Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe and a critical market for Canadian businesses. However, in 2026, it is also one of the strictest jurisdictions for import compliance. From the Packaging Act (VerpackG) to precise Commercial Invoices, this guide covers the essentials for shipping from Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver to Berlin and beyond.
| Shipping Mode | Best For | Est. Cost (CAD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Post (Surface) | Personal Items (Under 2kg) | $35 - $45 | 30–60 Days |
| Xpresspost Intl. | Priority Documents | ~$95 | 5–10 Days |
| Jet Worldwide | Commercial / Parcels | Quote Based | 3–5 Days |
If you ship goods to consumers in Germany (B2C), you must comply with the Packaging Act. German customs and market surveillance authorities actively check for this.
Failure to register can result in fines up to €200,000 and a ban on selling in Germany. Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay will block non-compliant sellers.
The 3 Steps to Compliance:
German Customs (Zoll) is known for being meticulous. Vague descriptions like "Samples" or "Gift" will result in delays or returns. Your invoice must be precise.
To claim 0% Duty under CETA, you must include this exact text on your invoice for shipments under €6,000 (or have a Registered Exporter number for higher values):
"The exporter of the products covered by this document declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of Canada preferential origin."
No. CETA only applies to goods that are "originating" in Canada. Simply buying a product from China and shipping it from Toronto does not qualify for 0% duty.
What is the IOSS?The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) allows you to collect VAT at checkout for shipments under €150. This speeds up customs clearance as the tax is already paid.
Can I ship food to Germany?Shipping food is complex. Germany has strict rules on meat and dairy. Non-perishable, store-bought items in original packaging are generally safer, but always verify restrictions. Contact our team for dry ice shipping.
Jet Worldwide helps Canadian businesses navigate CETA, VerpackG, and EU logistics.