Country profile
Germany
DE · DEUAs of: 7/20/2026Logistics hub of Europe / industrial and transit country
Germany is Europe's central logistics hub: a strong industrial base, a dense road, rail and waterway network, and the seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. Frankfurt is a leading European cargo airport and Duisburg the world's largest inland port. As an EU and eurozone member it has free movement of goods in the single market; customs apply only to non-EU trade via the ATLAS system.
Overview
Germany (DE) is Europe's central logistics hub, an industrial and transit country linking the North Sea ports with markets in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. As a member of the EU customs union and the eurozone it enjoys free movement of goods in the single market; third-country imports and exports are processed electronically via the ATLAS customs system, with import VAT at 19 percent (reduced rate 7 percent). The main gateways are the cargo airports Frankfurt (FRA), Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) and Cologne/Bonn (CGN), the seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven, and Duisburg, the world's largest inland port. Key axes are the A2, A3, A7 and A9 motorways and the Rhine-Alpine (Rotterdam–Genoa), North Sea–Baltic and Scandinavian–Mediterranean rail corridors; the Rhine carries a large share of inland waterway traffic, though low water can limit capacity seasonally. Typical cargo includes vehicles and parts, machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and electronics; the main trading partners are China, the USA, the Netherlands, France and Poland.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Generalzolldirektion / German Customs AdministrationImport system
EU customs union; non-EU imports are processed electronically via ATLAS-Einfuhr under the Union Customs Code. No customs clearance within the EU.
Export system
Export declarations are filed electronically via ATLAS-Ausfuhr; processing across the EU under the Union Customs Code.
Import VAT
- Import VAT: 19 percent standard rate, 7 percent reduced rate
- only for imports from non-EU countries. Deferment possible until the 26. of the following month.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Customs declaration (ATLAS-Einfuhr)
- Preference proof (EUR.1/REX) if applicable
- Transport document (CMR/B/L/AWB)
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Export declaration (ATLAS-Ausfuhr)
- Packing list
- Proof of origin
- BAFA export licence if applicable
Origin proofs / FTA
EU preferential agreements: movement certificate EUR.1/EUR-MED, origin declaration (REX), supplier declaration; certificate of origin via the IHK (Chamber of Commerce).
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU bans and restrictions apply: weapons, drugs, protected species (CITES), counterfeit goods; licensing requirements depending on the type of goods.
Export controls & sanctions
EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821, licence issued by BAFA. EU and UN sanctions (including against Russia) apply directly; in force in 2026: 20. EU sanctions package (focus on shadow fleet and circumvention routes), list extension by Implementing Regulation DVO (EU) 2026/1708 of 14.07.2026.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (EU) — General process
Quick operational overview for shipments to the EU. The EU is a customs union; for imports from non‑EU countries, customs clearance and import VAT are typically key topics.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification (duties/taxes and restrictions)
- Importer EORI and (where relevant) origin/preference documents
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin/preference)
- Import clearance at the EU entry customs office (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; import VAT/duties based on classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Incoterms unclear → who clears customs/pays import VAT?
- Missing/wrong HS code/classification → delays and cost risk
- Origin/preference not properly documented → preference may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Leipzig/Halle (LEJ)
- Köln/Bonn (CGN)
- München (MUC)
Seaports / access ports
Inland ports & terminals
- Duisburg
- Cologne
- Mannheim
- Ludwigshafen
Road corridors & border crossings
- A2 (Ruhr area-Berlin)
- A3 (Netherlands-Bavaria)
- A7 (Hamburg-Alps)
- A9 (Berlin-Munich)
Rail corridors
- Rhine-Alpine Corridor (Rotterdam-Genoa)
- North Sea-Baltic
- Rhine-Danube
- Scandinavia-Mediterranean
Top trade lanes
- DE-CN
- DE-US
- DE-NL
- DE-FR
- DE-PL
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Stable environment with high infrastructure quality. Localised bottlenecks at seaports and on rail; strikes and roadworks can extend transit times.
Seasonal & weather risks
Low water on the Rhine in dry summers restricts inland waterway shipping; winter storms and snow can affect roads, rail and North Sea ports.
Current logistics notes
Strike wave 2026: warning strikes in retail (ver.di, nationwide in July 2026), first labour disputes at the Port of Duisburg in decades (Rhenus Port Logistics, June 2026) and announced warning strikes at Autobahn GmbH may delay handling and transit times in some places. In addition, bottlenecks from bridge and motorway renovation and rail expansion (TEN-T) continue. (Status 2026-07-20)
As of: 2026-07-20
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| Apr 3, 2026 | Good Friday | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| Apr 6, 2026 | Easter Monday | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| May 25, 2026 | Whit Monday | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| Oct 3, 2026 | German Unity Day | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). | ||
| Dec 26, 2026 | Boxing Day / St Stephen's Day | National | Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO). |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Good Friday
Apr 3, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Easter Monday
Apr 6, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Ascension Day
May 14, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Whit Monday
May 25, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
German Unity Day
Oct 3, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Boxing Day / St Stephen's Day
Dec 26, 2026
Truck ban for vehicles over 7.5 t from 00:00 to 22:00 (§30 StVO).
Sources: Feiertagsgesetze der Länder (bundeseinheitlich) · Einigungsvertrag Art. 2 §2 / Feiertagsgesetze
Truck driving bans
Sunday and public holiday driving ban for trucks over 7.5 t
Sunday banJeden Sonntag sowie an gesetzlichen Feiertagen, 0-22 Uhr, 00:00–22:00 (Europe/Berlin)
from 7.5 t
Exceptions
Combined rail-road or port-road transport (pre-/on-carriage), transport of perishable foodstuffs (fresh milk, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables), emergency and relief transports; exemption permits possible under Section 46 StVO.
Special permit possible
Applies nationwide on the entire road network to trucks over 7.5 t and trucks with trailers regardless of weight (Section 30(3) StVO). Fines for driver and vehicle owner.
Holiday travel ordinance: Saturday driving ban July/August
SeasonalSamstags vom 1. Juli bis 31. August, 7-20 Uhr (jährlich wiederkehrend), 07:00–20:00 (Europe/Berlin)
Jul 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2026
from 7.5 t
Affected roads: Ausgewählte Autobahnen (u.a. A1, A2, A3, A5, A7, A8, A9, A61, A93) und Bundesstrassen gemäss Streckenverzeichnis der Ferienreiseverordnung
Exceptions
Analogous to the Sunday ban: combined transport, perishable foodstuffs, emergency transports; exemption permits possible.
Special permit possible
Applies to trucks over 7.5 t and trucks with trailers on the motorways and federal roads listed in the ordinance's route register during the summer travel season.
Sources: §30 Abs. 3 StVO / BALM · Ferienreiseverordnung (FerReiseV) / BALM
Tolls & charges
Lkw-Maut Deutschland (Toll Collect)
Distance-basedOperator: Toll Collect GmbH
Lkw und Fahrzeugkombinationen über 3,5 t technisch zulässiger Gesamtmasse (gewerblicher Güterkraftverkehr)
Distance-based toll on motorways and federal roads for vehicles over 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass (since 1 July 2024). Rates depend on axle count, emission and CO2 class (CO2 surcharge of EUR 200/t CO2 since 12/2023); additional CO2 class G since 1 Jan 2026. Payment via on-board unit or manual online/app booking; legal basis BFStrMG.
Sources: BMV / Toll Collect (BFStrMG)
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- zoll.de
- bafa.de
- destatis.de
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is customs duty charged on goods shipped within the EU to Germany?
No. Germany is part of the EU customs union and the single market; deliveries from other EU countries are duty-free. Intra-Community VAT rules apply, not import VAT.
What is the import VAT rate in Germany?
The standard rate is 19 percent; a reduced rate of 7 percent applies to certain goods. It is only charged on imports from non-EU countries and can be reclaimed by businesses entitled to deduct input VAT.
Which IT system is used for customs declarations?
Germany processes imports and exports electronically via ATLAS (ATLAS-Einfuhr and ATLAS-Ausfuhr), the procedure of the German customs administration under the Union Customs Code.
Which authority is responsible for export control?
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) issues export licences. The legal basis is the EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821; EU and UN sanctions also apply directly.
What are Germany's most important seaports?
Hamburg is the largest seaport, followed by Bremerhaven/Bremen (leading in automotive handling) and Wilhelmshaven, the only deep-water container port. Rostock and Lübeck are important on the Baltic Sea.
Which airport is most important for air freight?
Frankfurt (FRA) is Germany's largest air cargo airport. Other important express and cargo hubs are Leipzig/Halle (DHL) and Cologne/Bonn (UPS/FedEx).
What role does inland waterway shipping play?
A major one: Duisburg is the world's largest inland port and a hub of the Rhine-Alpine Corridor. In dry summers, low water on the Rhine can limit transport capacity.
How reliable is customs clearance in Germany?
Very reliable. Electronic clearance via ATLAS is efficient and the risk of delays is low. Localised bottlenecks at seaports or strikes can nonetheless affect transit times.
Which trade partners are important for Germany?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Germany?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners