Germany
German Customs Contacts
Website: http://www.zoll.de/
E-mail: servicedesk@itzbund.de
Address: PO Box 10 0761, 01077 Dresden
Telephone: +49 351 44834-555
Fax: +49 22899 680-187584
Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in West-Central Europe. It includes 16 constituent states. Its capital and largest city is Berlin. With about 81.5 million inhabitants, Germany is the most populous member state in the European Union.
Tariffs on export and import
Germany is part of the harmonised trade system of the EU and importing and exporting are covered by EC Regulations.
A Common External Tariff (CET) is applicable to other countries.
The European Community has created the Binding Tariff Information (BTI) system as a tool to obtain the correct tariff classification for goods for import or export.
The Federal Ministry, Bundesministerium der Finanzen is responsible for import and customer regulations, however, specific questions concerning customs matters should be directed to Informations- und Wissensmanagement Zoll.
Certification, labelling and packaging must meet EU requirements.
Packaging
To reduce the impact on the environment, the EU has required legislation concerning the management of packaging and packaging waste.
CE Mark
The CE mark is a mandatory conformity marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Labelling
All labelling and information directives of the European Council must be met, as well as local and national regulations. Information on the labelling of products in the interest of consumers and compliance procedures are available at Summaries of EU Legislation. Food information and labelling legislation must comply with EU legislation.
For organic produce, EU legislation requires that imported organic food from third countries be produced to the same standards as that from the EU.
Special certificates
There are controls on imports into Germany on a number of products.
Documentary requirements
Pro-forma invoice
This may occasionally be requested by the importer and a minimum of two copies is required.
Commercial invoice
No prescribed form and a minimum of two copies is required. The invoice must include:
- the name and address of both buyer and seller
- method of packing
- marks and numbers
- number of containers
- description of the merchandise (including HS description)
- net and gross weight
- free on board (FOB) value (Incoterms 1990)
- freight
- insurance and other charges
Bill of lading
No special requirements. To Order bills are acceptable.
Packing list
Not obligatory, but simplifies clearance if a variety of goods are packed in different cases.
Certificate of insurance
Normal commercial practices apply
Public health requirements
Insecticides and other potentially dangerous chemical substances for general sale are restricted by law. Substances have to be approved and registered with German government agencies after testing, to determine whether the product is safe for normal trading.
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