Like any international shipment, there are rules and regulations that customers will need to be aware of when shipping to Germany. However, it can be a simple process as Germany is a member of the European Union (EU), which maintains good trade relations with major countries such as the United States. When you ship with an experienced shipping company like Navis Pack & Ship, you can expect an even simpler process due to our professional customer service, specialty packaging services, and variety of shipping options to Germany. Additional services available include special handling of valuable and fragile items, white glove delivery, and more.
This article will cover what to expect when shipping to Germany using Navis Pack & Ship, including costs, different providers, customs laws, and what you can import to Germany.
Differences Between Domestic and International Shipping to Germany
When shipping to Germany, distance is one major factor that sets it apart from domestic shipping. For starters, the documents you'll need will be much more when sending packages internationally as compared to just another city or state.
Overall, international shipping will cost more than domestic shipping. While this is due to the longer distance and more complex transportation process, the shipment will also have to go through customs when it arrives in Germany to ensure it adheres to the country's rules and regulations. Unlike local shipping, different countries limit what you can import or export.
Best Shipping Carriers to Use
There are many carrier options available to you when shipping items to Germany. At Navis Pack & Ship, we have partnered with air and ship options to offer flexibility to our customers. You'll be able to choose the fastest, safest, and most affordable shipping option.
Shipping carriers differ in fees and the time it takes for your shipment to arrive in Germany. These fees will further depend on the package's size and weight, distance, and anychosen add-ons like value coverage or special handling like white glove delivery.. Some of the top couriers offering shipping services to Germany include:
- UPS
- USPS
- FedEx
- DHL
The cost of shipping will differ between each carrier depending on:
- The size of the parcel
- Service levels
- The speed with which you'd like the package delivered
German Customs
International shipping entails various rules and regulations; every country restricts or prohibits the importation of certain items. If sending certain, restricted items to Germany, you'll need to follow specific instructions and prepare special paperwork. You can find the complete list of restricted and prohibited items in Germany on their official customs website. Remember, major carriers reserve the right to refuse or limit the products they transport.
For any shipment, Germany will need you to present a list of documents before they can allow foreign goods into the country. So, ensure you have:
- The Single Administrative Document (SAD)
- The commercial invoice
- Dangerous goods forms, where applicable
- An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number
- Certificate of origin, and potentially more.
It’s best to contact your local Navis Pack & Ship to confirm you have the necessary paperwork to ship to Germany. All cross-border parcels must clear customs, which means paying taxes and duties, if applicable. Germany uses the Cost Insurance Freight (CIF) method to calculate duty and tax fees. This implies that imports are charged based on the goods' value and shipping costs.
Packaging for International Shipments
You must package your goods in accordance to the listed safety requirements of your carrier during transit.
Want to ensure that your shipment is packaged correctly? The Navis Pack & Ship staff is expertlytrained in packing large, fragile, and valuable items for international shipping.
Conclusion
When considering how to ship to Germany, partnering with the right shipping company will guarantee ease and success. Navis Pack & Ship is here to help ease your worry with our professional services. We are your ideal partner, offering expert shipping, custom packing, pickup services, and more. We will ensure that your items arriver at their destination in a safe and timely manner. Find a location near you today for more information or to get a shipping quote.
