Germany Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Germany's customs duty-free limit for shipments is €150 (excluding shipping costs) until July 1, 2026. Note that Import VAT at 19% still applies to almost all shipments regardless of value, though charges under €1 are typically not collected.

Starting July 1, 2026, the EU will abolish the €150 duty-free threshold, with a flat duty estimated at €3 per item potentially applying to low-value shipments entering Germany. This EU-wide reform means your shipment may incur new customs charges on smaller orders arriving after this date.

Germany's import turnover tax (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is 19% for most goods, or 7% for books, certain food items, and medical supplies. Your shipment will be charged this VAT on the total value including shipping and any customs duty, with no minimum threshold except that amounts under €1 are generally not collected.

Customs duty on your shipment to Germany ranges from 0% to 17%, averaging around 4% of the item value plus shipping costs. Until June 30, 2026, most goods valued at €150 or less are exempt from customs duty, though this threshold is scheduled to change starting July 1, 2026.

Carriers like DHL Express typically charge a minimum of approximately €16.50 or 2% of the advanced taxes, while Deutsche Post often charges a flat fee of €6.00. FedEx and UPS generally charge similar disbursement fees ranging from €12 to €20.

The taxable base includes the item value, international shipping costs, insurance, and any customs duty applied to your shipment. This means your final tax bill will be higher than just the product price.

Shipments sent from a US retailer via Stackry are not considered gifts, even if sent to a private individual. Only direct shipments between private individuals may qualify for duty/tax-free treatment up to €45.

German Customs regularly checks the value of goods, and providing an incorrect value can lead to fines or seizure of your package. Accurate declaration of your purchase price and shipping costs is essential.

There is no 42% tax rate mentioned in the research for shipments to Germany. Your shipment to Germany is subject to Import VAT at 19% (or 7% reduced rate for certain items like books and food) plus customs duty of 0% to 17% depending on the product category.