Germany is an important trading partner for Singapore businesses. Whether you're shipping commercial goods, samples, or personal items, understanding Germany's customs requirements can help minimise delays and keep your shipments moving smoothly. Before exporting to Germany, businesses should ensure their shipments comply with applicable customs, documentation, and import requirements.
Documents Required to Ship to Germany
Before shipping to Germany, ensure the following documents and information are provided accurately:
- DHL Air Waybill (AWB)
- Commercial Invoice
- Detailed description of goods
- Declared shipment value and currency
- Country of origin
- HS Code (where applicable)
- Shipper and receiver contact details
- EORI number for businesses and importers where applicable
Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in customs delays or additional clearance checks.
Understanding Germany's Customs Requirements
To help avoid customs delays, ensure that:
- Product descriptions are clear and accurate
- Shipment values are declared correctly
- Commercial invoices are complete
- Goods are classified under the correct HS Code
- Required permits or certificates are obtained
- Necessary customs registrations (e.g., EORI) are provided
Restricted and Controlled Goods
Germany follows European Union product compliance requirements. Depending on the product category, importers may need to demonstrate compliance with applicable EU regulations before goods can be placed on the market.
Common examples include:
| Food Products | Food products may require health certificates, import permits, or additional inspections. Products containing meat, dairy, fish, or other animal-derived ingredients may be subject to stricter import controls. |
| Alcohol & Tobacco | Alcohol and tobacco products are generally subject to duties, taxes, and excise requirements. Additional documentation may be required before import clearance. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Prescription medicines and pharmaceutical products may require licences, permits, or approvals from the relevant authorities. |
| Electronics & Electrical Devices | Certain electronic products must comply with applicable European Union product safety requirements and may require CE conformity marking. |
| Toys & Consumer Products | Toys and selected consumer goods must comply with EU product safety standards. Non-compliant products may be subject to customs intervention. |
| Animal Products & Wildlife Items | Products containing animal materials or protected wildlife species may require permits such as CITES documentation before import. |
| Dangerous Goods | Dangerous goods are subject to strict transport and regulatory requirements. Acceptance is dependent on product classification and applicable regulations. |
Document vs Non-Document Shipments
Before shipping, it is important to determine whether your shipment is classified as a document (DOX) or non-document shipment.
Shipment Type | Details |
Document Shipments (DOX) | Document shipments generally include business correspondence, contracts, invoices, printed documents, and freight documents. If a shipment contains only documents, it may qualify for document clearance procedures. |
Non-Document Shipments | Examples include samples, merchandise, electronics, apparel and accessories, food products, gifts, and commercial goods. These shipments are subject to standard customs clearance procedures and require supporting documentation such as a commercial invoice. |
Important Note | If goods or merchandise are enclosed together with documents, the shipment will generally be classified as a non-document shipment and be subject to full customs clearance requirements. |
Shipping from Singapore to Germany with DHL Express
Shipping with DHL Express is simple:
- Create your shipment through MyDHL+.
- Prepare your shipping documents and commercial invoice.
- Pack your shipment securely.
- Schedule a pickup or drop off your shipment at a DHL Service Point.
- Track your shipment online from pickup to delivery.
No account yet? Sign up for a business account for progressive discount rates.
Shipping rules for Business-to-customers (B2C)
- From 1 July 2026, shipments valued at €150 or less no longer benefit from an EU customs duty exemption
- Customs duty of €3 per line item based on the 6-digit HS code may apply for qualifying shipments.
Advantages of using DHL Express
- Its door-to-door shipping service makes international shipping easy
- DHL’s wide range of services and network covers 220 territories across the globe
- Thanks to MyDHL+, MyBill, and ODD (On-Demand Delivery), the shipping process is made much easier and safer
- Real-time updates about the shipment’s clearance statuses are readily given to customers
- The package collection time is as per your choice
- With the help of DHL’s flexible delivery options, now customers can decide the time and place of their shipment delivery
Planning to ship to Germany?
Open a DHL Express business account and benefit from preferential rates of up to 70% off on international export and import shipments worldwide.
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