Shipping to Germany from Canada: Affordable Reliable Delivery

The economic ties between Germany and Canada are growing rapidly, driven by e-commerce expansion and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Germany remains one of Canada's largest trading partners, fostering strong cultural, academic, and commercial connections.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only.

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⚠️ 2026 Update: Importing Low Value Shipments to Germany

Understanding the Shipping Process from Canada to Germany

Required Documentation and Customs Regulations

1. Export Declaration (CERS)

Goods valued over $2,000 CAD (or otherwise restricted) must be declared to the CBSA prior to export. Read more about the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).

2. Commercial Invoice for Customs

All goods imported to Germany must be accompanied by a commercial invoice. It must clearly state the value, description, and HS Code of the goods. See our guide on preparing a commercial invoice.

3. The EORI Number (Mandatory for Businesses)

Businesses in Germany must provide an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). This unique ID tracks customs transactions across the EU. Without it, your shipment will be held at German customs.

The EORI consists of:

• Country code of the issuing Member State (e.g., DE for Germany)
• A unique code/number assigned by the state

4. CETA Certificate of Origin (Duty-Free Entry)

Under CETA, qualifying Canadian goods can enter Germany Duty-Free. This requires a specific origin declaration on the invoice. Verify if your goods need a Certificate of Origin.

Read More: Country of Shipment vs. Country of Origin 

Prohibited and Restricted Items

It is vital to confirm restrictions with German authorities (*Zoll*) prior to shipping. Common prohibitions include:

• Illegal drugs & narcotics
• Counterfeit currency and goods
• Hazardous waste
• Hate speech or propaganda materials
• CITES protected species (plants/animals)
• Weapons and ammunition (without permit)
• Pirated media (software/movies)
• Precursor chemicals for drugs
• Illegal pornography
• Tobacco products (strict limits apply)

Shipping Time and Cost Considerations

Get a comparison shipping rate to Germany.

Cold Chain & Dry Ice: Shipping Temperature-Sensitive Goods

Germany is the pharmaceutical hub of Europe and a primary destination for Canadian biotech samples, clinical trial medications, and frozen food exports. However, shipping goods on Dry Ice (UN1845) to Germany requires more than just a sturdy box—it requires strict adherence to IATA regulations and German Customs compliance.

1. Navigating Germany's Good Distribution Practice (GDP)

Unlike shipping to the UK or USA, Germany enforces strict Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards for medicinal products. If your frozen sample arrives at Frankfurt (FRA) without proof that it stayed frozen (e.g., data logger data), it can be rejected by the receiver even if it clears customs.

Pro Tip: We recommend a "Monday Dispatch" strategy for all dry ice shipments to Germany to ensure delivery before the weekend trucking bans take effect.

2. The Regulatory Checklist for Dry Ice

To ensure your frozen shipment clears German customs before the ice melts, verify the following:

• EORI Number: Ensure the German receiver's EORI is on the invoice.
• CETA Statement: Include the origin declaration to avoid duties on Canadian biologicals.
• Labeling: Clearly mark UN1845, Class 9, and Net Weight of Dry Ice (kg) on the outer box.

3. Common Dry Ice Applications

• Bio-Pharma: Investigational drugs, viral vectors, and proteins.
• Clinical Trials: Patient samples (blood/tissue) returning to central labs (UN3373).
• Advanced Engineering: Pre-mixed frozen epoxies for the automotive sector.

Need to ship frozen samples to Germany? Don't let your shipment thaw in customs. Contact Jet Worldwide to set up a secure, temperature-controlled logistics plan that ensures your dry ice shipment arrives safely in Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt.

Popular Delivery Options: Shipping to Germany from Canada

1. Express Delivery Services (FedEx, UPS, DHL)

Global integrators offer reliable options for parcels:

• Priority Express: Fastest option (1-2 days), higher cost.
• Economy Express: Cost-effective (3-5 days).

2. Canada Post (Small Packets)

Best for individuals shipping personal items or low-volume e-commerce.

• Small Packet: Surface or Air options (lowest cost).
• Xpresspost International: Tracked service.

3. Jet Worldwide (Hybrid & Commercial)

A trusted brand for over 40 years. Jet Worldwide provides direct access to European networks like DPD Group (Europe's second-largest delivery network), offering a seamless bridge for Canadian B2B and B2C exporters.

4. Air & Sea Freight

• Air Freight: Best for commercial cargo over 50 kg requiring speed. Get an air freight quote.
• Sea Freight: Most cost-effective for large commercial orders and container loads (FCL/LCL).

How to Choose the Best Shipping Partner

Reputation & Experience

All major carriers (Kuehne+Nagel, DHL, FedEx, UPS) are reliable. However, the difference lies in customer support. While comparison sites offer "50% savings," they often lack the expertise to handle customs issues when shipments get stuck.

Tailored Solutions for E-Commerce & Pharma

Jet Worldwide goes beyond just moving boxes. We offer:

• DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) options to improve the customer experience.
• E-commerce Import: Seamless entry via DPD for online sellers.
• Storage & Logistics: Warehousing support in Germany.