Germany imports generally require a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, accurate commodity codes, and a customs declaration, with an EORI number and additional product-specific certificates or permits required where applicable.
When importing goods from China into Germany, businesses must prepare documents that support transportation, customs clearance, and compliance with applicable EU regulations.
The core documents commonly include:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Customs declaration
Commodity code and customs valuation information
EORI number details
Product certificates or import permits, when required
The exact requirements depend on the product category, transport method, customs procedure, and intended use.
For importers, the most effective approach is to confirm the document requirements before cargo leaves China. Missing or inconsistent information can lead to customs queries, additional handling charges, and delayed delivery.
Yes. A commercial invoice is one of the most important documents for commercial imports from China into Germany.
It provides information about the transaction and supports customs valuation and product classification.
A commercial invoice should generally contain:
Exporter and importer details
Product descriptions
Quantity and unit price
Total transaction value and currency
Country of origin
Relevant sales and delivery terms
Customs authorities need sufficient information to identify the goods and determine their correct classification.
Descriptions such as "accessories," "parts," or "general merchandise" may be insufficient if they do not explain the actual products.
For example, a commercial invoice for stainless steel kitchenware should identify the specific products rather than simply stating "metal goods."
Accurate descriptions help the importer or customs representative determine the appropriate commodity code and assess the applicable customs measures.
A packing list is commonly used for commercial imports because it describes how the goods are packed and shipped.
It typically includes:
Number of packages
Packaging type
Product quantities
Gross weight and net weight
Package dimensions
Shipping marks, where applicable
The packing list should match the actual cargo and remain consistent with the commercial invoice and transport documents.
Differences in package counts, weights, or product quantities may trigger additional checks or requests for clarification.
For shipments containing multiple products, a clear packing list also helps freight forwarders coordinate cargo handling and customs preparation.
The required transport document depends on the shipping method.
A bill of lading is commonly used for sea freight shipments from China to Germany.
It records relevant shipment details, including the shipper, consignee, cargo description, and transportation information.
The document also supports cargo release procedures, depending on the type of bill of lading and the arrangements used.
An air waybill is used for air cargo shipments.
It identifies the shipment and provides transportation information needed for handling and delivery.
Depending on the route and transportation arrangement, other documents may be required for rail freight, road transportation, or multimodal shipments.
Importers should confirm the exact document requirements with their freight forwarder before dispatch.
Yes. Goods imported into Germany from China generally require an appropriate customs declaration unless a specific exemption or special customs procedure applies.
The declaration contains information used by customs authorities to assess the goods and determine whether they can be released.
Important information may include:
Importer and declarant details
Commodity codes
Customs value
Country of origin
Quantity and product description
Applicable customs procedure
Relevant supporting documents
The declaration is normally submitted by the importer or an appointed customs representative.
A freight forwarder may coordinate the process, but importers should confirm who is responsible for submitting the declaration and ensuring the information is accurate.
Yes. An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is generally required for businesses undertaking customs activities covered by EU EORI rules.
The EORI number identifies an economic operator in customs procedures.
Before shipping from china to Germany, businesses should confirm:
Whether an EORI number is required for their role
Whether the number is valid
Which company will act as the importer
Who will submit the customs declaration
Whether a customs representative has been appointed
An EORI number is not a replacement for a customs declaration, import licence, or product compliance document.
Importers should arrange the necessary registration before shipment to reduce avoidable administrative delays.
A certificate of origin is not required for every shipment. Whether it is needed depends on the product, the transaction, the applicable customs arrangements, and any specific documentation requirements.
Origin information is important because it can affect:
Applicable customs measures
Trade restrictions
Anti-dumping or countervailing duties
Product-specific regulatory requirements
For goods manufactured in China, the country of origin should be declared accurately.
Importers should not assume that a certificate of origin automatically reduces customs duty. Preferential treatment generally depends on the applicable trade arrangements and the evidence required under those arrangements.
Where origin documentation is requested, the importer should confirm the appropriate document type before the goods leave China.
Some goods require additional certificates, licences, or technical documents before they can be imported into Germany or placed on the EU market.
Requirements vary by product.
| Product Category | Documents Or Requirements To Check |
|---|---|
| Electrical equipment | Applicable conformity documentation and product safety requirements |
| Machinery | Relevant technical documentation and conformity obligations |
| Toys | Applicable toy safety and conformity documentation |
| Chemicals | Safety data sheets and applicable REACH or CLP requirements |
| Food products | Relevant health, food safety, or sanitary documentation |
| Medical devices | Applicable EU medical device documentation and authorisations |
| Batteries | Applicable battery requirements and transport documentation |
| Wooden packaging | ISPM 15 treatment and marking requirements where applicable |
This table provides examples rather than a complete list.
For products requiring CE marking, importers should verify that the applicable conformity assessment, technical documentation, declaration of conformity, and marking requirements have been fulfilled.
Customs clearance alone does not establish that a product complies with all EU market-access requirements.
Importers need accurate product and transaction information to determine the applicable customs duty and import VAT.
The commodity code determines the relevant tariff classification and helps identify applicable customs duties and trade measures.
Importers should check the EU Combined Nomenclature and TARIC system using the product's characteristics and country of origin.
Customs valuation is generally based on the transaction value, subject to applicable rules and adjustments.
Depending on the circumstances, international transportation, insurance, and other costs may need to be included.
Germany generally applies a standard import VAT rate of 19%, while a reduced rate of 7% applies to certain eligible goods.
The correct rate and taxable import value depend on the product and relevant tax rules.
Importers should verify the current duty rate and any additional measures before calculating the shipment's total landed cost.
Official reference: European Commission — Access2Markets.
The basic customs documentation requirements are generally determined by the goods and customs procedure, rather than the shipping term alone. However, DDP and DAP arrangements can affect who prepares documents, submits declarations, and pays import charges.
Under DDP Incoterms® 2020, the seller is responsible for arranging delivery to the named destination and handling import clearance, applicable duties, and taxes.
The parties should confirm that the proposed importer and customs arrangements are legally workable in Germany.
Under DAP, the seller arranges transportation to the agreed destination, while the buyer generally handles import clearance and applicable duties and taxes.
The buyer may therefore need to coordinate directly with a customs representative.
Under either arrangement, the commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents, and any required product-specific documents must contain accurate information.
Most document-related delays can be reduced by checking shipment information before dispatch.
Importers should:
Confirm that the commercial invoice identifies the actual products.
Check that the invoice and packing list are consistent.
Verify the commodity code and customs value.
Confirm the country of origin.
Check EORI and customs representation arrangements.
Obtain any required certificates or permits.
Confirm who submits the customs declaration.
Send complete documents to the freight forwarder before cargo arrival.
For repeat imports, maintaining consistent product descriptions and verified classification records can help reduce errors across shipments.
Common mistakes include:
Vague descriptions can make accurate classification difficult.
Different quantities, weights, or package counts across documents may lead to customs queries.
Incorrect classification can affect customs duty and import requirements.
Regulated goods may require additional evidence before customs release or market placement.
Incorrect importer information or missing EORI details can complicate customs procedures.
Waiting until cargo arrives to collect missing documents can increase the risk of delays and storage charges.
The best way to prevent these issues is to verify documents before cargo departs China.
Yes. A freight forwarder can coordinate the collection and review of shipping documents and work with the relevant customs representative.
Depending on the agreed service, support may include:
Reviewing commercial invoices and packing lists
Checking shipment details for consistency
Coordinating transport documents
Assisting with commodity code information
Arranging customs clearance
Coordinating destination handling and final delivery
Importers should confirm which services are included in the quotation and whether the freight forwarder handles customs declarations directly or through an appointed representative.
The importer remains responsible for providing accurate information and meeting the legal obligations that apply to the transaction.
Before shipping goods from China to Germany, confirm the following:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill, as applicable
Accurate commodity code and customs value information
Country-of-origin information
EORI details where required
Customs declaration arrangements
Product certificates, licences, or permits where applicable
Customs duty and import VAT arrangements
Final delivery and customs clearance responsibilities
The documents required for each shipment may differ, so this checklist should be adapted to the product and customs procedure.
Preparing accurate import documents helps businesses reduce avoidable customs delays and improve shipment planning. Our team provides international logistics solutions including sea freight, air freight, cargo consolidation, customs clearance coordination, and door-to-door shipping.
Contact us to discuss your product type, shipment volume, documentation requirements, and delivery destination in Germany.
