🇩🇪 Shipping to Germany from the USA

Your complete guide to shipping packages to Germany - EU's largest economy

De Minimis

€22

VAT threshold

VAT Rate

19%

Standard rate

Delivery Time

2-8 days

From USA

Best Carrier

DHL

German company advantage

💡 DHL Advantage: DHL is a German company headquartered in Bonn. They offer the fastest clearance, best rates, and superior service for Germany deliveries. Their local network is unmatched.

Shipping Rates to Germany

Carrier & Service 1 lb 5 lbs 10 lbs 20 lbs Delivery Time
USPS First-Class $17.50 N/A N/A N/A 7-14 days
USPS Priority Mail $36.50 $62.50 $89.50 $142.50 6-10 days
USPS Priority Express $56.95 $108.95 $162.95 $270.95 3-5 days
UPS Expedited $65.00 $95.00 $145.00 $245.00 3-5 days
FedEx International Priority $70.00 $105.00 $165.00 $285.00 2-4 days
DHL Express (Recommended) $55.00 $82.00 $125.00 $205.00 2-3 days

Germany Customs & Import Information

  • VAT threshold: €22 (approx $24)
  • Duty threshold: €150 (approx $165)
  • VAT rate: 19% standard (7% reduced for books/food)
  • Processing: German customs very efficient
  • Required forms: CN22/CN23 + EU customs declaration
  • EORI number: Required for commercial shipments
  • Payment: Can prepay through DHL or pay on delivery
  • IOSS: EU system allows VAT prepayment

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Prohibited:

  • Nazi symbols or propaganda
  • Weapons and ammunition
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Certain medications without prescription
  • Some video games (violence restrictions)

Restricted:

  • Alcohol (high duties)
  • Tobacco products
  • Food products (EU regulations)
  • Cosmetics (CE marking required)
  • Electronics (CE marking required)

How German Import Charges Work

Example Calculations:

Item Value Shipping Cost VAT (19%) Duty Handling Fee Total Charges
$20 (€18) $10 €0 €0 €0 €0
$55 (€50) $15 €12.35 €0 €6 €18.35
$220 (€200) $30 €43.70 €10-25 €12.50 €66-81

Note: VAT calculated on item value + shipping + duty. Exchange rates vary.

Tips for Shipping to Germany

  1. Use DHL for Germany: As the national carrier, DHL offers best rates and fastest clearance
  2. Consider IOSS registration: For regular sellers, register for EU's Import One-Stop Shop
  3. Keep under €22 for gifts: Avoid all VAT and customs fees
  4. Include phone number: German carriers require recipient phone for delivery
  5. Declare accurately: German customs actively inspects packages
  6. Use German on forms: Can speed up processing (or use English)
  7. CE marking required: Electronics and toys must have CE certification
  8. Avoid December shipping: Christmas delays can add 3-7 days
  9. Consider DHL Packstation: Recipients can use automated pickup locations
  10. Business shipments: Include EORI number for faster clearance

German Regional Considerations

Region/City Delivery Time Special Notes Best Carrier
Berlin 2-4 days Capital, excellent logistics All carriers good
Munich (München) 2-4 days Major hub, fast clearance DHL/FedEx
Frankfurt 2-3 days Main customs hub DHL (fastest)
Hamburg 2-4 days Port city, good infrastructure DHL/UPS
Cologne (Köln) 2-4 days Near DHL hub in Bonn DHL
Rural Bavaria 3-6 days Add 1-2 days for villages DHL (best coverage)
East Germany 3-5 days Good infrastructure now DHL

Frequently Asked Questions - Germany Shipping

Why is DHL so much better for Germany?

DHL is Deutsche Post DHL Group, Germany's national postal service. They have the most extensive network, best rates, fastest customs clearance, and deliver to every address in Germany. It's like using USPS for US domestic shipping.

What is IOSS and should I use it?

Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is an EU system where sellers can pre-collect VAT. This means no surprise fees for recipients and faster delivery. Worth it if you ship regularly to EU.

Are packages from USA heavily inspected?

German customs is thorough but efficient. Accurate declarations speed things up. False declarations can result in fines and return of packages.

Can I ship food to Germany?

Some packaged foods are allowed but must meet EU standards. No meat, dairy, or fresh produce. Commercially packaged items like candy, coffee, and tea are usually okay.

What's the best way to avoid customs fees?

Keep gift values under €22 to avoid VAT. For commercial shipments, using IOSS allows you to pre-pay VAT, avoiding collection fees at delivery.

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