.
Service
Apply for certificates of free sale for active medical devices
As a manufacturer of active medical devices or its authorized representative, you can apply for the issue of a certificate of free sale for export purposes. This certificate of free sale confirms the marketability of the products in question within the EU.
Service
Apply for concessionary customs duties for imports of goods under end-use
If you declare non-Union goods for the end-use procedure, you can benefit from reduced rates of duty.
Service
Apply for European Technical Assessment (ETA)
If you would like to obtain a European Technical Assessment (ETA) for your construction product, you can apply for one at Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt).
Service
Apply for official acts subject to customs costs
If you make use of special official acts by the customs administration, you may have to pay fees and expenses.
Service
Apply for permission to operate a bonded warehouse
If you want to operate a bonded warehouse, you must submit an application.
Service
Apply for the option to tax goods with a material value of up to EUR 150 in the Import-One-Stop-Shop (IOSS)
If you import goods with a material value of up to EUR 150 into the EU as an entrepreneur, you can declare and pay tax on the resulting turnover centrally using the Import-One-Stop-Shop (IOSS) procedure.
Service
Apply for the status of "authorised consignee" for the Union transit procedure
If you regularly receive goods in transit, you can simplify the customs procedure by using the status "authorised consignee".
Service
Applying for a permit for the import and export of protected plant and animal species
If you want to import or export specimens of protected animal and plant species into or from the EU, you will need a permit.
Service
Applying for an export refund for agricultural products from the European Union (EU)
If you export goods to third countries, you can apply for an export refund under certain conditions.
Service
Applying for authorization to import animals and goods from other EU countries
You require a permit for the import, transit and, in individual cases, export and intra-Community movements of animals and animal products as well as goods that may be carriers o...
Service
Applying for certificates of free sale for non-active in-vitro diagnostics
As a manufacturer of non-active in-vitro diagnostics or its authorized representative, you can apply for the issue of a certificate of free sale for export purposes outside the EU and countries that have a free trade agreement with the EU.
Service
Applying for certificates of free sale for non-active medical devices
As a manufacturer of non-active medical devices or its authorized representative, you can apply for the issue of a certificate of free sale for export purposes outside the EU and countries that have a free trade agreement with the EU
Service
Applying for phytosanitary certificates for the export of plants and plant products to countries outside the EU
If you export plants, plant products or other objects to countries outside the EU, they must not contain any harmful organisms. As proof of this, you must apply for a phytosanitary certificate or a pre-export certificate or re-export certificate.
Service
Certification obtained for participant software for electronic data exchange with the customs administration in the IT procedures ATLAS, AES and EMCS
If you want to offer software for the IT procedures ATLAS, AES or EMCS, you must have it certified.
Service
Cross-border shipment of merchandise via the Union transit procedure to be declared to customs online
If you conduct customs-relevant trade in the EU and want to use the Union transit procedure, you must participate in the automated customs clearance system ATLAS and declare your goods shipment to customs. You can use a customs internet platform for this purpose.
Service
Declare goods to customs when importing via the Internet
If you are importing goods into Germany from outside the EU, you can submit the customs declaration via the Internet.
Service
make an application for temporary importation
For non-Union goods that you import into the customs territory of the Union only temporarily and for a specific purpose, you will have to pay less import duty or none at all.
Service
Purchasing VAT-free in Germany as a traveller from a non-EU state
If you are a visitor leaving the territory of the EU to return home or travel to another location outside the EU, you may be able to purchase goods free of VAT.
Service
Service
Service
Application for an EORI number
If you are involved in customs-related activities, such as importing or exporting goods, you must apply for an EORI number.
Service
Application for the granting of the status of 'approved exhibitor' for the purpose of providing evidence of the Union status of goods
In some cases you have to prove the Union status of goods. By granting the status of "approved exhibitor", you can simplify the proof procedure vis-à-vis the customs authorities.
Service
Apply for a declaration of no objection in the area of basic substances
Do you need a certificate to present to customs or an authority in a third country for the import of raw materials, mixtures containing raw materials or natural products? Then you can apply for a clearance certificate.
Service
Apply for a license to trade in raw materials
If you handle Category 1 precursors that can potentially be converted into drugs, you need a permit.
Service
Apply for an export license for raw materials
If you export raw materials to non-EU countries, you must apply for an export license.
Service
Apply for an import license for raw materials
If you import raw materials from non-EU countries, you must apply for an import permit.
Service
Apply for authorization to use an electronic transport document (ETD) as a customs declaration
As an airline or shipping company, you can apply for a simplification of the transit procedure. With this simplification, it is possible to use an electronic transport document as a transit declaration in the Union transit procedure.
Service
apply for deferment of payment of import duties
When importing goods into Germany, the applicable customs duties and import turnover taxes are always due, which usually have to be paid directly upon import. Under certain conditions, you as an importer or freight forwarder can apply for a deferral of payment.
Service
Apply for evaluation of mixtures containing basic substances
Do you handle mixtures containing basic substances that can be used for the manufacture of narcotics? Then you can apply to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) for an examination to determine whether handling restrictions also apply to the mixture.
Service
Apply for registration to trade in commodities
If you handle category 2 raw materials or export category 3 raw materials to countries outside the EU, you need a registration.
Service
Apply for the status of "authorised consignor" for the Union transit procedure
If you regularly ship dutiable goods within the European Union, you can simplify the customs procedure with the status "Authorised consignor".
Service
Apply for the status of Authorized Economic Operator
As an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), you benefit from simplifications in customs clearance. To obtain this status, you must submit an application to your main customs office.
Service
Applying for a license to manufacture and place war weapons on the market
You require a license from the Federal Government if you wish to manufacture, acquire or transfer war weapons to others.
Service
Applying for a permit for the permanent export of cultural property to an EU Member State
If you wish to export cultural property from Germany to a member state of the European Union (EU) for longer than 5 years, you may require an export license.
Service
Applying for a permit for the regular temporary export of cultural property held by cultural property institutions in EU countries
If you are an institution preserving cultural property and wish to export parts of your collection from Germany to member states of the European Union (EU) on a regular and temporary basis, you can apply for a general open license for the export of cultural property.
Service
Applying for a permit for the regular temporary export of cultural property held by cultural property institutions in third countries
If you are an institution preserving cultural property and wish to export parts of your holdings from Germany to third countries on a regular and temporary basis, you can apply for a general open license for the export of cultural property to third countries.
Service
Applying for a permit for the temporary export of national treasures to an EU Member State
If you wish to export national cultural property less than 5 years old from Germany to a country in the European Union (EU), you require an export license.
Service
Applying for an export license for narcotics
If you wish to export narcotics from Germany, you must apply for an export license from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Under certain circumstances, you can apply for a clearance certificate instead.
Service
Applying for an import permit for narcotics
If you wish to import narcotics into Germany, you must apply for an import permit from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Under certain circumstances, you can also apply for a clearance certificate instead.
Service
Applying for authorization for the regular temporary export of cultural goods to EU member states for churches or religious communities
As a church or religious community, you can apply for a general open license for the export of cultural property from your holdings to member states of the European Union (EU) under certain conditions.
Service
Applying for authorization for the regular temporary export of cultural property in the holdings of churches preserving cultural property in third countries
As a church or religious community, you can apply for a general open license for the export of cultural property to third countries under certain conditions.
Service
Applying for authorization for the regular temporary export of ecclesiastical cultural property to EU member states
If you, as a church or religious community, wish to export a specific cultural asset from Germany to member states of the European Union (EU) on a regular and temporary basis, you can apply for a specific open permit.
Service
As the rights holder, receive information about goods stopped by customs
If goods are stopped by customs on suspicion of counterfeiting, you will be informed of this as the rights holder.
Service
Change permission to handle basic substances
If you wish to change your authorization to trade in category 1 precursors, you can submit an application. This may concern the precursors, the processes, the business premises or the responsible representative(s).
Service
Change registration for handling basic substances
If you wish to change the registration for the trade in basic substances or for the use of basic substances of category 2A, you must apply to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.
Service
Credit insurance
If you want to set up a business in Germany, you must comply with certain rules and requirements. This section provides information on your rights and obligations with regard to credit insurance.
Service
Customs control - import bans
Despite facilitations in the clearance of goods in personal luggage, you cannot carry all goods and products without restrictions in cross-border travel. The customs authorities...
Service
Declare cash and certain other funds when crossing the border
If you are carrying cash or certain other funds of EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving Germany, you must inform Customs.
Service
Declare diplomatic or consular goods to customs
If you want to import diplomatic or consular goods free of import duties, you must declare them.
Service
Declare goods to customs when exporting via the Internet
If you are exporting goods from Germany to a country outside the European Union (third country), you can make the customs declaration via the Internet under certain conditions.
Service
Declare goods to customs when transporting for NATO or partner forces
If you are transporting goods for NATO or partner forces, these can be imported into Germany duty-free under certain conditions. However, the goods must be declared to customs.
Service
Declare postal or courier consignments up to EUR 150.00 to customs
If you wish to declare goods in consignments of up to EUR 150.00 in Germany, you can use a simplified electronic customs declaration.
Service
Declare removal goods at customs
If you are moving to the European Union from a third country, you can usually import household goods and other household effects duty-free. However, you must declare this to customs.
Service
Disclose unaccompanied cash and/or other funds when requested to do so in mail and freight transactions
If you move unaccompanied cash and/or other funds, for example in postal and freight traffic, into, out of or through the European Union, you must submit a disclosure declaration when requested to do so by the customs authorities.
Service
Disclose unaccompanied cash on entry and exit from a third country in postal and cargo traffic on request
If you move unaccompanied cash, for example, in postal and freight traffic from a third country to or through the European Union or from the European Union to a third country, you must submit a disclosure declaration when requested to do so by the customs authorities.
Service
Electronic tracking of (re-)export declarations
With the "MRN status information" of the customs you can retrieve online information about your (re-)export declarations.
Service
Enter or change the tax number or tax identification number in the master data for using the Internet Export Declaration Plus (IAA Plus).
You want to re-enter or change your tax number or tax identification number, which is the basis for the ELSTER certificate used for the registration in the Internet Export Declaration Plus (IAA Plus), in your EORI master data? Then you need to submit an application.
Service
Importing goods (travel souvenirs) from non-EU countries into Germany (customs control)
You can import goods from countries outside the EU into Germany. However, there are quantity and value limits for certain goods.
Service
Importing goods from EU countries into Germany
You can bring goods from any EU country to Germany. However, there are guideline quantities for certain goods.
Service
Making an entry or exit summary declaration online
If you bring goods into or out of the customs territory of the European Union, you must submit an entry or exit summary declaration under certain conditions. You can do this, among other things, via the Internet declaration.
Service
Obtain information from the customs administration
If you have general questions about all areas of customs and excise law, motor vehicle tax and financial control of undeclared work or questions about online customs applications, you can obtain information from the central information desk of the customs administration.
Service
pay import or export duty in arrears
If customs authorities find that import or export duties were not claimed in the amount required by law, you may receive a subsequent claim.
Service
Receive binding origin information
To clarify the origin of a product in terms of customs law, you can apply for binding origin information.
Service
Receive binding tariff information
In order to simplify the clearance of goods upon import into the European single market, you can apply for a binding tariff information (BTI) beforehand.
Service
Receive information about goods stopped by customs as an interested party
If your goods are stopped on suspicion of counterfeiting, customs will inform you of the next steps.
Service
Register and participate in the customs IT procedures ATLAS, AES and EMCS
The IT procedures ATLAS and AES are used for electronic customs clearance. In order to be able to electronically declare and process your excisable consignments under duty suspension, you must participate in EMCS.
Service
Registration in the goAML web portal
If you, as an obligated person, wish to report indications of money laundering or terrorist financing online, you must register on the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) web portal.
Service
Report raw materials
If you have a permit or registration to handle certain basic substances or export certain basic substances, you must report this annually to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
Service
Report the transfer of firearms or ammunition from Germany as an arms dealer
If you are an arms dealer or arms manufacturer with a general transfer permit and are transporting firearms or ammunition from Germany to the EU area, the Schengen states and Northern Ireland, you must report the transfer to the Federal Office of Administration.
Service
Request authorisation for customs declarations by means of entry in the accounts
If you want to make customs declarations by entry in the accounts, you must first apply for an authorisation.
Service
Request central customs clearance
Do you want to declare goods for a customs procedure at a centrally competent customs office, even though the goods are located elsewhere at that time? This is possible with an authorisation for central customs clearance.
Service
Request for the customs administration to stop counterfeit or infringing products
Are you concerned that goods being imported into or exported from the customs union could infringe your intellectual property rights? Then you can apply to the Central Industrial Property Office to stop these goods.
Service
Request preferential simplification
If you as a company want to prove the origin of an export product yourself, you must submit a one-time application. There is also a simplified procedure for storing input materials with or without origin together.
Service
Request simplifications in the determination of the customs value
If you import goods from third countries into Germany, you can use lump sums in certain cases to determine the customs value of the goods. You will need permission from customs to do this.
Service
Request total security for customs duties
If you import goods into the customs territory of the European Union and/or handle them there, you can apply for a comprehensive guarantee under certain conditions. The amount may be reduced or waived as appropriate.
Service
Request use of special closures
For the dispatch of certain goods, an authorisation for the use of special seals is required.
Service
Submit application for authorisation to lodge simplified customs declarations for export to non-EU countries
As a holder of an authorisation to lodge simplified customs declarations for the export of goods, you may also place the goods under the export procedure outside the opening hours of the customs office of export.
Service
Submit application for inward processing
Under the inward processing procedure, you can have non-Union goods processed in the customs territory of the European Union. Initially, you do not have to pay any duties on import.
Service
Submit application for outward processing
Under the outward processing procedure, you can have goods processed in third countries. You then pay reduced or no import duties on re-importation.
Service
Submitting an application for authorisation to establish a regular service
If you are a shipping company established in the EU, you can apply for a liner service for customs purposes. In a liner shipping service, you transport Union goods from one EU port to another EU port without the goods having to undergo customs clearance again there.
Service
To apply for repayment or remission of import duties
If you import goods into the European Union, you can get customs duties reimbursed or waived under certain conditions. You can apply to the customs authorities even if you do not have access to the ATLAS system.
Service
Track cross-border shipments of merchandise within the EU via the Union transit procedure online at customs
With the customs Internet status information service, you can call up online information on consignments of goods that you have posted under the EU-wide Union transit procedure.
Service
Tracking temporary custody applications electronically
You can use the Internet Status Information (ISA) to access information online about your temporary custody applications.
Service
Service
Service
Service
Service