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Receive binding tariff information

In order to simplify the clearance of goods upon import into the European single market, you can apply for a binding tariff information (BTI) beforehand.

Online services & Forms

Online services

  • Bürger- und Geschäftskundenportal des Zolls
    Das Bürger- und Geschäftskundenportal des Zolls bietet Ihnen die Möglichkeit, Anträge elektronisch zu stellen.
  • Europäische Verbindliche Zolltarifauskünfte (EvZTA)
    Die Internetseite der Europäischen Kommission bietet Zugang zu den gültigen, verbindlichen Zolltarifauskünften (vZTA) aus allen Mitgliedstaaten der EU. Starten Sie, indem Sie ein Land, eine vZTA-Nummer, das Gültigkeitsdatum, ein Stichwort, einen Nomenklatur-Code oder eine Warenbeschreibung suchen.

  • Antrag auf Entscheidung über eine verbindliche Zolltarifauskunft (vZTA)

    Die Beantragung einer vZTA auf dem Formular 0307 ist nur noch im Fall eines zeitweiligen Ausfalls der Computersysteme der Zollbehörden oder des Wirtschaftsbeteiligten möglich.

  • Antrag auf Entscheidung über eine verbindliche Zolltarifauskunft (vZTA)

    Die Beantragung einer vZTA auf dem Formular 0307 ist nur noch in folgenden Ausnahmefällen möglich: 

    • im Fall eines zeitweiligen Ausfalls der Computersysteme der Zollbehörden oder des Wirtschaftsbeteiligten

Responsible for you

Hauptzollamt Hannover

Street address

Hackethalstraße 7
30179 Hannover

Postal address

Postfach 26 29

30026 Hannover

Mehr zur Behörde

Procedure details

The countries of the European Customs Union regulate the import of goods into the internal market in the "Common Customs Tariff". The various goods are classified in this tariff and given a code number, which determines, among other things, the rates of duty and the documents required for clearance.

Binding tariff information (BTI) provides legally binding information on the code number under which goods are to be classified in the Common Customs Tariff. The information enables you to calculate in good time the import duties that will be levied when importing goods from a third country into the EU and to obtain any necessary documentation. This facilitates your operational calculations and speedy clearance.

Customs tariff decisions that have already been issued are published in a common European database. You can view these decisions via the European Commission's database "European Binding Tariff Information" (BTI). Confidential details of a decision are removed in the process.

  • Your application must relate to an actual intended activity in connection with the international movement of goods.
  • You prove this by specifying in the application whether the BTI is to be used for an import of goods, export of goods or a special procedure (for example, customs warehouse).

  • Required Documents
    • Online application for binding tariff information
    • If necessary, you must
      • illustrations, data sheets or descriptions of goods in electronic form and
      • samples or specimens of the goods to be examined.

You can usually obtain a binding tariff information electronically. To request a binding tariff information:

  • Access the Customs Citizen and Business Customer Portal.
  • If you do not already have a user account, follow the instructions to create a citizen, user or business customer account. After reviewing and approving your information, you will be able to use your account.
  • Complete the online application for a binding tariff information, add attachments if necessary, and submit the application.
  • You will receive a confirmation of receipt with a transaction number and an application accompanying document.
  • You can use the application accompanying document to send samples or specimens of the goods to be examined to the main customs office in Hanover. Please note the instructions of the customs office in which cases samples or specimens are necessary.
  • After your application has been processed, you will receive a notification in your electronic mailbox at the Citizens and Business Customer Portal of Customs.
  • Please check your email regularly. An email will notify you when messages are received in your electronic mailbox.

To view previously issued tariff decisions:

  • Access the European Commission's European Binding Tariff Information (BTI) database.
  • Start a query by entering a specific country, BTI number, validity date, keyword, nomenclature code or description of goods.

A written request (customs form 0307) is only possible if the computer systems in your company or at the main customs office in Hanover are down.

There are no costs for issuing binding tariff information. If objectively necessary, the customs authority will charge you for expenses for goods analyses, sample appraisals or the return of samples.

Valid from the effectiveness of the decision.

Since all countries in the European Union must make uniform decisions on tariff classifications, disputed issues are discussed within the European Commission. The processing time is delayed in such cases. (2 bis 4 Monate)

If you only need non-binding tariff information, you can contact the Central Information Office of Customs.

  • Appeal
  • Detailed information on how to file an appeal can be found in the appeal instructions of your BTI decision.
  • Action before the Tax Court

Status: 10.03.2024
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bundesministerium der Finanzen
Source: Federal Portal