A guide for international shipping between Canada and Germany.
- Canada Post is the preferable option for individuals shipping small parcels
- Market dominant carriers, such as UPS, FedEx have crazy high base pricing. Discounts are available directly or via resellers.
- Jet's logistics professionals provides solutions for commercial packages, cargo and e-commerce.
This post provides a deeper dive and explores of the main elements of international shipping between Canada and Germany
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- Carrier options Germany shipping from Canada
- Shipping Terms to Germany duty paid or unpaid?
- German customs clearance for Canadian shipments
- IOSS and VAT prepayment for e-commerce imports to Germany and EU
- Shipping to German trade shows from Canada
- CETA EU duty free Germany for Canadian origin goods
- EU / German distribution for Canadian origin goods
- Shipping to Canada from Germany
- Common Canada import fees for shipments from Germany
- CETA duty free import to Canada for qualifying German origin goods
- Shipping Canadian e-commerce to Germany and the EU
- Information necessary to get a quote for shipping between Canada and Germany
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
Best Options for Shipping Parcels to Germany
There are a few options for shipping freight between Germany and Canada.
- Air freight: This is the fastest option with economy air options
- Ocean: Best for large commercial orders
- Local post options are generally best for individuals shipping small packages and personal items to Canada
- FedEX , UPS and DHL air options are well known with information readily available via their websites.
When choosing a shipping method, you will need to consider primarily the size and weight of your freight. It is helpful to compare quotes from different carriers to find the best shipping option.
Canada Shipping to Germany via Canada Post
The lowest cost delivery for small packets (under 2 kg) to Germany is via Canada Post. Canada Post shipments are deliver via Deutsche Post.
The prices below are estimates only and meant as a general guide. Canada Post's website is a great place to start when sending to Germany from Canada.
Contact Canada Post for information on businesses discounts.
Canada Shipping to Germany via FedEx and UPS
FedEx,UPS and DHL offer international express shipping to Germany.
Get a comparison shipping rate to Germany.
FedEx and UPS offer 2 basic shipping options Germany from Canada
- International priority/ air express to Germany
- International economy shipping via air service to Germany
Delivery to Germany via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide: International shipping for over 40 years!
Jet Worldwide offers options for shipping between Germany and North America for parcels, pallets, and online orders. Contact Jet.
Canada Shipping to Germany via Purolator
Purolator is a leading carrier in Canada. Canadians can ship their international parcels to Germany via Purolator who then gives the parcels to partner carriers - such as UPS and DHL - for delivery. Purolator is a division of Canada Post.
Shipping Terms to Consider When Shipping to Germany
The default option for shipping internationally from Canada is delivery duty unpaid. Common carriers use the term EXW. Meaning import costs assign to the receiver/ importer. Shippers from Canada can choose to pay the import fees on behalf of the receiver. Most carriers offer a Delivery Duty Payable by shipper (DDP) option.See our blog on IncoTerms and shipping terms for packages and online orders.
The disadvantage of paying import fees on behalf of the receiver is that the bulk of the import fees are often from a value add tax that the importing business may otherwise be able to claim back.
EORI Number for German Importers
Before shipping from Canada to Germany it is important to verify the EORI number of the consignee.
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI number) is an E.U. identification number for businesses (economic operator) which import or export of goods into or out of Germany to and from Canada. An EORI number is part of the data set necessary for customs entries in all EU countries.
The EORI number exists out of two parts:
- the country code of the issuing Member State
- a code or number that is unique in the Member State
German Customs Clearance for Canadian shipments to Germany
Goods shipping to Germany must include an invoice for customs or other supporting documents. German customs also requests that the commercial invoice include the shippers reason for sending the goods.
When preparing the customs invoice, it is useful to include a note that the value includes cost, insurance and freight (C.I.F.). German customs bases duty and taxes on the C.I.F. Customs assumes the value excludes C.I.F. if not otherwise on the invoice(and thus assessing higher duty and taxes).
The value of your shipment to Germany and the EU can effect the import fees: For shipments less than 150 Euros , no duty but VAT applies. Read about VAT collection for online orders to European Union members.
See section below on shipping online Shopify orders to Germany and the European Union.
Shipping a gift to Germany from Canada? Qualifying shipments sent as gifts can be sent duty free if under 45 Euros. Items sent as gifts must clearly indicate on the customs invoice.
Taxes for imports to Germany
The Value Add Tax / VAT is 19% in Germany. It applies to the CIF value (see above) plus duty. Duty charges can be particularly high for textiles, automotive parts and consumer electronics (such as i-phones!). Some items, such a books, enjoy a lower VAT rate (7%).
VAT Rules for Imports to Germany and the European Union
All imports to EU countries are subject to VAT. E-commerce shipments under EUR 150 can be import via One-Stop Shop (IOSS) processes. This allows sellers and online marketplaces to charge VAT at the point of sale. IOSS facilitates remittances across multiple EU countries . Value Add Tax to European Union Countries
For details on IOSS and the otherEU’s VAT rules, visit: Publications Office of the European Union.
Contact our team for information on shipping direct and assistance with IOSS registration
Sending to a Trade Show in Germany?
Usually, trade show organizers partner with a local brokerage to manage the clearance of your trade show items.
- Goods shipping to a trade show must be clear via a German customs broker (an EU company with an EORI number).
- Often, Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) terms are not available.
- Jet can arrange for the transport of your trade show items to Germany and then transfer the paperwork to the German Customs broker.
- The consignee in Germany must be a Germany company.
Shipping personal effects Germany from Canada
Jet often manages the shipping of personal effects from Canada but there are restrictions. German customs has specific requirements include copies of the importer's passport and travel itinerary A specific list of contents with estimates of unit and total value is necessary. Personal goods are generally meant as being over 1 year old and for personal use only.
- Shipping of excess baggage: Generally, it is simpler and easier to ship your personal effects as excess baggage when you travel. Carrier excess baggage fees for a couple of bags is most often less expensive than shipping separately without having to manage the entry requirements (see above).
- Shipping a box or several boxes: Jet Worldwide provides solutions shipping of international personal effects to Germany.
- Shipping a household/ container level: For shipping a full household, it is best to contact a moving specialists to arrange for packing and ocean transport.
Duty Free Clearance under CETA
Duty free eligibility to Germany from Canada under EU/Canada Trade Agreement (CETA): Country origin rules determine if the product is eligible for preferential duty free treatment under CETA.
READ MORE: CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN AND WHY IT IS NECESSARY
Fortunately for Canadian shippers, CETA rules do not require a formal certificate in order to obtain tariff benefits. A declaration on the invoice or any other commercial document accompanying the shipment is enough.
The CETA country of origin declaration has a specific wording, which is fairly straight forward (check with up to date regulations before shipping).
READ MORE: UNDERSTANDING IMPORT DUTY
Economy Delivery to Germany via an EU Hub
Economy parcel delivery to Germany from Canada is possible via an EU hub for a "Euro - domestic" distribution. With Brexit, Jet can assist you in finding an alternative EU hub for low cost ground delivery to France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy and all EU countries.
Jet Worldwide Delivery Options to Germany
- Parcel and pallet shipping Germany from Canada
- European E-commerce Distribution to Germany and EU from USA and Canada
Shipping from Germany To Canada
Shipping options from Germany to Canada include DHL, FedEx, UPS and Deutsche Post. Jet Worldwide provides shipping options from Germany to Canada for parcels, pallets and online orders. Goods importing to Canada may qualify for preferential duty free entry under CETA. Otherwise, imports Germany over CA$20 are subject to duty and tax.
Simplifer Origin Statement for Shipping Canada from Germany
For imports not exceeding $3,300 to Canada, the requirement for proof of origin is not necessary at time of import. However, the importer must maintain records including commercial invoices and B3’s.
Shipping Canadian E-commerce Orders to Germany and the EU
Jet Worldwide has best in class shipping solutions for Canada's leading e-commerce platform and sellers.
See section above on IOSS and prepaid VAT for e-commerce imports to Germany and EU Read about importing online orders to European Union members duty free but with VAT.
Contact our team for information on shipping direct to the European Union and registering for for prepayment of IOSS.
Get a Quote for Shipping Economy Air between Germany and Canada
Jet Worldwide makes it easy for companies seeking for spot quotes for economy air shipping between Germany and Canada.
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