Key Takeaways

• Shipping goods between Thailand and Germany can be handled via Air Courier, Air Cargo, and Sea Freight (LCL and FCL). The best option should be selected based on cargo size, weight, Lead Time, and Total Logistics Cost.
• Importers or businesses conducting Customs Operations in the European Union may need an EORI Number, depending on their role and the type of customs procedure.
• Goods entering the EU are subject to Advance Cargo Information systems such as ICS2 and the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS). Cargo information should be prepared accurately before the goods begin their journey.
• Germany applies a standard VAT rate of 19% and a reduced rate of 7% for certain goods. However, Import Duty must be checked using TARIC, Classification, Country of Origin, and applicable measures.
• As of 2026, the EU–Thailand FTA is still under negotiation. Therefore, goods from Thailand should not be assumed to qualify automatically for FTA rates when entering the EU.

What Should You Know Before Shipping Goods Between Thailand and Germany?

Germany is one of Europe’s key economic and logistics hubs.

Shipping goods to Germany therefore means more than simply transporting Cargo to an

• Airport
• Seaport
• Warehouse

Planning must also cover

• Customs Clearance
• Inland Delivery
• Product Compliance
• Import VAT
• Distribution within the EU

Before requesting a Freight quote, you should have at least the following information:

• Product Name
• Number of Packages
• Dimensions
• Gross Weight
• Cargo Value
• Country of Origin
• Destination City and Postal Code
• Incoterms
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Delivery Date

This is because the phrase

“shipping to Germany”

is not enough to estimate the actual Total Cost.

What Shipping Methods Are Available Between Thailand and Germany?

The main options include

• Air Courier
• Air Cargo
• Sea Freight LCL
• Sea Freight FCL

Some Shipments can use Multimodal Transport in combination with

• Truck
• Rail
• Inland Terminal

within Europe, depending on the Routing.

What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Air Courier to Germany?

Air Courier is suitable for

• Documents
• Samples
• E-commerce Orders
• Small Spare Parts
• Small-volume Commercial Shipments
• Shipments requiring Door-to-Door Convenience

Key features include

• Pickup
• Tracking
• Customs Process according to the Service
• Last-mile Delivery

Before shipping, check

• Volumetric Weight
• Oversize Restrictions
• Remote Area Surcharges
• Import Tax
• Product Restrictions

This is particularly important for goods containing

• Batteries
• Liquids
• Chemicals
• Food
• Cosmetics

as additional Requirements may apply.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Air Courier? How Does It Differ from Air Cargo, and Which Goods Is It Suitable For?

What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Air Cargo to Germany?

Air Cargo is suitable for Shipments that

• Contain multiple Cartons
• Include Pallets
• Have a high weight
• Require fast delivery
• Consist of Commercial Cargo
• Have Special Handling Requirements

Examples include

• Machinery Parts
• Electronics
• Automotive Parts
• Industrial Equipment
• Fashion Products
• High-value Cargo

Air Cargo can be arranged under different Service Scopes, such as

• Airport to Airport
• Door to Airport
• Airport to Door
• Door to Door

Therefore, the Incoterms and Delivery Scope should be clearly specified before requesting a Quote.

What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Sea Freight to Germany?

Sea Freight is suitable for Shipments that

• Have a high Volume
• Are heavy
• Are not urgent
• Aim to reduce Cost per Unit
• Consist of Machinery or Industrial Cargo
• Involve large quantities of goods

Sea Freight can be divided into

• LCL
• FCL

What Is LCL Shipping to Germany?

LCL, or Less than Container Load, is suitable for Shipments that do not fill an entire Container.

Cargo is Consolidated with other Shipments.

It is suitable for

• Large numbers of Cartons
• Pallets
• Commercial Cargo measured in several CBM

However, when choosing LCL, consider the following together:

• Origin Charges
• Ocean Freight
• Destination Charges
• Customs
• Delivery

Do not evaluate Ocean Freight as a standalone cost.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Sea Freight LCL? When Is Less-than-Container-Load Shipping Suitable?

What Is FCL Shipping to Germany Suitable For?

FCL, or Full Container Load, is suitable for

• Large Cargo volumes
• Shipments requiring a Container dedicated to their Cargo
• Machinery
• Furniture
• Consumer Goods
• Industrial Materials

Common Equipment includes

• 20’ Dry
• 40’ Dry
• 40’ High Cube

For oversized goods, consider

• Open Top
• Flat Rack
• Special Equipment

as additional options.

Suggested Internal Link: What Types of Shipping Containers Are There? Learn About 20’, 40’, 40’HC, and Special Containers Before Shipping

Is Air or Sea Freight Better for Shipping to Germany?

There is no single answer.

Air is suitable when

• Cargo volume is relatively small
• Speed is important
• Product Value is high
• The Margin can support Freight costs
• Spare Parts are urgently needed

Sea is suitable when

• Cargo Volume is high
• Delivery is not urgent
• Cost is a Priority
• Stock can be planned in advance

Compare the following together:

Freight + Local Charges + Inventory Cost + Lead Time

Suggested Internal Link: What Are the Differences Between Air Freight, Sea Freight, and Road Freight? How to Choose the Right Shipping Method

How Long Does Shipping to Germany Take?

There is no single Transit Time for every Route.

Transit Time depends on

• Origin
• Destination
• Airline
• Shipping Line
• Direct / Transshipment
• Port
• Airport
• Customs
• Inland Delivery
• Season

Older estimates such as

Air: 7–10 days

or

Sea: 35–40 days

should not be used as Guaranteed Transit Times for every Shipment.

Check the actual Schedule before Booking.

Which Ports Are Used for Sea Freight to Germany?

One of Germany’s key Ports is Hamburg.

However, Shipments do not always have to enter Germany through a German Port.

Routing may pass through another European Gateway and then continue into Germany by

• Truck
• Rail
• Inland Transport

Therefore, consider the following together:

• Final Destination
• Ocean Freight
• Port Congestion
• Rail / Truck Cost
• Customs Strategy

Why Is Hamburg Important for Shipping?

Hamburg is a major Gateway for Containerized Cargo and distribution into

• Germany
• Central Europe
• Eastern Europe

However, Hamburg should not be selected based on the Port name alone.

If a Route via Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, or another Gateway offers a better Total Cost for the Consignee’s location, an alternative Routing may be worth considering.

Which Airports Are Used for Air Freight to Germany?

Frankfurt is one of Germany’s major Air Cargo Gateways.

However, the actual Route depends on

• Airline
• Cargo Type
• Capacity
• Destination
• Connection

Some Shipments can enter the EU through another country and then continue to Germany by Truck.

Therefore, consider

Airport + Inland Delivery

together.

What Documents Are Required to Ship Goods to Germany?

Commercial Shipments generally may require

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
• Export Customs Declaration
• Import Customs Declaration
• Certificate of Origin, where applicable
• Permits / Certificates required for the product

They may also require information for Advance Cargo Filing under EU rules.

Documents should use clear Product Descriptions and consistent information throughout.

Suggested Internal Link: What Export Documents Are Required? A Checklist of Essential Documents Before International Shipping

What Should a Commercial Invoice for Germany Include?

It should include information such as

• Seller
• Buyer
• Consignee
• Product Description
• Quantity
• Unit Price
• Total Value
• Currency
• Country of Origin
• Incoterms
• Invoice Number
• Invoice Date

Avoid overly broad Descriptions such as

• Parts
• Sample
• Accessories
• Goods

because Customs and the Carrier need information for

• Classification
• Security Filing
• Customs Clearance

For example, instead of writing

Machine Parts

use a more precise Description that reflects the actual goods, such as

Stainless Steel Spare Parts for Food Processing Machine

What Is an EORI Number?

EORI stands for

Economic Operators Registration and Identification

It is an identification number for Economic Operators involved in Customs Operations in the EU.

EORI is used in processes such as

• Import
• Export
• Transit
• Customs Declaration
• Security Declaration

Economic Operators involved in EU Customs Operations may need an EORI Number depending on their role and applicable legal requirements.

Does Every Consignee in Germany Need an EORI Number?

It is not accurate to state that

“every Consignee must have an EORI”

in all cases.

The Requirement depends on whether the Consignee or Importer

• Is an Economic Operator
• Conducts a particular type of Customs Operation
• Acts as the Declarant
• Acts as the Importer

For Commercial Imports, business Importers should check that their EORI is in place before the Shipment.

Requirements may differ for personal Shipments or special cases.

Is an EORI Number the Same as a VAT Number?

No.

An EORI identifies an Economic Operator for Customs purposes.

A VAT Identification Number relates to Value Added Tax.

Depending on the Transaction, a business may need both

• EORI
• VAT-related Registration

These numbers should not be used interchangeably.

What Is ICS2?

ICS2, or Import Control System 2, is the EU’s Advance Cargo Information system for the Safety and Security data of goods entering or transiting the EU Customs Territory.

The information is used for Risk Analysis before the goods arrive.

The system covers different Transport Modes, including

• Air
• Sea
• Road
• Rail

according to the current implementation.

What Is an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS)?

An ENS is a Safety and Security Declaration for goods entering the EU.

The Carrier or Economic Operator responsible for filing must submit the information in accordance with the applicable rules and timelines.

The information may include

• Shipper
• Consignee
• Commodity Description
• HS Code, as required
• Packages
• Transport details

Exporters in Thailand should therefore provide clear information from the Booking stage.

Avoid using descriptions such as

General Cargo

when the Product can be described more precisely.

How Does ICS2 Affect Shippers in Thailand?

Although a Thai Shipper may not directly file the ENS for every Shipment, information from the Shipper is used in the filing process.

Incomplete or overly broad information may lead to

• The Carrier requesting corrections
• Filing delays
• The Shipment not being ready for Loading
• Problems with Customs Risk Analysis

Booking Information and Commercial Documents should therefore be prepared before the Cut-off.

Is the HS Code for Germany the Same as the One Used in Thailand?

The first 6 digits are based on the same Harmonized System.

However, the EU has its own Tariff Nomenclature.

For checking EU Duty Rates and trade measures, systems such as the

Combined Nomenclature and TARIC

are used.

Do not directly use Thailand’s 8- or 11-digit AHTN code as the EU Tariff Code.

The EU Classification should be checked separately.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is an HS Code? How to Find Customs Tariff Codes and Why They Matter for Import and Export Duties

What Is TARIC?

TARIC is the EU’s Integrated Tariff system.

It brings together measures applicable to goods, such as

• Customs Duty
• Tariff Measures
• Quotas
• Suspensions
• Anti-dumping Measures
• Restrictions

depending on the Commodity and Origin.

Before shipping Commercial Cargo to Germany, the Importer or Customs Broker should check TARIC using the actual Product details.

How Are Import Duties in Germany Calculated?

At a minimum, distinguish between

• Customs Duty
• Import VAT
• Excise Duty, depending on the goods
• Trade Measures, where applicable

Customs Duty depends on

• Tariff Classification
• Customs Value
• Country of Origin
• Preferential Treatment
• Trade Measures

There is therefore no single rate that applies to all goods.

What Is the Import VAT Rate in Germany?

Germany’s standard VAT rate is

19%

A reduced rate of

7%

applies to certain goods under the law.

Do not apply the 7% or 19% rate based only on a general product name.

The tax treatment of the actual Product must be checked.

Is Import VAT Calculated Only on the Product Price?

No.

The Import VAT base may include more than the Product Price, such as

• Customs Value
• Customs Duty
• Excise Duty, where applicable
• Certain costs incurred up to the Destination, as provided by law

Therefore, do not simply calculate

Invoice × 19%

and automatically treat the result as the total Import Tax.

Does the EU Use CIF for Customs Value?

For Logistics planning, Cost, Insurance, and Freight to the point of entry into the EU are often considered components of Customs Value.

However, Customs Valuation must comply with the Union Customs Code and the applicable valuation methods.

Do not automatically use the formula

Invoice + Freight + Insurance

without reviewing the Transaction.

This is especially important for Transactions involving

• Royalties
• Related Parties
• Assists
• Special Commercial Arrangements

A Customs Broker should review such cases.

Does Thailand Have an FTA with Germany or the EU?

As of 2026, the EU–Thailand FTA is still under negotiation.

Goods from Thailand therefore do not automatically receive Preferential Tariff treatment under an EU–Thailand FTA at present.

Before Export, check

• TARIC
• Country of Origin
• Any potentially applicable Preferential Program
• The current status of relevant agreements

again on the actual Shipment date.

Can Form A Still Be Used to Reduce Import Duties in the EU for Goods from Thailand?

Do not rely on outdated information stating that Form A can generally be used to reduce EU import duties on Thai goods.

The EU’s GSP preferences and Proof of Origin requirements have changed over time and depend on the country’s status.

For Thailand, do not structure a Transaction based on the assumption that

Form A = reduced duties when importing into Germany

Check current tariff eligibility through the EU Tariff system and the Origin Rules in force.

Why Is Country of Origin Important?

It matters for

• Customs Duty
• Trade Measures
• Anti-dumping Measures
• Product Marking
• Trade Statistics

For example, goods may be

shipped from China,

stored in a Warehouse in Thailand,

and then shipped to Germany,

while the Country of Origin may still be China if no processing has occurred that changes the Origin under the applicable Rules.

Therefore,

Country of Export ≠ Country of Origin

in every case.

What Is CE Marking?

CE Marking is a Conformity Marking for Product Categories covered by specified EU legislation.

Certain product groups, such as

• Electrical Equipment
• Certain types of Machinery
• Toys
• Medical Devices
• Construction Products
• Radio Equipment

may need to meet CE Requirements before being placed on the EU market.

This does not mean that every product must carry a CE Mark.

Which Products Do Not Use CE Marking?

Products such as

• Food
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals

are subject to their own Regulatory Frameworks and do not generally use CE Marking as a requirement in the same way as products within the scope of CE legislation.

Do not affix a CE Mark to a product simply because you want to sell it in Europe.

Is CE Marking a Customs Clearance Permit?

No.

CE Marking concerns Product Conformity.

Customs Clearance is a separate process.

However, Customs may check Product Compliance and coordinate with Market Surveillance Authorities as permitted by law.

Compliance should therefore be prepared before Import, rather than waiting until the goods reach the border to address CE requirements.

What Should Be Checked When Shipping Machinery to Germany?

Germany has a large industrial sector, so Machinery and Industrial Parts are frequently shipped there.

Before shipping, prepare

• Product Function
• HS Code
• Dimensions
• Gross Weight
• Technical Documentation
• Country of Origin
• Safety / Product Compliance
• CE Requirements, where applicable

For Oversized Cargo, also check

• Flat Rack
• Open Top
• Breakbulk
• Special Truck
• Route

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Oversize Cargo? How to Ship Machinery and Large Goods Internationally

What Should Be Checked When Shipping Electrical Products to Germany?

Electrical and Electronic Products may be subject to several Regulations, such as

• CE
• Electrical Safety
• EMC
• RoHS
• WEEE
• Battery Regulation

depending on the Product.

Do not simply conclude that

“having CE means everything can be shipped.”

A Product may be subject to more than one Regulation at the same time.

What Is RoHS?

RoHS is an EU rule restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment within its defined scope.

Manufacturers and Importers should check

• Product Category
• Materials
• Substance Restrictions
• Documentation

against the applicable requirements.

RoHS is part of Product Compliance, not a Freight Requirement.

What Is WEEE?

WEEE concerns Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Businesses placing Electrical / Electronic Products on the German market may have responsibilities relating to

• Registration
• Producer Responsibility
• Waste Management

depending on the Product and Business Model.

These requirements should be checked before starting Commercial Sales, not only during Customs Clearance.

How Does the Battery Regulation Apply?

Batteries and products containing Batteries may be subject to

• Transport Regulations
• Product Regulations
• Environmental Responsibilities

at the same time.

Separate checks are needed for

Transport

For example, Lithium Battery Classification and Packaging.

Placement on the EU Market

For example, requirements under the EU Battery Regulation, depending on its scope.

An SDS alone should not be treated as proof that every requirement has been met.

What Should Be Checked When Shipping Food to Germany?

Food Imports into the EU are subject to Official Controls based on Risk.

Certain product groups, such as

• Meat
• Dairy
• Seafood
• Live Animals
• Plants
• Plant Products

may require

• A Border Control Post
• Certificates
• Inspections
• An Approved Country / Establishment

depending on the Product.

Some foods that are not of Animal Origin may have different requirements or be subject to increased controls when risks arise.

Do not rely on the older generalization that

“dried food can generally be shipped to Germany as long as it contains no pork, chicken, or eggs.”

The actual Product must be checked.

What Labeling Is Required for Food from Thailand?

EU Food Labeling requirements may include

• Product Name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Net Quantity
• Best Before / Use By
• Nutrition Information
• Food Business Operator

depending on the Product Type.

Language requirements must also be appropriate for the market where the goods are sold.

The German Importer should therefore review the Label before large quantities of Packaging are produced.

What Should Be Considered for Products of Animal Origin?

Products of Animal Origin are subject to strict EU Import Controls.

Examples include

• Meat
• Dairy
• Seafood
• Egg Products
• Animal By-products

Depending on the Product, they may need to

• Come from an approved country
• Come from an approved Establishment
• Have an Official Certificate
• Enter through a Border Control Post

Do not Export before the Importer has checked eligibility.

Can Plants and Plant Products Be Shipped to Germany?

Some types can be shipped, but Plant Health Requirements must be checked.

Requirements may include

• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Inspection
• Pest Control
• Import Restrictions

depending on the Commodity.

Wooden Packaging must be checked separately for ISPM 15 compliance.

What Should Be Checked for Wooden Pallets Shipped to Germany?

Wood Packaging within the scope of the rules should be checked for

• ISPM 15
• Treatment
• IPPC Mark
• Dunnage

If using

• Wooden Pallets
• Wooden Crates
• Wooden Skids
• Wooden Blocking

check the requirements before Packing.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is ISPM 15? Wooden Packaging, Pallets, and Fumigation for Export

What Should Be Checked When Shipping Cosmetics to Germany?

Cosmetics placed on the EU market are subject to the EU Cosmetic Regulation.

Requirements may include

• Responsible Person
• Product Safety
• Product Information
• Notification
• Ingredient Compliance
• Labeling

Commercial Lots of Cosmetics should not be imported into Germany based only on Freight and Customs Duty calculations.

Import Compliance must be ready before the products are placed on the market.

What Should Be Checked When Shipping Chemicals to Germany?

Chemicals may be subject to

• REACH
• CLP
• Import Restrictions
• Dangerous Goods Regulations

depending on the Product and Quantity.

Information to prepare may include

• SDS
• Composition
• CAS Number, where applicable
• Intended Use
• Annual Quantity
• Transport Classification

before Import.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is an SDS / MSDS? Essential Documents for Shipping Chemicals and Dangerous Goods

What Is REACH?

REACH is an EU Regulation concerning the

• Registration
• Evaluation
• Authorisation
• Restriction

of Chemicals.

The obligations of an Importer or Manufacturer can vary according to

• Substance
• Mixture
• Article
• Quantity
• Use

Do not assume that every Chemical Shipment requires the same type of Registration.

The actual Product and Business Model must be assessed.

Can Dangerous Goods Be Shipped to Germany?

Certain types can be shipped if the Transport Regulations for the relevant Mode are followed.

For example

• Air shipments follow applicable air Dangerous Goods requirements
• Sea shipments follow Maritime Dangerous Goods rules
• Road transport in Europe may be subject to ADR

Carrier Policies must also be considered.

The same Chemical may therefore require different Documentation and Packaging depending on the Transport Mode.

What Is ADR?

ADR is the framework governing the international carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road in Europe and participating countries.

When Dangerous Goods enter Germany and continue by Truck, check

• Classification
• Packaging
• Marking
• Documentation
• Vehicle Requirements

Do not assess only the Sea or Air leg of the journey.

Is DDP Shipping to Germany Possible?

It can be arranged for some Transactions, but it requires careful review.

A Seller based outside the EU may need to take responsibility for matters such as

• Import Clearance
• Customs Duty
• Import VAT
• EORI
• Tax Setup
• Product Compliance

under DDP.

In practice, there may be restrictions on who can act as the

• Importer
• Declarant
• Taxable Person

Confirm DDP arrangements with a Customs Broker and Tax Advisor in Germany before issuing a final Quote.

Suggested Internal Link: What Are Incoterms? Learn About EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, and DDP Before Importing or Exporting

How Does DAP to Germany Differ from DDP?

DAP

The Seller arranges Transportation to the Named Place.

The Buyer is generally responsible for

• Import Clearance
• Import Duty
• Import VAT

DDP

The Seller takes responsibility for Import Formalities and Duty / Tax under the Rule.

For Thai Sellers without an established Import Setup in the EU, DAP may be easier to arrange than DDP in many cases.

However, the actual Commercial Agreement must be reviewed.

Does CIF Hamburg Include Import Taxes?

Not automatically.

Under CIF, the Seller arranges

• Ocean Freight
• Insurance as required by the Rule

to the Named Destination Port in terms of cost responsibility.

The Buyer still has responsibility for

• Import Clearance
• Duty
• VAT
• Destination Costs

under the Incoterms Rule.

Therefore,

CIF Hamburg ≠ German Import Taxes Included

Are Low-value Shipments to Germany Tax-free?

Do not rely on outdated information stating that

low-value goods are exempt from VAT.

The EU has abolished the VAT exemption for commercial low-value imported goods.

Low-value Shipments may use Customs Procedures and VAT mechanisms such as

• IOSS
• Special Arrangements

depending on the Transaction structure.

In addition, EU Customs policies for low-value goods are undergoing changes during 2026.

E-commerce businesses should check the current rules before selling goods to Germany on a DDP or tax-inclusive basis.

What Is IOSS?

IOSS, or Import One-Stop Shop, is a VAT scheme for Distance Sales of imported goods within its defined scope.

It allows a Seller or Platform to collect VAT from the Buyer at the time of sale and remit it through the relevant system.

However, IOSS is not a Freight Service and is not a general exemption from Customs Duty.

Consult the following, as appropriate:

• Tax Advisor
• Marketplace
• Customs Provider

to determine whether the Transaction falls within the scheme’s scope.

What Should You Know About Exchange Rates When Shipping to Germany?

For Commercial Quotes, clearly distinguish between

• Freight Currency
• Customs Currency Conversion
• Supplier Invoice Currency

If the Product Invoice is in USD while Freight and Local Charges are in EUR, costs may change with Exchange Rates.

Businesses issuing Quotes far in advance should therefore consider including a Costing Buffer.

What Is Required to Ship Goods from Germany to Thailand?

When importing goods from Germany into Thailand, check the requirements on the Thai side separately.

Information to prepare includes

• Product Description
• HS Code / AHTN
• Country of Origin
• Customs Value
• Import Duty
• VAT
• Permits
• TIS (Thai Industrial Standards)
• FDA requirements, where applicable
• SDS
• Other product-specific Regulations

A CE Mark on a product in Germany does not automatically mean that it meets Thai requirements.

If a German Product Has CE Marking, Does It Still Need TIS Certification?

CE and TIS are separate systems.

If a product falls under Thailand’s mandatory standards, Thai requirements must still be checked.

For example, certain Electrical Equipment may have

CE Marking

but still need to be checked for

TIS (Thai Industrial Standards)

before Import.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is the TIS Mark? How Does It Affect Import and Export Businesses?

How Are Import Duties on Goods from Germany to Thailand Calculated?

Check

• HS Code
• Customs Value
• Country of Origin
• Import Duty
• VAT
• FTA / Tariff Eligibility
• Special Measures

The EU–Thailand FTA is still under negotiation.

Do not assume that goods originating in Germany automatically qualify for a 0% FTA rate when imported into Thailand.

Suggested Internal Link: How Are Import Duties Calculated? Learn About Import Duty, VAT, and Costs Before Importing Goods

Germany Has 19% VAT. Does That Mean Goods Imported into Thailand Are Also Subject to 19% VAT?

No.

The 19% VAT rate is part of Germany’s tax system.

When goods are exported from Germany and imported into Thailand, the transaction’s tax treatment and Thai law must be considered.

Thai Import VAT follows Thailand’s rules; Germany’s VAT rate is not simply applied again.

Clearly distinguish between

German VAT

and

Thai Import VAT

What Should You Consider When Buying EXW Germany?

When buying under EXW, the Thai Buyer takes on more Logistics Responsibility at Origin.

The Buyer must arrange

• Pickup
• Export Customs
• Main Freight
• Import Clearance

and check whether the Seller can provide all the information needed for the Export Process.

For some cross-border Commercial Transactions, FCA may be more suitable than EXW because the Seller handles Export Clearance under the Rule.

Can FOB Germany Be Used for Air Freight?

It should not.

FOB is intended for Sea / Inland Waterway Transport.

For Air Freight from Germany, consider Incoterms suitable for Any Mode, such as

• FCA
• CPT
• CIP
• DAP

depending on the Transaction.

What Determines Freight Costs from Germany to Thailand?

Air Freight

Consider

• Actual Weight
• Volumetric Weight
• Chargeable Weight
• Dimensions
• Route

Sea LCL

Consider

• CBM
• Weight / Measurement under the Tariff
• Origin Charges
• Destination Charges

FCL

Consider

• Container Type
• Route
• Equipment
• Local Charges

Compare Total Cost rather than only the Base Freight rate.

What Should You Prepare When Shipping Machinery from Germany to Thailand?

Germany is an important source of Machinery and Industrial Equipment.

Before shipping, prepare

• Machine Name
• Function
• Model
• Technical Specifications
• Dimensions
• Gross Weight
• Packing Details
• HS Code
• Country of Origin
• Battery / Oil Information
• Photos
• Drawings, where applicable

For Oversized Cargo, check the Equipment before finalizing the Packing.

Must Machinery Containing Oil or Batteries Be Declared?

Yes.

Machinery may contain

• Hydraulic Oil
• Lubricant
• Fuel Residue
• Lithium Batteries
• Lead-acid Batteries

These can affect

• Carrier Acceptance
• DG Classification
• Packaging

Do not declare the goods simply as

Machinery

without providing these details.

Should You Purchase Cargo Insurance?

Consider

• Cargo Value
• Fragility
• Route
• Transport Mode
• Handling

Cargo Insurance is particularly worth considering for high-value Machinery or Commercial Cargo.

A Freight Contract does not mean that the Carrier will compensate the full Invoice Value if Damage occurs.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Cargo Insurance? What Does International Cargo Insurance Cover?

Can Goods Be Distributed Across the EU After Arriving in Germany?

Once goods have been Released for Free Circulation and the relevant requirements have been met, they can move within the EU Customs Territory under the EU system.

However, the following still need to be assessed

• VAT
• Product Compliance
• Warehousing
• Distance Selling
• Local Tax

Businesses planning to use Germany as a Distribution Hub should plan

Customs + Tax + Logistics

together from the outset.

Why Is Germany Suitable as a Logistics Hub in Europe?

Germany is located in Central Europe and connects to several important markets through

• Road
• Rail
• Sea
• Air

It can therefore serve as a Gateway or Distribution Point in some Supply Chains.

However, compare it with other countries, such as

• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Poland

based on

• Port / Airport
• Warehouse
• Tax Setup
• Customer Location
• Delivery Cost

rather than choosing based on the country alone.

Checklist for Shipping Goods from Thailand to Germany

Before Booking, check

• Product Name
• Product Description
• HS Code / EU Tariff Classification
• Country of Origin
• Quantity
• Value
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Gross Weight
• Dimensions
• Importer
• EORI, where applicable
• Customs Broker
• ICS2 / ENS Data
• CE Requirements
• Food / Chemical / Product Regulations
• Import Permits, where applicable
• VAT
• Customs Duty
• Wooden Packaging / ISPM 15
• Battery / Dangerous Goods
• Incoterms
• Postal Code
• Cargo Ready Date
• Insurance

Checklist for Importing Goods from Germany to Thailand

Check

• Product
• HS Code / AHTN
• Country of Origin
• Supplier
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Freight Mode
• Customs Value
• Import Duty
• VAT
• Import Permits
• TIS, where applicable
• FDA requirements, where applicable
• SDS / Chemical Regulations
• Battery / DG
• Wooden Packaging
• Incoterms
• Delivery Location

Common Mistakes in Germany Import and Export

• Assuming EORI is the same as a VAT Number
• Assuming every Consignee needs an EORI under the same conditions
• Using a Thai HS Code directly as the EU Tariff Code
• Failing to prepare ICS2 information
• Using overly broad Product Descriptions
• Assuming CE applies to every type of product
• Assuming CE means TIS checks are unnecessary for imports into Thailand
• Assuming Thailand already has an FTA with the EU
• Assuming Form A can generally reduce EU import duties based on outdated information
• Confusing Germany’s 19% VAT with Customs Duty
• Assuming CIF Hamburg includes Import Taxes
• Quoting DDP without an Import Setup
• Failing to check Food / Chemical / Product Regulations
• Failing to check ISPM 15
• Using old Transit Times as guaranteed delivery times
• Comparing Freight based only on the Base Rate

Frequently Asked Questions About Importing and Exporting to Germany (FAQ)

What shipping methods are available from Thailand to Germany?

Air Courier, Air Cargo, and Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) are available, depending on the Shipment’s size, weight, Lead Time, and budget.

How long does shipping to Germany take?

There is no single Transit Time. Check the actual Route, Carrier, Schedule, Customs, and Inland Delivery before Booking.

What is an EORI Number?

An EORI Number identifies an Economic Operator for EU Customs Operations. It is used for Import, Export, and Transit processes as applicable to the operator’s role.

Are EORI and VAT Numbers the same?

No. EORI is used for Customs identification, while a VAT Number is used for Value Added Tax. A business may need both.

What is the VAT rate in Germany?

The standard rate is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% for certain goods. The tax treatment of each product must be checked.

Does Thailand have an FTA with Germany or the EU?

As of 2026, the EU–Thailand FTA is still under negotiation. Do not assume that goods from Thailand already qualify for preferential duties under that FTA.

What is required to ship food to Germany?

Requirements depend on the Product. Certain foods need Official Certificates and must enter through a Border Control Post, while other products are subject to different rules. Check the EU Import Requirements before shipping.

Does machinery shipped to Germany need CE Marking?

It depends on the Product and the EU legislation covering that Machinery. The requirement cannot be determined from the product name alone.

Does CIF Germany include Import Duty and VAT?

No. CIF does not automatically include Import Duty and VAT. The Buyer retains Import Responsibilities under the applicable Incoterms Rule.

Does shipping chemicals to Germany require an SDS?

Chemical Shipments commonly require an SDS to assess hazards and Transport Classification. REACH, CLP, and other Product-specific Regulations must also be checked.

Germany Import and Export Services with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides shipping services between Thailand and Germany through

• Air Courier
• Air Cargo
• Sea Freight LCL
• Sea Freight FCL

Related services may include

• Pickup
• Packing
• Warehousing
• Shipping Documents
• Customs Clearance
• Delivery

depending on the Service Scope of each Shipment.

To request a quote for importing or exporting to Germany, prepare the following information:

• Product Name and Photos
• Product Specifications
• Number of Packages
• Dimensions after Packing
• Gross Weight
• Cargo Value
• HS Code, if available
• Country of Origin
• Origin Country and City
• Destination City and Postal Code
• Incoterms
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Delivery Date
• Battery / Chemical / Food / Machinery details, where applicable

This will help the CPL INTER team assess suitable Freight Modes, Routes, and relevant Logistics information before Booking.

EU Customs rules, ICS2, VAT, TARIC, Product Compliance, and product-specific requirements may change. Check the requirements in force on the actual Shipment date with the Importer, Customs Broker, and relevant authorities before confirming the transport.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international freight transportation and customs procedures, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.