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If you want to transport untaxed alcopops, you need a special permit and registration to participate in the computerised Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS).
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
Alcopops may be transported under duty suspension. This means that the alcopops tax is not yet due during transport. The tax is suspended while the alcopops are in transit to their final destination. The tax is then levied at the destination. In some cases, the alcopops can be used tax-free after transport.
Transport within the German tax territory
Tax warehouse keepers and registered consignors may transport alcopops under duty suspension from tax warehouses or from the place of import.
The following destinations may receive the untaxed goods within the German tax territory:
Alcopops may also be transported tax-free within the tax territory for direct export.
Transport to or via other Member States
Tax warehouse keepers and registered consignors may transport alcopops under suspension of excise duty to the following destinations outside the German tax territory:
Movement from other Member States
Alcopops may be transported from other Member States under duty suspension to tax warehouses in the German tax territory.
As a tax warehouse keeper or registered consignor, you must notify the customs authorities if you transport untaxed alcopops. Depending on whether the alcohol contained in the alcopops is already taxed or is also in a tax suspension procedure, you must make the notification electronically or in writing. You can find out which procedure applies in your case in the "Procedure" section.
If irregularities occur during transport, the tax suspension ends and the alcopops must be taxed.
You are carrying on a business and are either a tax warehousekeeper or a registered consignor.
Before opening a duty suspension procedure, you must ensure that the consignee has the appropriate authorisation. The excise number of the consignee can be used as proof.
The consignor (tax warehouse keeper or registered consignor) is responsible for the declaration. Whether the declaration is made electronically or in writing depends on whether the alcohol contained in the alcopops is also under a duty suspension arrangement or has already been taxed.
Transport under suspension of alcopops tax and alcohol tax:
Alternatively, you can use certain software certified by Customs to declare a movement under duty suspension.
In some cases, there are exceptions to the obligation to declare electronically. In that case, submit the declaration in writing:
Find out about the paper procedure and the so-called default procedure on the customs administration's website.
Transport (only) under suspension of alcopops tax:
If you deliver to beneficiaries within the tax territory, you must also complete an exemption certificate.
It is possible for the consignor to apply to the relevant main customs office for simplification of the declaration procedure. This can be, for example, the sending of a collective declaration if several deliveries are made to the same recipient within one month. To do this, contact your local main customs office directly.
The main customs office responsible is the one from whose district you operate your business or, if you do not operate a business, the one in whose district you are resident. If your business is operated from a location outside Germany or if you do not have a place of residence in Germany, the main customs office in whose district you first appear for tax purposes is locally responsible.
Receipt of the declaration: none
If tax matters appear to be at risk, you may be required to provide security for carriage to the main customs office.
1 to 2 workdays
If you handle alcopops that are not taxed, you will need a permit in many cases. This is the case when producing, handling, processing, storing, receiving or sending alcopops.
Alcopops can be used tax-free for certain commercial purposes. You need a permit for this.
If you can prove that you have paid tax on alcopops, you can receive a refund, remission or reimbursement of the alcopop tax under certain conditions.
If you produce or import alcopops, you must pay alcopop tax and additional alcohol tax under certain conditions.