Germany Customs Clearance

When is customs clearance needed in Germany?

Goods imported into Germany from outside the European Union must be placed under an appropriate customs procedure. Goods exported from Germany to a non-EU destination generally require an export declaration. Direct movements of Union goods between Germany and the Netherlands usually remain intra-EU movements, although excise goods, restricted products and goods under customs supervision can require additional formalities.

German Customs states that non-EU imports must be cleared and entered for a customs procedure. Its official import guidance also highlights duties, taxes and restrictions that may apply.

EORI and ATLAS customs data

An EORI number identifies economic operators in EU customs processes. German Customs requires relevant EORI numbers in customs declarations for parties such as the declarant, representative, importer/consignee, exporter/consignor or transit holder, depending on the procedure. See the official German Customs guidance on using an EORI number.

Germany processes many electronic customs messages through ATLAS. We help structure the commercial and logistics data needed by the responsible customs representative and coordinate corrections when invoice, packing, origin or transport details do not align.

Import customs clearance in Germany

An import declaration uses the goods description, commodity code, customs value, origin and procedure to determine duty, import VAT, restrictions and release requirements. The importer, place of clearance and customs representative should be confirmed before arrival.

For goods entering the EU through Germany, safety/security and arrival data may also be relevant. German Customs explains that entry summary declarations are generally lodged electronically at the customs office of first entry through the applicable system and include carrier information.

Export customs clearance from Germany

Exports from Germany to countries outside the EU normally require an electronic export declaration and completion of the EU exit process. The declaration data must be consistent with the commercial invoice, packing list, exporter details, commodity classification and transport booking.

If the shipment is exported through a Netherlands port or airport, customs and transport steps must remain aligned across the German office of export and the EU office of exit. We coordinate the logistics handover and can connect the movement with sea freight, air freight or road transport.

T1 and T2 transit through Germany

Transit allows goods to move under customs control between authorised offices before the destination procedure is completed. T1 commonly applies to non-Union goods, while T2 can apply to Union goods in specific transit situations. The movement reference, guarantee, offices and transport details must match the route. The European Commission provides official customs transit guidance.

EX-A, EUR.1, A.TR and T1 document differences

An EX-A document relates to the accepted EU export declaration for Union goods leaving the customs territory. A EUR.1 certificate is evidence of preferential origin and may support reduced or zero import duty only where the relevant trade agreement and origin rules are met. An A.TR certificate confirms the customs status of qualifying goods in free circulation under the EU–Türkiye customs union and is not proof of preferential origin. A T1 transit document is used to move non-Union goods under customs supervision before final clearance; it is neither an export declaration nor origin evidence.

The appropriate document set depends on the goods, status, origin, destination and route. We can link the customs process to warehousing and prepare a coordinated freight and customs quotation.

Common goods and industries

We support customs preparation for machinery, automotive parts, industrial components, electronics, consumer goods, textiles, chemicals and general commercial cargo. Food, plants, animals, excise goods, dual-use items and other controlled products may require specialist licences, certificates or border controls before acceptance.

Customs and freight through one contact

Combining customs preparation with transport planning helps avoid document corrections at the terminal, missed departure cut-offs and unexpected storage. Request customs assistance or contact our team with the origin, destination, commodity, value, Incoterms and route.