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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Contact our team for an initial consultation.Critical Change: There is no longer a duty exemption for low-value shipments (valued under €150) to Germany. Furthermore, effective July 2026, low-value shipments are subject to a €3 fixed customs duty per consignment. and an additional €2 per consignment in November.
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).
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.
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:
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
It is vital to confirm restrictions with German authorities (*Zoll*) prior to shipping. Common prohibitions include:
| Service Level | Transit Time (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Express Air (FedEx/UPS/DHL) | 1-3 Business Days |
| Economy Air | 3-5 Business Days |
| Canada Post | 1-2 Weeks |
| Ocean Freight | 1-2 Months |
Get a comparison shipping rate to Germany.
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.
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.
To ensure your frozen shipment clears German customs before the ice melts, verify the following:
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.
Global integrators offer reliable options for parcels:
Best for individuals shipping personal items or low-volume e-commerce.
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.
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.
Jet Worldwide goes beyond just moving boxes. We offer: