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Most people know that the United States imports many things; it's the number one importing nation in the world. That leads some to believe that exports aren’t as valuable - but you couldn't be more wrong. The U.S. is actually second in terms of global exports. Among the top five nations importing American products, is Germany.
The European Commission handles trade policy for all members of the European Union, including Germany. Approved imports freely circulate through member nations without further regulation. The International Trade Administration (ITA) maintains a website with important details on exporting to Germany from the United States.
Learn how you can gain a foothold into one of the strongest economies in Europe through exports to Germany from the United States.
Officially named the Federal Republic of Germany, the German economic market is one of the strongest in the world. At the moment, it’s also the largest in Europe. Exporters should know its centralized location makes it an ideal hub for even further trade possibilities.
When importing into E.U. member nations, you get access to the market of more than just the destination country. With that opportunity also comes significant oversight.
There are a number of regulatory bodies to be aware of when exporting to Germany.
Even with these organizations in place, exporting into Germany is straightforward because the process has become so standardized. This is mostly due to the E.U.'s efforts to modernize customs procedures for the benefit of all members.
Since 2016, the Union Customs Code has helped nations like Germany have fully automated and paperless customs systems. This fully digital system allows exporters to know what they have to do from the beginning, reducing export/import confusion.
The Customs Code does outline very specific rules and procedures for customs handling. However, not every country enforces the rules the same way or in a consistent manner. This could be because of local interpretations or a variety of other reasons.
It’s important to look at each nation’s history with the Customs Code to have a better idea of which procedures might get handled differently.
Now that you know you can export to Germany, the question now is what should you export? The good news here is that Germany has a well balanced import/export economy. That means that it imports a great variety of products.
As of 2020, that means 21 different categories of goods, representing over 4,000 different products from around the world. The U.S. has actually contributed some kind of product within each of those categories.
For exporters, that really just means that there are many different products you could import for profit. Great variety creates nearly endless possibilities.
Someone just starting to export may want to play it safe and stick with industries that make up a significant percentage of imports.
The industries representing the greatest share of U.S. exported products are:
These industries represented $48.63 billion worth of exports from the U.S. in 2020. After experiencing a mild slump in imports during the Covid-19 pandemic, the German economic machine is growing once more.
Find information on valuable ethylene exports through our export services articles.
Between March 2021 and February 2022, it saw a 24.5% increase in import values. Despite month-to-month changes, it’s projected to continue rising.
Those looking to invest in a growing industry also have several options. While the top five industries continue to dominate, you can specialize in certain high-demand products.
| Product | Import Value 2020 | 3-year Growth Percentage |
| Crude Petroleum | $3.37 billion | 1.43K% |
| Medical Instruments | $2.33 billion | 22.2% |
| Vaccines | $4.11 billion | 33.3% |
| Precious Metal Scrap | $1.01 billion | 178% |
| Paintings | $637 million | 94.6% |
With the exception of paintings and precious metal scrap, each of these products is within a stable industry. For exporters hoping for a small safety net, these rising but stable export goods are an ideal choice.
Of course, all exporting comes with risk and certain commodities are easier to get started with. Crude petroleum exporting from the U.S. must pass through domestic laws and quality checks. Once it arrives in Germany, additional checks are needed.
As a starter export, it’s one of the harder ones. The U.S. has a wide variety of goods and services available within the export market. Take the time to do your research and you’re sure to find something to meet your goals.
One of the groups you can consider connecting with is the GTAI. As an organization supported by the local government, the GTAI is dedicated to supporting new businesses in Germany, including export products and services.
The GTAI and similar groups can provide advice on many things.
These are just some of the things you want to consider before choosing what you should invest in. Exporting your goods into the country is one thing. You want to ensure that whatever you selected is worth the cost of getting it there.
To make sure you are selecting a good that can be easily exported from the U.S., work with an experienced cargo export service that is familiar with export/import regulations on both sides of the equation.
Import regulations on the German side of the trade are important, but they aren’t the only ones you should consult. You also need to check for any export rules on the U.S. side.
The agencies most involved in exports are the:
The BIS works with U.S. embassies in other countries and manages dual-use export controls. Together with the EA, they develop EARs. Before starting the export process, you should check EAR license requirements or export restrictions.
Our article on Export Control Basics can give you a better idea of enforced restrictions.
Since Germany participates in four different multilateral export control agreements, there may be some U.S. exports that can only enter under specific circumstances.
With over 2,300 miles worth of coastline, there are several ports in Germany to choose from. All ports are accessed from the north, either through the North Sea or the Baltic Sea. The nation of Denmark, to the north, acts as a separator.
Ships crossing the Atlantic find it easier to access ports on Germany’s northwest coast through the North Sea. Otherwise, ships need to go around Denmark, increasing travel time and fuel costs.
| Port of Hamburg | 9.3 million TEU |
| Port of Bremen and Bremerhaven | 4.9 million TEU |
| Port of Wilhelmshaven | 656,000 TEU |
| Port of Emden | 13,100 TEU |
The Port of Hamburg is considered Germany’s number one port for imports and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the World”. Due to Germany’s extensive logistics network, at the very least it’s one of the most central ways to access the rest of Europe by truck or train.
Smaller ports like Emden don’t really have massive container capacity, but they specialize in other goods. For example, Emden is a tide-free port with special docks designed to accommodate Roll On-Roll Off vessels that transport vehicles.
Considering that cars are one of Germany’s biggest imports, it’s a port worth knowing about.
The E.U. has worked to establish itself, meaning all member nations, as a single customs territory. This means most regulations fall under their authority rather than that of individual member nations.
That said, if you plan on exporting a product specific to Germany rather than Europe in general, there are some specifics.
Products that fall under specific German import restrictions include:
Some of these products are banned from import entirely. Exceptions are possible under very specific and approved circumstances. In some cases, the need to meet specific German regulations depends on exactly where products will sell.
Products intended for distribution only in Germany may have more or fewer regulations attached. It really depends on the product, intended use, and target industry.
Consulting with experienced brokers at Cargo Export USA can provide you with a good understanding of which is which.
As a member of the E.U., most goods being imported into Germany fall under the Common Customs Tariff. These are common commercial goods identified by a unique code.
This is also referred to as the Integrated Tariff on the European Communities (TARIC) Code.
You can find the TARIC code of your export in three ways.
Non-Union nations pay a different rate than member nations. Exporters from the U.S. need to make sure they are calculating their entry tariffs according to the non-Union rates.
There are three duty levels:
These are familiar terms for anyone that has gone through an import or export process before. Most countries arrange their import taxes along similar lines.
Duties and taxes specific to Germany are normally limited to excise goods. Businesses that sell these products have to pay an excise tax to the government. While the standard duties need to be paid once the products arrive at port, the duty on excise goods is different.
In theory, you can hold off on paying the duty on excise goods until the products are released for sale in German tax territory.
German tax territory includes the entire Federal Republic of Germany except:
It may also apply in certain Austrian districts. If you’re exporting an excise good, this is something that should be confirmed.
You can’t hold off on paying import taxes on excise goods by simply holding on to the products. For one, you’re storing products, you’re not selling products. No sales - no profits.
For another, if you really do need a way to postpone payment without risking fines, you can file for a duty suspension agreement or a procedure of duty exemption.
Fair warning, the exemption is only for energy products. Goods that qualify for a suspension agreement include:
There are a few rules to follow, especially for non-German citizens.
Hard liquor and raw tobacco account for 38.7% of U.S. foodstuffs imported into Germany. In terms of import value, it’s just under $150 million. However, liquor and tobacco are also subject to export controls from the U.S. which could add to your business costs.
If you choose to export a product like this out of the U.S., you will need the services of an experienced cargo exporter, preferably one with experience in importing controlled substances to nations like Germany.
Each member nation of the E.U. remains an independent country. These nations benefit from the standard procedures that now exist because of the E.U. trade guidelines.
The European Union does not have the power to give specific permission for exporters to bring goods into any of its member nations, including Germany.
However, exporters do need to follow the E.U. procedures for customs processes. This unique arrangement is what allows products to be distributed throughout member nations without further customs inspections.
Other than the exceptions we’ve already mentioned, clearing customs in Germany or any other E.U. country follows similar procedures. We’ve already mentioned the Union Customs Code, but there are further official documents you need to get.
Individuals or businesses working in the import/export business within E.U. borders are called economic operators.
Before you can start exporting to Germany, you need to formally request an Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This replaced German customs numbers in 2009. Both German and non-German economic operators need to apply for an EORI number.
EORI numbers are requested through the General Directorate of Customs’ Master Data Management. For products going through customs clearance in Germany, requests should be filed with the offices in Dresden, Germany.
Once you have your EORI number, you can officially begin the import process.
Basic steps in the process include:
As Europe continues to pass and update legislation related to climate control and emissions standards, needed documents may change. To track policy changes, stay informed on the latest changes being put in place by the European Green Deal introduced in 2019.
While there is no free trade agreement between the U.S. and Germany, there is a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement. While technically an agreement between the E.U. and the U.S., exporters sending products to Germany can take advantage of it.
A U.S. exporter with an EORI number can also apply for an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certificate. An AEO certificate offers two types of benefits.
Off the official record, someone with an AEO certificate might also get a better business deal. The certificate tends to inspire a little more loyalty and respect because of how widely it’s recognized.
If you want to export goods to another European country, consider exporting to France.
Establishing yourself as an exporter means building up strong relationships with the origin and destination countries. When you are learning how to export to Germany from the U.S., work with a company that understands the value of building those relationships.
Cargo Export USA offers a variety of services dedicated to making your export venture a success. Choose a partner with experience handling export procedures for all kinds of products.
Not sure if you’re missing any valuable information? Give us a call to set up personalized consultation services for 1-on-1 help. Call us today at 866-301-0635 to speak with a representative directly or request an online services quote now. Export with confidence with Cargo Export USA.
