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If you are importing goods into Germany from outside the EU, you can submit the customs declaration via the Internet.
Goods that you import from a non-EU country must be cleared through customs. By doing so, you release the goods for free circulation. This means that you can then freely dispose of them.
You have the option of using the Internet customs declaration (IZA). You can only use the IZA if the goods are to remain permanently in the EU. You cannot use it for other customs procedures, such as customs warehousing or processing.
For the import declaration, you must provide the following information, among other things:
You want to permanently import goods from outside the European Union into Germany or release them for free circulation.
If the value of the goods exceeds EUR 20,000, a written customs declaration (D.V.1) must be submitted. In addition, you should have the commercial invoice belonging to the goods or any existing preferential proofs ready.
If the goods are subject to restrictions, you must present the relevant documents.
To declare goods for import online, proceed as follows:
There are no costs for you for using the Internet customs declaration. Irrespective of this, you may have to pay duties (e.g. customs duty, import VAT, excise duty) upon import, depending on the goods.
After completing your internet customs declaration, you will usually receive a customs notice within one day to 4 weeks.
If you are carrying cash or certain other funds amounting to EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving Germany, you must inform customs.
If you are not sure how much VAT you have to pay for supplies or an intra-Community acquisition of an item, you can request non-binding information on this.