Export to Germany - Fedex

/Home/G-H Countries/Germany (Country Code 49)/Export to Germany

International Resource Center

Germany Country Profile

* Country Information
* Trade Group Member
* General Import Clearance Information
* Germany Import Prohibitions
* General Import Restrictions
* Germany Import Restrictions
* Special Import Provisions
o Personal Effects
o Samples
o Gifts
* Standards
* General Export Clearance Information
* Germany Export Prohibitions
* General Export Restrictions
* Germany Export Restrictions
* Regulatory Contact Information

Country Information
Capital: Berlin
Population: 82,400,996 (July 2007 est.)
Language: German
Weights and Measures: Metric
Currency: EURO
Time Zone Operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Daylight Savings Time is observed April through October (plus 1 hour).
Germany GMT +1 (Central European Time - CET)

Back to Top

Trade Group Member

WTO World Trade Organization
European Economic Community
European Union Member, allowing for the free movement of goods between Germany and the other Member States: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Spain.


Germany as a member of the European Community has Tariff Agreements with the following groups/countries but it is not a member of ACP; CAC; EFTA; OCP; LDDC; GSP.

ACP, African Caribbean and Pacific States provide duty-free/reduced rates of duty for qualifying products originating in these countries.

CAC, Central and Southern American Countries receiving special coverage for agricultural products provide duty-free/reduced rates of duty for qualifying products originating in these countries.

EFTA, European Free Trade Association provides duty-free/reduced rates of duty for qualifying products originating in these countries.

GSP, the General Systems of Preference provides duty-free/reduced rates of duty for qualifying products originating in these countries.

LDDC, the Least Developed Developing Countries provide duty-free/reduced rates of duty for qualifying products originating in these countries.

OCP, the Other Countries and Territories provide duty-free/reduced rates of duty for qualifying products originating in these countries.

CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora provides for the seizure of shipments prohibited under this agreement and the assessment of fines.




General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process
General Import Clearance

Customs Number

All German importers must have a Customs Number on file. The exceptions to this requirement are individuals, military shipments (must be specifically noted on all documents), Non-EU residents and importers who only receive 3 or less shipments per year (total by any method of transport and or carrier combined). The importer must file and application to obtain this required Customs Number and this process could take 2 to 3 weeks. If a shipment arrives without the Customs Number on file delays and additional fees can be incurred.

Customs clearance is generally done electronically through the ATLAS System by the broker performing the clearance. There are six entry types used for clearance offered by FedEx in Germany. The specific entry requirement is determined based on the shipment value, approved use, commodity type, and licensing or other controls and reason for importation.

General Import Entry Types:

* High Value Clearance. Verzollung. Duties & Tax (Excise Tax occur).
* Manifest Low Value Clearance (Simplified Procedure for Import Clearance) for goods under 25 EURO
* Single Low Value Clearance. Freischreibung. (For sample shipments exceeding 25 EURO)
* Summary customs Procedure. ZNV. (Simplified procedure for frequent importers)
* Bonded shipments. T1-Versandverfahren. (Shipments transiting un-cleared, in bond to final consignee)
* AE 302 clearance. Armeegutabfertigung. (Shipments of official use for U.S. Military)



Document Requirements
Bills of Lading - No special regulations

Consular Invoices - None

Certificates of Origin - Certificates of Origin are required for the importation of any Textile products. Exceptions include marked and mutilated samples, luggage made up of textile materials, Canvas bags, Bona - fide Gifts, and Personal Effects. A Certificate of Origin is advisable for every commodity subject to import licensing and /or quota restrictions.

Certificate of origin Form A - A certificate of origin Form A may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements of the Generalized System of Preferences. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in the possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.

EUR 1 form - Import - A EUR 1 form may be required for goods under formal entry claiming preferential duty or exemption under various bilateral agreements by the European Union countries and some specific countries or groups of countries. It should be produced at the time of entry and must be in possession of the Importer at the time of entry. Origin of the goods must be detailed on the commercial invoice.

EUR 1 form - Export - A EUR 1 form may be required by exporters from the European Union to some countries to claim preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements as per the above paragraph.

Commercial Invoices - Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments regarding transaction between companies or companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial Invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction. It must be in English or German for import and export.

Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:

* Audio/video cassettes and tapes - the length and width of the tape, a brief synopsis of the content and the reason for exportation.
* Textiles - the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender and number of textiles.
* Marked/mutilated samples - the words "mutilated samples" or " marked samples, not for resale" as applicable and number of pieces
* Software on CD's and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.

Air Waybill - An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry

ATA Carnet - The ATA carnet is a document that may be used instead of SAD forms for Temporary admission and Temporary exportation, which are the usual Customs documentation for temporary clearance of professional equipment, commercial samples and advertising material. The carnet is usually issued by Chambers of Commerce in the country of origin and is valid for one year. It must be validated by Customs upon import, re-export, export and re-import. The "Admission Temporaire - Temporary Admission", or the ATA Carnet, is an international customs document which may be used for the temporary duty free admission and temporary export of commercial samples. This is in-lieu-of the usual customs documents required for entry. The carnet serves as a guarantee against the payment of duty, which may become due if the merchandise is not re-exported.

Note: These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the FedEx IP express carrier operation and it's commitments.

Dangerous Goods Certification - Some goods will, in addition to the standard documentation noted above, require DG certification. i.e. Perfumes, Liquor, Chemicals, etc.

All documents presented for use in customs clearance processing should be prepared in English or German to avoid delays and expedite clearance processing.

Country of Origin Marking

All articles imported into Germany must bear a proper country of origin (country of manufacture) marking as specified by Custom's regulations. The country of origin must be provided on the goods in the manner and location designated by the rules governing that commodity. For purposes of identifying the actual country of manufacture where goods are processed or assembled in more than one country; the country of origin (manufacture) will be that country; where the goods were last processed into, a finished good or where a substantial transformation was made on the raw materials transforming them from one commodity into another. Substantial transformation requires that the goods be changed markedly from one commodity to another. Adding of water, to fruit juice concentrates to make fruit juice, is deemed not to be a substantial transformation. Smelting of ore into steel sheets or rods is considered a substantial transformation. Rules of origin are complex and require a thorough knowledge of the commodity and processes used in making the product, as well as the rules of origin that apply to any preferential tariff agreements in place.

Marking of Goods

Certain electronic goods put up for sale or use in Germany, require Electromagnetic Compatibility Certification and must bear the appropriate CE marking. Toys put up for sale or use in Germany must meet certain safety regulations and must bear the appropriate CE marking. Child Safety restraints, motorcycle helmets put up for sale or use in Germany must meet certain safety regulations.

CE Marking

The CE (Conformite' Europeenne) Marking is required to be displayed on regulated products offered for commercial sale on the European market. It indicates that a product complies with applicable European Directives related to health, safety, environment and consumer protection. Because the CE Marking identifies products that meet a common set of criteria established and adopted by 18 member countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), the CE Marking on your products will permit them to move freely in commerce throughout the European market. The manufacturer, or authorized representative, is responsible for placing the CE Marking on compliant products. The common CE Marking logo is placed on the product, product literature or packaging as described in each Directive. Articles regulated under the European Directives that are not properly marked when imported are subject to delay in customs and may not be cleared for consumption.

Temporary Imports: Including Repaired Articles or Articles for Repair

Articles consigned for Temporary Import traveling under Carnets, goods for exhibition, goods for repair, goods for incorporation into other articles and goods imported for further processing and re-export are acceptable for importation into Germany. These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the express carrier operation commitments. Clearance delays could be experienced on entries lodged for these type shipments. Shipments of these type goods can also be consigned as ATA (Airport to Airport) shipments and designated for handling by an approved local clearance agent or forwarder.

Customs Valuation


All goods categorized, as non-document commercial goods shipped to Germany must have a proper value declared and proper description provided which should convey the shipper's intent related to the goods as well as any special processing requirements that exist for the goods shipped.

Everything has a value, whether or not a transaction took place. Failure to properly document value of any goods will result in delays and or additional fees as deemed necessary in addition to warehouse fees.



Import Duties


Most goods imported are subject to Ad Valorem Duty and Value Added Tax. Rates of duty vary and are based on the commodity type and country of origin. Value Added Tax is zero, 7.0% (applicable specifically to antiques and original works of art) or 16,0 % and is determined by the commodity type. Duty is based on the cost of insurance and freight value, and Value Added Tax is payable on the sum of the cost, insurance, freight value plus the duty amount payable. Additional taxes also include Excise Duty which is payable on commodities that have a spirit or alcohol content, tobacco products, coffee, and hydrocarbon oils.



Antidumping


Under strict enforcement of unfair trade laws, Customs will assess antidumping duties or countervailing duties. Antidumping duties are assessed on imported merchandise sold in Germany at less than the normal price of goods in the manufacturer's home market (also called fair market value).



Excise Duties

Excise duties are payable on a number of commodities: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, Coffee and Coffee Products, minerals oils (all at EU harmonized rates), and waste, electric energy, certain energy sources, sweets and soft drinks (at national rates). Higher tariffs than the EU level may be imposed on the following items: footwear, rubber, plastic, metals, raw hides & skins and some electric machinery.









Additional Duties
Countervailing

Countervailing duties are assessed to counter the effects of subsidies provided by a foreign government for merchandise exported to Germany resulting in artificially low prices that are detrimental to German and European Union member states' industries.



Import Taxes
Most imports enter under MFN Rates (Most Favored Nation) rates. Relative high tariffs apply to textile, automobile, consumer electronics, cereal, meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, footwear, rubber, plastic & metals.

Value added tax (VAT)
In addition to duties goods; imported into Germany are also subject to a Value-Added Tax (VAT) that is generally charged at one of these rates:

1. The standard basic value added tax is at a rate of 22%. VAT is payable on the sum of the value of the goods, plus insurance, plus freight cost and any other duty amount the goods may be subject to.

2. The reduced rate of 17% on Foodstuffs.

3. The reduced rate of 8% on Sport facilities usage, medicines, books, cinemas, passenger transport services, hotel and other accommodation, entertainment performances, sporting events, zoos, museums, and other such events or institutions.

Agricultural and forestry products continue to be subject to different forms of taxation outside of the VAT.

Goods exempt from the VAT include health care, education, insurance, newspaper & periodical subscriptions and rentals.


Customs Fees
Invoice Fee
Customs in some situations will assess additional fees based on the invoices provided for a shipment. The fee is usually levied if they deem them necessary as part of the terms of entry due to the size of the shipment and the related large number of invoices provided by the shipper for his goods.

Examination Fees
Additional fees can be assessed on some commodities to cover the expense of performing the examinations and or testing required as a condition of the goods entry into the commerce of Germany. Commodities affected are: cosmetics, drugs and medicines, artwork.


Exchange Controls
There are national restrictions within the EC for cash money transport to Germany.



Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)
Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade, as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards, testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures, go to the EU website at http://trade-info.cec.eu.int/tbt/index.cfm



Consular Fees
There are no consular fees.







Germany Import Prohibitions

The following is a listing of commodities prohibited for entry into Germany:

* Flick and Gravity Knives; knives with blades that open automatically by operation of a spring device, or released by gravity or centrifugal force.
* Indecent or Obscene Material
* Offensive Weapons; belt buckle knives, death stars, throwing stars, and martial arts equipment, Pepper and similar sprays
* Fully Automatic weapons, any electronic night scopes, laser guides, or guides for weapons, Pump-guns with pistol grip, any concealed weapons; i.e. shooting ink pins, knives in walking sticks, any guns or weapons that contain or dispense chemicals of any kind unless specifically made for medical or industrial uses, any weapons containing any modifications beyond the manufacturer.
* FIGHTING DOGS; Pit-bull -Terrier, American Staffordshire-Terrier, Staffordshire-Bullterrier, Bullterrier or any cross or mixed breeds of the afore mentioned. Also, each Bundesland (State) of the Republic (Germany) has additional prohibits of specific dogs above and beyond those mentioned; including but not limited to; Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Mastin Espanol, Mastino Napoletano, Perro de Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Mallorcin, Tosa Inu.
* Any printed material, Film, Audio, CD, DVD, Cassettes containing propaganda of a violent and or aggressive nature or material of extreme right, race oriented, war provoking nature, or material encouraging aggressiveness towards the free democratic ordnances and establishments. Also, prohibited are any flags, copies, uniform pieces or memorabilia or replicas of the like representing an extreme and or aggressive non-democratic and or violent group and or ideologies.
* Rabies susceptible Animals
* Asbestos fibers: Crocidolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite, Tremolite subject to the Rotterdam Convention
* Certain carcinogenic substances
* Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's)
* Certain Pesticides subject to the Rotterdam Convention
* Certain Chemicals subject to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
* Counterfeit coins and bank notes
* Certain Products subject to 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES)
* Counterfeit or pirated goods
* Goods bearing false origin statements
* Goods infringing a trade mark
* Goods infringing a copyright
* Stamps (fictitious) including dies and plates for manufacture








General Import Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747or your local FedEx customer service representative.






Germany Restrictions

The following is a listing of commodities restricted (need approval licenses) for entry into Germany:

* Used Agricultural Machinery
* Animals, Birds and other Livestock
* Animal carcasses or products
* Animal pathogens and rabies virus
* Asbestos
* Bees and honey
* Birds
* Citizen band radios
* Cordless telephones (operating on frequencies greater than 853 MHz)
* Cream and related products
* Eggs; birds and other
* Embryos; animal, birds and other
* Fish and Fish products
* Flours and meal of animal origin
* Hair and Wool
* Hay and Straw
* Hops and Hop products
* Insects
* Certain Products subject to 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES)
* Mollusks
* Ova (Animal only)
* Ozone depleting substances
* Plant pests; bacteria, fungi, virus and cultures deemed destructive to agriculture and plants
* Plants; live plants, cuttings and including seeds for same
* Poultry
* Whale products
* Wood; still having bark (unprocessed)
* Video senders; equipment capable of transmitting video images
* Animal Feed
* Hops and Hops products
* Asbestos and asbestos products

The importation of food products containing meat or milk products for personal consumption is prohibited unless accompanied by the necessary documentation from the official veterinary services of the country of origin. Infant milk, food and special foods required for medical reasons can be imported under the condition that these products do not require refrigeration before opening, that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and that the packaging is unbroken.

The following is a listing of commodities not acceptable for carriage via FedEx International Priority (IP) service into Germany: (However, you may be able to use another FedEx service for shipping these items. For additional shipping options, please contact your local FedEx customer service representative)



* Non-Perishable Foods (except candy and chocolates)
* Viagra
* Explosives- 1.3 and 1.4S Excluding UN0349, UN0384, UN0481






Special Import Provisions

Temporary Imports: Including Repaired Articles or Articles for Repair
Articles consigned for temporary import traveling under Carnets, goods for display, goods for demonstration, goods for exhibition, goods for repair, goods for incorporation into other articles and goods imported for further processing and re-export are not acceptable for importation into Germany via FedEx IP Service. These articles require special processing and customs clearance, which are not handled under the express carrier operation commitments. Clearance delays could be experienced on entries lodged for these types of shipments.

Free Trade Zones/ Warehouses

Germany has two free ports in the following locations:

* Seaports: Bremen, Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, Emden, Hamburg, Kiel
* Domestic Ports: Deggendorf, Duisburg

Personal Effects
Personal effects are acceptable for transport to Germany. The following conditions apply to articles being presented for entry as personal belongings exempt from duty and VAT:

The importer must be a resident, citizen or a foreign student enrolled in a university located in Germany.

Resident and Citizen
Goods shipped must not be new articles, but used articles that have been previously purchased or obtained locally or abroad and retained by the importer for a period of not less than 6 months. This would apply to any articles of clothing, personal goods, and appliances. The importer must have arrived in Germany and have submitted a C3 form completed in full, (in addition to the proper airway bill or bill of lading and commercial invoice) in order for clearance to be initiated in their behalf. The airway bill or bill of lading and commercial invoice should be noted as covering a shipment of personal effects of a returning resident or citizen from abroad, in order to assure proper processing and handling with Customs.

Foreign Students Enrolled in a German University or school.
Goods shipped can be new or used articles and must be addressed to the importer's address at the university. The importer must have arrived in Germany and have submitted a C3 form completed in full, (in addition to the proper airway bill or bill of lading and commercial invoice) in order for clearance to be initiated in their behalf. Additionally, the documentation provided should include a copy of the letter of acceptance that was issued the student by the university. The airway bill or bill of lading and commercial invoice should be noted as covering a shipment of personal effects for the use of a foreign national enrolled at a local university, in order to assure proper processing and handling with Customs.

Personal effects can also be entered into Germany under a Temporary Import Customs Procedure, for those persons that are non-resident visitors, tourists and business travelers. This will require that the importer engage a broker locally to have their goods released and proper temporary import bond lodged. This will also require the importer to arrange for return export processing, to avoid having to pay the duty and VAT or forfeit the importer bond amounts.

Foreign Military Personnel Stationed in Germany are also provided special provisions for import of their personal belongs by providing a properly completed customs C2 form.

Articles Prohibited and Restricted for Import as Personal Effects;

* Controlled Drugs
* Firearms (including CO2 pistols, torture devices, Tasers, etc.) ammunition and explosives
* Indecent or obscene materials, regardless of media, DVD's CD, video cassettes, films, books
* Horror Comics
* Flick Knives
* Counterfeit currency or coins
* Radio transmitters (walkie-talkies, CB Radios, Cordless phones) not approved for use in Germany
* Meat and poultry; many other animal products
* Plants, parts thereof and plant produce including trees and shrubs, potatoes, fruits and vegetables, bulbs and seeds
* Most animals and birds, alive or dead (mounted trophies) and most articles derived from articles covered under CITES

Be aware Customs may require additional proof in the form of documentation to satisfy claims made for all Personal Effects exemptions. Customs may require that Duty and VAT be assessed, as they deem necessary on a case-by-case basis.



Samples
The importation of food products containing meat or milk products for personal consumption is prohibited unless accompanied by the necessary documentation from the official veterinary services of the country of origin. Infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons can be imported under the condition that these products do not require refrigeration before opening, that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and that the packaging is unbroken.

Samples are acceptable to Germany and will be exempt from all Duty and VAT provided that they meet the following criteria:

If they have been mutilated. Mutilated goods must have a large hole cut in a prominent location on the outer side of the article so as to make it usable only as a sample. Cutting a sleeve off a shirt, a hole in the front of the garment, or hole in the sole of a single shoe so as to make it unusable is recommended. The shipper's documents, preferably the commercial invoice provided should state that the article(s) is a mutilated sample- not for resale or other use. A certificate of origin will not be required for import; only a standard air waybill or bill of lading and commercial invoice will be needed.

If they have been marked. Marked samples are acceptable so long as the article is properly marked on a prominent location on the outer side of the article in indelible ink. The article should be marked with the word "SAMPLE" in contrasting ink and in such a manner that it can be easily seen upon inspection. The shipper's documents, preferably the commercial invoice should state that the articles are marked samples- not for resale or other use. A certificate of origin will not be required for import; only a standard airway bill or bill of lading and commercial invoice will be needed.

* Only single items representing a style, model etc.
* Shoes - only 1 shoe of the pair, of a particular style, model etc.

All items must be appropriately marked as samples by either mutilation or marking in order to gain the benefit of Duty and VAT exemption. Articles that arrive without proper documents or markings as noted will be subject to normal entry and document requirements and as such full duty and VAT will apply.

Commercial or Salesman's Samples
Commercial or Salesman's Samples, are acceptable but are subject to special import handling (regime) that may require that a Temporary Import be made in the importers behalf. Additional fees and documents will be required, and the goods will be subjected to additional clearance delays as a result.



Gifts
Articles consigned as "Unsolicited gifts" are acceptable and will be allowed entry free of any duty or VAT providing the shipment is valued at less than 45 EURO originated from and consigned to an individual, and are individually wrapped. Multiple gifts can be consigned in one shipment so long as the individual parcels enclosed are individually tagged with the recipients name, are individually wrapped and the value does not exceed the per person limit of 45 EURO. Shipments consigned to companies as gifts for an individual may be denied entry as gifts and will be subject to full duty and VAT. Generally, most articles can be consigned as gifts, except those articles noted prohibited or restricted for import (see General Import Prohibitions and Restrictions).

Exceptions are limited to only one of the following articles per gift:

Cigarettes (50 cigarettes total) Perfume (50 grams net weight)
Toilet Water (.25 liter) Liquor Spirits (1 liter), Wine (2 liters)
Cigars (10 cigars total, not of Cuban origin) Coffee 500 gm, Concentrated 200gm
The gift shipment should be tendered with the following documents and statements:

* Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
* Proforma Invoice
* The description provided on both the air waybill or ill of lading and commercial invoice should specify the description of the actual goods enclosed and is followed with the following statement or similar: "Unsolicited gifts not for resale or other purpose". Descriptions such as "Gift" or "Unsolicited Gifts" should be avoided.

In addition to the above guidelines for gift shipments please be sure to reference the Prohibits and Restrictions sections of this country profile for Germany.

The importation of food products containing meat or milk products for personal consumption is prohibited unless accompanied by the necessary documentation from the official veterinary services of the country of origin. Infant milk, infant food and special foods required for medical reasons can be imported under the condition that these products do not require refrigeration before opening, that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and that the packaging is unbroken.






Standards

Labeling, Marking Requirements

Country of Origin Marking
Every article entering Germany must be marked with the name of the country of origin in any official language, preferably in German or English, unless an exception of marking is provided for in the law. The country of origin is the country of manufacture, production, or growth of the article. The requirement applies to each unit unless exempted. The phrase "made in" is required only in the case where the name of any locality other than the country or locality in which the article was manufactured appears on the article or its container. The marking "made in (country), "product of (country)", or other words of similar meaning must appear in close proximity to and in comparable size letters of the other locality to avoid possible confusion. When marking is not feasible, such as when the article is too small or marking would in some way damage the merchandise, then the packaging or container that will reach the final consumer must be marked.

CE Marking
The CE (Conformite Europeenne) Marking is required to be displayed on regulated products offered for commercial sale on the European market. It indicates that a product complies with applicable European Directives related to health, safety, environment and consumer protection. Because the CE Marking identifies products that meet a common set of criteria established and adopted by the 15 CE members, the CE Marking on your products will permit them to move freely in commerce throughout the European market. The manufacturer, or authorized representative, is responsible for placing the CE Marking on compliant products. The common CE Marking logo is placed on the product, product literature or packaging as described in each Directive. Articles regulated under the European Directives that are not properly marked when imported are subject to delay in customs and may not be cleared for consumption.

Sample commodities requiring CE Marking are:
Electric equipment, machines, toys, pressure vessels and personal protective equipment.

Eco-labels
In March of 1992, the EU Council approved law 880/92 establishing a community-wide system for granting Eco-labels (green label) to products that voluntarily satisfy environmental standards.

The EU's objectives in setting up a system for issuing green labels are twofold. The labels inform consumers of products that are environmentally safer than others in all aspects of a product's life cycle. Furthermore, they improve the design, production and marketing as well as increase the use of products that have low or non-adverse effects on the environment and that use natural resources wisely.

The EU hopes that these objectives will increase the standards of health, security and the condition of the environment of the EU countries. Products imported into the EU that wish to obtain a green label must follow the same strict criteria as EU members.






General Export Clearance Information

Clearance Process
Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate many paperwork-handling steps and expedite the movement of international shipments. This is the FedEx Expressclear electronic Customs clearance system. Starting at the origin, state-of-the-art technology allows the processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx hub and destination clearance location. The Expressclear system also keeps a database of regulatory information, which includes importers' numbers, broker designation, corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded onto an international flight. Vital shipment information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database, which is linked to computer systems operated by brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane has taken off, or while it is in the air, Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests, querying air waybill data if they need more details, assessing duties and taxes and selecting which shipments they wish to examine. By the time the plane arrives at its destination, many packages have already been cleared by Customs. As the plane is unloaded, the Expressclear system identifies packages to be examined and prints "cleared" Customs labels for all others. Cleared shipments can be transferred to trucks for immediate delivery. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process and allows for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.



Document Requirements
Exporting from Germany requires the following:

1. Exports Compliance
2. Knowledge of your commodity
3. Proper documentation
* Documents must be covered with an AWB only

* Dutiables:

* below EUR 1000 - must be covered by AWB and Invoice

* at 1000 - EUR or above: AWB, Invoice & Export Declaration

* at 3000 - EUR or above: AWB, Invoice & preauthenticated Export Declaration

4. Pre-shipment requirements from the country you are shipping to



EUR 1 form - Export - A EUR 1 form may be required by exporters from the European Union to some countries to claim preferential duty or exemption under the various agreements as per the above paragraph.

Commercial Invoices - Invoices are required for all dutiable shipments regarding transaction between companies or companies and individuals, regardless of the value. Commercial Invoices should show freight, insurance and similar charges as separate items when applicable, regardless of the INCOTERM used on the transaction. It must be in English or German for import and export.

Specific invoice details are required for a number of commodities including the following:

* Audio/video cassettes and tapes - the length and width of the tape, a brief synopsis of the content and the reason for exportation.
* Textiles - the fabric breakdown, whether knit or woven and, for clothing articles, the gender and number of textiles.
* Marked/mutilated samples - the words "mutilated samples" or " marked samples, not for resale" as applicable and number of pieces
* Software on CD's and floppy disks - The value of software must be shown separately from software support.



Air Waybill - An air waybill or carriers certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry

Export Permits - Specific export permits are for commodities subject to export controls. The German Customs (Zoll-DE) is the government office for dual use exports (commercial items that may have military applications). Other departments and agencies have regulatory jurisdiction and issue licenses for controlled substances and precursor chemicals, for endangered fish and wildlife species, for defense services and articles, for arms and munitions, for nuclear material, equipment and technology, for fuels, for drugs and medical devices. Before exporting these items, special licenses must be obtained from customs office to insure that the items are not part of the national heritage of Germany. License requirements are dependent upon an item's technical characteristics, the destination, the end-use, end-user and other activities of the end-user. Specific questions pertaining to commodity licensing requirements should be directed to the lead agency. Agency information, telephone number and basic commodities that might require export permits could be identified by accessing the Department and agency web sites listed in the profile.




Export Clearance Process
Exporting from Germany requires the following:

1. Exports Compliance
2. Knowledge of your commodity
3. Proper documentation
* Documents must be covered with an AWB only

* Dutiables:

* below EUR 1000 - must be covered by AWB and Invoice

* at 1000 - EUR or above: AWB, Invoice & Export Declaration

* at 3000 - EUR or above: AWB, Invoice & preauthenticated Export Declaration

4. Pre-shipment requirements from the country you are shipping to






Germany Export Prohibitions

Export controls imposed on exporters by the German government can take the form of prohibitions such as blockades; embargoes, boycotts and sanctions, or they can take the form of limitations/quotas, which require an export license. Export controls may be product-specific, end-use specific, end-user specific or determined by ultimate country of destination.

The following is a listing of commodities prohibited for export from Germany (but cannot be taken as definitive):

* Counterfeit bank notes
* Counterfeit coins
* Pirated goods
* Certain Pesticides subject to Rotterdam Convention agreement
* Certain Chemicals subject to Chemical Weapons Convention agreement (CWC)
* Certain Radioactive and Nuclear goods subject to and controlled under the NSG and MTCR agreements.
* Goods subject to the Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1995 (DUEC)
* Certain cultural goods, antiques and works of art over 50 years old.
* Animal feed made of or containing fat and or parts of mammals and or fish or any mixture thereof.






General Export Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit time.)

* APO/FPO addresses.

* C.O.D. shipments.

* Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human remains.

* Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold- for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

* Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

* Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

* Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

* Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

* Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

* Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed stocks, bonds and cash letters).

* Collectible coins and stamps.

* Pornographic and/or obscene material.

* Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

* Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

* Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

* Shipments whose carriage, importation or exportation is prohibited by any law, statute or regulation.

* Shipments with a declared value for customs in excess of that permitted for a specific destination.

* Dangerous goods except as permitted under the Dangerous Goods section of these terms and conditions.

* Processed or unprocessed dead animals, including insects and pets. Taxidermy-finished hunting trophies or completely processed (dried) specimens of whole animals or parts of animals are acceptable for shipment into the U.S.

* Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odor of any kind.

* Wildlife products that require U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service export clearance by FedEx prior to exportation from the U.S.

* Shipments* being processed under:

Duty drawback claims unless advance arrangements are made.

Temporary Import Bonds - acceptable under the FedEx International Broker Select option, for initial import only.

U.S. State Department licenses.

Carnets.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration export permit.

Shipments destined to or being withdrawn from a Foreign Trade Zone.

Letters of Credit (however, shipments covered by a Letter of Credit calling for a "Courier Receipt" as defined by Article 25 of UCP 600 may move via FedEx International Priority).

Certificate of Registration shipments (CF4455).

Shipments moving into or out of Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses.

*You may be able to ship these items via FedEx International Premium, FedEx International Express Freight (IXF), FedEx International Airport-to-Airport (ATA) or FedEx International Controlled Export. For information on FedEx International Premium, IXF and ITA, call FedEx Express Freight Services at 1.800.332.0807. For information on FedEx International Controlled Export, call International Customer Service at 1.800.247.4747 or your local FedEx customer service representative.






Germany Restrictions

The following is a listing of commodities restricted for export from Germany (but cannot be taken as definitive):

* Certain agricultural products subject to the Common Agriculture Policy of the European Union
* Horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, goats and swine
* Controlled drugs
* Salmon and trout
* Spirits in containers holding less than 40 liters







Regulatory Contact Information

Branch or Agency Name


Areas of Responsibility
Bundesfinanzministerium, Department III

Graurheindorfer Stra?e 108
53117 Bonn
Contact Person: not available
Tel.: 03018/ 682- 0
Fax: 03018/ 682- 44 20
Email: Poststelle@bmf.bund.de



* Duties & Taxes, Excise taxes

Bundesamt f?r Wirtschaft,



65726 Eschborn
Responsible for: Contact Person: Mr. LRD Fischer
Tel: ++49 6196 404-0
Fax: ++49 6196 94226
Email: bundesamt@bawi.de





* Import, Energy, Economic promotion & development

Department of Veterinary Services (BMVEL) Rochusstr. 1
53123 Bonn
Tel: ++49 228/529-0 or 01888-529-0
Fax: ++49 0228/529-4262 or 01888-529-4262
Email:poststelle@bmelv.bund.de




* Import authorization of veterinary obligatory items

Bundesanstalt f?r Landwirtschaft und Ernâhrung,

60083 Frankfurt
Contact Person: not available
Tel: ++49 69 1564-0
Fax: ++49 69 1564 444-446
Email:poststelle@ffm.ble.bund400.de





* Responsible for: Executive Authorities of EU government for foodstuff of plant and animal origin, agriculture - fishery products and quality control