Introduction: Germany Is One of the UK’s Biggest Trading Partners — With Its Own Requirements
Germany remains one of the most common destinations for both UK business and personal shipments, given the scale of trade between the two countries. But since Brexit, every shipment to Germany requires proper customs documentation to move smoothly across the border. This guide covers exactly what to check before every shipment, based on the documentation issues we see most frequently.
Commercial Invoice: The Foundation Document
Every commercial shipment to Germany requires a complete commercial invoice, including a clear, specific description of the goods being shipped, quantity of each item included, declared value in a clearly stated currency, country of origin (where the goods were actually manufactured), and the reason for shipment: sale, gift, sample, return, or repair. Vague or incomplete invoices are consistently the leading cause of delays at German customs, so this document deserves particular attention every time.
EORI Number Requirements
Businesses shipping commercially to Germany need a valid EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number for UK export. In many cases, the receiving business in Germany will also need an EU EORI number to complete the import process on their end. Checking this requirement with your German business contact ahead of shipping can prevent delays caused by a missing import-side EORI number.
HS (Tariff) Code Accuracy
The Harmonized System code assigned to your shipment determines the applicable German import duty rate. Generic or incorrect codes are one of the most common reasons for delays specifically at German customs, often triggering a manual review to correctly classify the goods before clearance can proceed.
VAT Registration and the IOSS Scheme
If you’re shipping commercially and regularly to Germany or the wider EU, it may be worth registering for VAT directly in Germany, or using the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme for lower-value consumer shipments, depending on your shipment value and frequency. This affects how VAT is collected and reported, and getting it right avoids delays and potential compliance issues down the line.
Certificates of Origin for Regulated Goods
Certain product categories require an additional Certificate of Origin, proving specifically where the goods were manufactured. This isn’t a universal requirement, but is worth checking for specific regulated product categories before shipping to Germany.
Weight and Dimension Accuracy
German customs authorities, like most EU customs bodies, may cross-check the declared weight on your documentation against the shipment’s actual measured weight. A mismatch between these figures can trigger a manual review, even when the underlying declared value and description are accurate.
A Practical Tip: Standardise Your Documentation Process
Businesses shipping to Germany regularly benefit significantly from maintaining a saved, pre-filled commercial invoice template with all required fields structured correctly in advance. This reduces the risk of a field being missed under time pressure, and speeds up preparation for every future shipment compared to building documentation from scratch each time.
Common Documentation Mistakes Specific to Germany Shipments
Missing or invalid EORI numbers on either the export or import side, generic HS codes that don’t reflect the specific product category, declared values that don’t match the accompanying commercial invoice, incomplete recipient business details for commercial shipments, and overlooking VAT registration requirements for regular, high-frequency shipments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do personal, non-commercial shipments to Germany need an EORI number? Generally, EORI requirements apply primarily to commercial shipments. Personal parcels below certain value thresholds typically have simpler requirements, though this can vary depending on shipment value and contents.
How long does customs clearance typically take for Germany shipments? With complete, accurate documentation, clearance often happens within hours to a day. Missing or incorrect documentation can extend this to several days while the issue is identified and resolved.
Can DDP Express help prepare documentation for Germany shipments? Yes — our team reviews documentation ahead of collection for international shipments, including those to Germany, to catch common issues before they cause a customs delay.
Is a Certificate of Origin required for every shipment to Germany? No — this is only required for specific, regulated product categories. It’s worth checking whether your specific product type requires one before shipping.
Final Thoughts
Shipping to Germany doesn’t need to be complicated once the documentation checklist becomes routine. Accurate invoices, correct EORI numbers, proper HS codes, and attention to VAT requirements together form the foundation of smooth, predictable customs clearance. If you ship to Germany regularly, our team can review your documentation process and flag anything likely to cause recurring delays.