Customs

Frequently Asked Questions About Customs

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our customs services. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• What documents are required for customs clearance?
  For customs clearance, the following documents are usually required: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, freight documents (e.g. air waybill, sea waybill, CMR), certificate of origin (when claiming preferences), and possibly import permits or special certificates (e.g. for food, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods). Depending on the type of goods and destination country, additional documents may be required. Our team will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements for your shipments.
• How are duties and import charges calculated?
  Duties are usually calculated as a percentage of the goods value (ad valorem). The duty rate depends on the type of goods (tariff number) and the country of origin. In addition to duties, other import charges are often incurred, particularly import VAT (19% or 7% in Germany). The calculation basis is the customs value, which consists of the goods value, transport costs to the EU border and possibly insurance costs. For certain goods, additional excise duties may apply (e.g. for alcohol, tobacco). We help you calculate the costs in advance and advise you on cost optimization opportunities.
• What are preferential agreements and how can I benefit from them?
  Preferential agreements are trade agreements between countries or regions that provide for reduced duty rates or duty-free treatment for certain goods. The EU has concluded such agreements with numerous countries. To benefit from these concessions, the goods must meet certain rules of origin and be imported with a valid preferential certificate (e.g. origin declaration on the invoice, EUR.1, EUR-MED). We are happy to advise you on the requirements and support you in applying for and issuing the required certificates.
• What is a tariff number and how is it determined?
  The tariff number (also called HS code or commodity number) is an internationally standardized code used to classify goods in international trade. It consists of at least 6 digits (internationally uniform) and can be extended to 8, 10 or more digits depending on the country. Correct tariff classification is crucial for the amount of customs duties, the applicability of trade restrictions and the fulfillment of statistical reporting obligations. The determination is based on the nature of the goods, function and intended use according to the rules of the Harmonized System. Our team supports you in the correct tariff classification of your goods.
• What are customs procedures and which one is right for me?
  There are various customs procedures that can be applied depending on the intended use of the goods: Release for free circulation (standard import) for goods that are to remain permanently in the EU; transit procedure for the transport of non-customs cleared goods; customs warehousing procedure for the unlimited storage of non-customs cleared goods; temporary use for goods that are re-exported after temporary use; active processing for goods that are imported for processing and then re-exported. Choosing the right procedure can offer significant financial and administrative advantages. We advise you individually on which procedure is best suited for your specific situation.
• How can I avoid delays in customs clearance?
  To avoid delays in customs clearance, you should observe the following points: Provide all required documents completely and correctly; use the correct tariff numbers; ensure precise and consistent goods description; declare the correct goods value; observe country-specific import regulations and prohibitions; plan sufficient time for customs clearance, especially for sensitive goods. As an experienced customs service provider, we support you in observing these points and ensure smooth customs processing.