How to Ship from the US to Germany: Complete 2026 Guide

Introduction

Germany stands as a formidable economic powerhouse—it's the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest globally. This makes it a prime destination for American businesses and individuals looking to ship products. With a robust population of approximately 84 million, Germany boasts a vast consumer market characterized by significant purchasing power and a strong inclination toward online shopping. German consumers are known for their appreciation of quality, reliability, and efficiency, making them a valuable audience for American products like fashion, electronics, health and wellness products, specialty foods, cosmetics, outdoor gear, and automotive accessories.

Located at the heart of Europe, Germany serves as a strategic gateway to the entire EU market. Its logistics network is anchored by world-leading infrastructure, including Frankfurt Airport—one of the busiest cargo hubs globally—and Deutsche Post DHL’s exceptional domestic delivery system. The country's autobahn network, rail infrastructure, and extensive parcel delivery ecosystem ensure packages are delivered promptly and efficiently. As a founding EU member, Germany adheres to standardized European customs procedures and handles more import volume than any other EU nation. Whether you're an e-commerce seller targeting the German market or an individual sending a personal package, Germany offers a predictable and well-organized shipping experience.

Best Carriers for Shipping to Germany

USPS (United States Postal Service)

USPS is often a go-to for affordable shipping to Germany, thanks to its collaboration with Deutsche Post for last-mile delivery. This partnership allows for widespread service coverage across Germany, including rural areas, and ensures good tracking integration between USPS and Deutsche Post.

USPS offers several service options:

First-Class Package International: Ideal for small, lightweight items under 4 pounds. Delivery typically takes between 10-21 days, making it a cost-effective choice for non-urgent shipments.
Priority Mail International: Suitable for standard packages up to 70 pounds, with delivery in 6-10 business days. This service provides a balance between speed and cost.
Priority Mail Express International: Offers expedited delivery within 3-5 business days for urgent shipments, accommodating packages up to 70 pounds.
Global Express Guaranteed (GXG): The fastest USPS option, delivering time-critical packages in 1-3 business days with a weight limit of 70 pounds.

UPS

UPS has a significant presence in Germany, with one of its largest operations outside the United States. Their European air hub in Cologne is among the largest UPS sorting facilities worldwide, enabling rapid and reliable service.

UPS services include:

Worldwide Express: Offers the fastest delivery, typically in 1-2 business days, with an option for morning delivery.
Worldwide Express Saver: Guarantees delivery by the end of the day within 1-3 business days.
Worldwide Expedited: Provides a good balance of speed and cost, with delivery in 3-5 business days.
Standard to Europe: The most economical option, with delivery in 5-7 business days.

UPS provides comprehensive customs brokerage, door-to-door tracking, and numerous Access Point locations for flexible delivery options throughout Germany.

FedEx

FedEx connects to Germany through its robust European network, with key hubs in Paris and other major European cities.

FedEx services include:

International Priority: Delivers in 1-3 business days, offering door-to-door service with customs clearance.
International Economy: A cost-effective option with delivery in 5-7 business days, ideal for less urgent shipments.
International First: Provides the earliest delivery commitment, typically within 1-2 business days.
International Priority Freight: Designed for heavy and oversized items, with delivery times ranging from 2-4 days.

FedEx ensures reliable service across Germany, covering major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf.

DHL Express

Headquartered in Bonn, DHL Express is a natural fit for US-to-Germany shipping, leveraging its home-field advantage.

DHL services include:

Express Worldwide: Offers fast delivery within 1-3 business days, benefiting from DHL’s extensive last-mile network in Germany.
Express 12:00: Guarantees morning delivery within 1-2 business days.

DHL's deep integration with the Deutsche Post Packstation system, which includes over 11,000 automated parcel lockers, enhances delivery convenience.

Shipping Costs and Transit Times

Shipping costs and transit times vary depending on the carrier and service chosen. Here's a snapshot of estimated costs for a 5-pound package using standard boxes:

USPS First-Class Package International: $15-28, with transit times of 10-21 days.
USPS Priority Mail International: $42-72, with delivery in 6-10 days.
USPS Priority Mail Express International: $52-88, offering delivery in 3-5 days.
UPS Worldwide Expedited: $78-135, with delivery in 3-5 days.
UPS Standard to Europe: $50-90, taking 5-7 days.
FedEx International Economy: $68-118, with delivery in 5-7 days.
FedEx International Priority: $88-155, delivering in 1-3 days.
DHL Express Worldwide: $80-140, with transit times of 1-3 days.

USPS Flat Rate Options

USPS offers flat rate options that provide excellent value for dense, heavy shipments:

Small Flat Rate Box: $26-38
Medium Flat Rate Box: $55-72
Large Flat Rate Box: $75-95

Germany falls under USPS Price Group 5, making Priority Mail International particularly competitive.

Customs, Duties, and Import Regulations

Germany adheres to EU customs regulations, with oversight by the German Customs Authority (Zoll). Customs processing in Germany is efficient but thorough, with specific duties and taxes applied based on the value of the goods.

Duty and Tax Thresholds

All commercial imports to Germany are subject to a 19% VAT, irrespective of value. Goods valued under EUR 150 are exempt from customs duties but still incur VAT. For items over EUR 150, customs duties are applied, varying by product category.

German VAT (Mehrwertsteuer/MwSt) Rates

The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%, applicable to most goods, including electronics and clothing. A reduced rate of 7% applies to essential items like food, books, and public transport.

Common Duty Rates

Electronics: 0-5%
Clothing: 8-12%
Footwear: 8-17%
Cosmetics: 2-6.5%
Supplements/vitamins: 0-5%
Books: 0%
Coffee: 7.5-11.5%
Toys and games: 0-4.7%

Required Documentation

Shipping to Germany requires specific documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance:

CN22/CN23 Customs Forms: Necessary for all USPS shipments.
Commercial Invoice: Required for UPS, FedEx, and DHL shipments, detailing HS codes, descriptions, values, weights, and origin.
EORI Number: Needed for German businesses receiving commercial imports.
CE Marking Documentation: Required for electronics and certain consumer products sold commercially.
Health Certificates: Needed for specific food products and supplements.

IOSS for E-commerce Sellers

E-commerce sellers shipping goods valued under EUR 150 to German consumers are encouraged to register for IOSS. This system allows sellers to collect the 19% German VAT at checkout, facilitating smoother customs clearance without additional charges for the recipient. Without IOSS, Deutsche Post charges a service fee (typically EUR 6) for customs processing, which can frustrate consumers and lead to refused deliveries.

Deutsche Post/DHL Customs Processing Fees

Without IOSS (VAT not prepaid): ~EUR 6 per package
With IOSS (VAT prepaid at checkout): No additional fee
UPS/FedEx/DHL Express (carrier brokerage): Included in the shipping cost

Understanding these fees is crucial, as German consumers are sensitive to unexpected post-purchase charges.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Prohibited Items

Shipping to Germany involves adhering to strict regulations regarding prohibited items, including:

Narcotics and controlled substances
Counterfeit goods and intellectual property violations
Weapons and ammunition without permits
Most types of explosives and fireworks
Products from endangered species (CITES)
Certain chemicals and hazardous materials banned in the EU
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (personal imports)

Restricted Items (Require Permits or Compliance)

Food Products: Must comply with EU food safety regulations, including German-language labeling for commercial sale.
Cosmetics: Must comply with EU Cosmetics Regulation and be registered in the CPNP.
Dietary Supplements: Regulated as food by the BVL and require compliance.
Electronics: Must carry CE marking for commercial sale.
Medicines: Require BfArM approval, with personal imports limited to a 3-month supply with a valid prescription.
Alcohol and Tobacco: Subject to excise duty and strict packaging requirements.
Biocides and Pesticides: Require registration.

Germany-Specific Notes

Germany enforces strict packaging regulations under the VerpackG (Packaging Act). Businesses selling products commercially in Germany must register with the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (LUCID) and participate in a dual system for packaging recycling. This primarily affects commercial sellers, not personal shipments. Additionally, German customs authorities expect detailed customs descriptions to avoid delays. Vague terms like "merchandise" should be avoided in favor of specific descriptions.

Packaging Tips for International Shipments

Box and Material Selection

Selecting the right packaging is crucial for successful international shipments:

Use quality corrugated boxes with a minimum rating of 32 ECT for durability.
Wrap items individually and cushion thoroughly to meet German consumers' high expectations for product condition.
Fill void spaces with appropriate cushioning materials to prevent movement.
Seal all seams with high-quality packing tape.
Consider using recyclable and eco-friendly packaging materials, as German consumers value sustainability.

Climate Considerations

Germany's climate can impact your shipment:

Summers are warm (20-30°C), while winters can drop below -10°C in some areas.
Protect liquid items from freezing during winter months (November through March).
Although heat-sensitive items are rarely a concern, southern Germany may occasionally exceed 35°C in summer.

Labeling

Proper labeling ensures efficient delivery:

German address format: Name, Street Name + House Number, Postal Code + City, GERMANY
Include the recipient's phone number for delivery coordination.
Many Germans use Packstation numbers for delivery. Format: Name, Packstation XXX, Customer Number (Postnummer), PLZ + City, GERMANY.
Write addresses clearly using Latin characters, accounting for umlauts (ä, ö, ü) and the Eszett (ß).

Tracking and Insurance Options

Tracking by Carrier

Carrier tracking quality varies, but all major carriers provide reliable options:

USPS Priority Mail International: Good tracking with integration between USPS and Deutsche Post.
USPS Express International: Very good tracking, including German postal scans.
UPS: Excellent, providing full real-time door-to-door tracking.
FedEx: Excellent, with real-time updates and customs status.
DHL Express: Excellent tracking, with seamless integration and notifications.

Deutsche Post/DHL offers excellent tracking within Germany, with real-time delivery notifications and the ability to redirect packages.

Insurance Options

Insurance options vary by carrier:

USPS Priority Mail International: Includes up to $200, with additional coverage up to $5,000 available.
USPS Express International: Similar coverage to Priority Mail.
UPS: Includes up to $100, with declared value coverage available.
FedEx: Includes up to $100, with additional coverage up to $50,000.
DHL Express: Coverage varies, with extended liability available.

How to Save on International Shipping

Compare Rates with Atoship

Atoship simplifies shipping to Germany by offering instant rate comparisons across major carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. The platform provides real-time pricing for your exact package specifications, helping you choose the best combination of cost, speed, and reliability. On average, Atoship users save 20-40% compared to standard retail rates when shipping to Germany.

Additional Savings Tips

Register for IOSS: Avoid the EUR 6 Deutsche Post processing fee and enhance customer experience by collecting VAT at checkout.
Leverage USPS's Competitive Rates: Price Group 5 rates make Priority Mail International a great value.
Use Flat Rate Boxes for Dense Shipments: USPS flat rate options are ideal for heavy items.
Optimize with UPS's Cologne Hub: Enjoy fast transit times and competitive pricing.
Choose FedEx International Economy for Cost Savings: Reliable delivery at a discount.
Keep Shipments Under EUR 150: Avoid customs duties, though VAT still applies.
Right-Size Packaging: Minimize dimensional weight charges by using appropriately sized boxes.
Print Labels Through Atoship: Save 10-30% compared to counter rates.
Ship DDP for Commercial Orders: Prepay duties and taxes to avoid unexpected charges and improve customer satisfaction.
Detail Customs Forms Accurately: Expedite customs processing with specific descriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to ship from the US to Germany?

Express services like UPS Worldwide Express, FedEx International Priority, and DHL Express typically deliver in 1-3 business days. USPS Priority Mail International generally takes 6-10 business days. Economy options, such as USPS First-Class Package International, can take 10-21 days. German customs processing is efficient, typically adding only one business day.

How much will my German recipient pay in taxes?

All imports into Germany are subject to a 19% VAT (7% for food and books). Goods valued over EUR 150 may incur customs duties, which vary by product. Without IOSS, Deutsche Post charges approximately EUR 6 for customs processing. Using IOSS or shipping DDP helps eliminate surprise charges. For goods under EUR 150 shipped with IOSS, the recipient pays nothing additional.

Can I ship food from the US to Germany?

Non-perishable, commercially packaged foods are generally allowed for personal use. Popular items include American snacks, candy, coffee, spices, and sauces. However, meat, dairy, and other animal products from non-EU countries are prohibited for personal postal imports under EU regulations. Commercially imported food must comply with EU food safety standards and labeling requirements (German language labels for commercial sale). Food items are subject to the 7% reduced VAT rate.

What is a Packstation address and should I use it?

A Packstation is an automated parcel locker operated by DHL across Germany, with over 11,000 locations. Many Germans prefer Packstation delivery because they can pick up packages 24/7 at their convenience. If your recipient provides a Packstation address, you can ship to it via USPS (since Deutsche Post/DHL handles delivery). The address format includes the Packstation number and the recipient's DHL Postnummer. UPS and FedEx cannot deliver to Packstations; only DHL/Deutsche Post can.