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Importing to Germany With TradeWise as Your Importer of Record

Germany is the largest economy in Europe and a major hub for industry, cloud and telecom. Its factories, offices and data centres need a steady supply of IT equipment. Importing to Germany needs an EU EORI number, CE-marked products and a correct declaration with German customs (Zoll). Electrical goods also need registration before they can be sold. We act as your importer of record in Germany and manage every filing for you.

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Trade lanes from Germany to the USA, Europe and Gulf

Focus
€100,000 Fine
Declaration
Declaration is filed
Lead time
Confirmed per shipment
Product checks
EU EORI Number
Documents
5 checks
Schedules
Confirm before dispatch
Support
Import & export

WEEE Registration Before Electrical Goods Are Sold

Laptops, servers and network devices need WEEE registration before they enter the German market.

Under the ElektroG, Germany's electrical equipment law, every producer must register with stiftung ear, the national WEEE register, before placing electrical goods on the market. The first company to place the goods on the German market is treated as the producer. Each registration covers a brand and a type of equipment, and the registration number must appear on invoices. Companies without a German base must appoint an authorised representative.

Applies toElectrical and electronic equipment

What Exporters Need to Know

  • Share your product listBrands, models and equipment types decide what must be registered.
  • Nominate your importerName TradeWise as the importer of record for every customs filing.
  • Confirm WEEE statusCheck if the brand is already registered with stiftung ear.
  • Prepare for Zoll checksGerman customs checks value, origin and the commodity code of every item.

EXPORTER MANAGED SHIPMENTS, WITH TRADEWISE AS IOR

How TradeWise Supports Exporters Shipping to Germany

First, you share your commercial invoice and product details. Then, you name TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into Germany. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in Germany, from Zoll entries to import VAT.

Ask about WEEE setup

GERMANY SPOTLIGHT

Your German Import, Step by Step

Every Germany shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.

Pre-arrival filingDeclaration is filed
  1. Product check is done

    We confirm CE marking and WEEE status before dispatch.

  2. Declaration is filed

    Our broker lodges the entry with Zoll under our EORI.

  3. Duty and VAT are settled

    Duty and 19% import VAT are calculated on the customs value.

  4. Cargo clears and delivers

    Zoll releases the goods and they move to your end user.

Import Requirements for Germany

What German Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released

German customs (Zoll) clears all imports into Germany through its ATLAS system, under the EU Union Customs Code. Duty depends on the commodity code of each item, and import VAT of 19% is charged on top. Many IT products carry 0% duty, but import VAT still applies. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to Germany? Start with these four checks.

EU EORI NumberEvery importer needs a valid EORI number.
CE MarkingGoods must meet EU safety, EMC, radio and RoHS rules.
Duty by Commodity CodeEach line item is classified under the EU tariff.
German Labels and ManualsSafety information should be provided in German.

Before you ship

Your Germany Shipment File

  1. Commercial invoiceWith full product details, value and Incoterms
    Required
  2. Packing listLinks the invoice line by line
    Required
  3. Air waybill or bill of ladingNames TradeWise as importer of record
    Required
  4. EU declaration of conformitySupports the CE mark
    Required
  5. Battery documentsFor lithium batteries inside laptops and devices
    Required

TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.

Importer
EU EORI Number
Compliance
CE Marking
Tariff
Duty by Commodity Code
Documents
Pre-shipment review

EUROPE REGION

Documents and Pre-Shipment Checks

A missing EORI, a wrong commodity code or a weak conformity file can stop a shipment at the border. That is where TradeWise steps in. Our specialists review your invoices, conformity papers and battery documents before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend work, saving you time.

Unique Pain Points and Challenges Facing Germany

These five issues slow down most shipments.

Strict producer laws

WEEE, battery and packaging laws each need their own registration.

Detailed customs checks

Zoll often asks for technical data sheets to confirm the commodity code.

Packaging register

Packaging must be registered with LUCID before goods are sold.

Import VAT cash flow

19% import VAT is due unless a deferment account is in place.

German language rules

Missing German safety information can delay sales.

Outbound

Export Requirements for Germany

  • Export DeclarationFiled in ATLAS for every export, with the commercial invoice.
  • Export LicenceNeeded from BAFA for controlled and dual-use technology.
  • Proof of OriginNeeded to claim preference under EU trade agreements.
  • Duty ReliefPossible on goods imported and later re-exported, under special procedures.

Specialized Solutions and Services for Germany

Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Germany.

Expert Importer of Record (IOR) Services

TradeWise prepares and files every customs entry correctly. Our IOR services in Germany help you import IT equipment to Germany without penalties or delay.

Expert

WEEE and Producer Compliance

We check your WEEE, battery and packaging duties before your goods arrive.

WEEE

Classification and Valuation

Our team classifies and values your goods early to avoid costly corrections.

Classification

Germany Compliance Regulations

These are the Germany import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in Germany? If you have no EU entity or German VAT number, yes. TradeWise can take that role.

Most Important for Tech Imports

CE Marking

CE marking shows that a product meets EU rules. For IT and telecom gear, this usually covers the Low Voltage, EMC, Radio Equipment and RoHS directives. Each product needs an EU declaration of conformity and a technical file, and the importer's name and address must appear on the product or its packaging. The Bundesnetzagentur checks radio and EMC compliance in Germany. TradeWise checks your files to speed up Germany import customs clearance.

Zoll

German customs collects duty and import VAT and runs the ATLAS system.

stiftung ear

The national WEEE register for electrical and electronic equipment.

Bundesnetzagentur

The federal network agency manages radio spectrum and market checks.

Germany's Trade at a Glance

Germany is one of the world's biggest exporters, known for machinery, cars and industrial technology. Hamburg and Bremerhaven are its main seaports, and Frankfurt is one of Europe's largest air cargo hubs.

Its main trading partners include China, the United States, the Netherlands and France.

With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.

ChinaUnited StatesNetherlandsFrance

Important Dates

Public holidays can delay customs work, and some differ by German state.

March or April

Easter

Good Friday and Easter Monday are national holidays.

3 October

German Unity Day

The national holiday. Offices are closed.

Late December

Christmas and New Year

Offices slow down and ports get busy.

Every Week

Saturday and Sunday

The weekend in Germany. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.

Ready to Ship to Germany?

Tell us what you want to import into Germany. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that we will send you a quote with every cost listed.

  • Reply within one business day
  • Every cost quoted upfront
  • Germany requirements confirmed before you ship

Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com

Phone+971 50 713 0614

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