Table of contents
    the United Kingdom

    Website customs the United Kingdom
    Government website
    Website chamber of commerce
    Country Alpha-2 code: GB
    Country Alpha-3 code:     GBR
    Country numeric code:     826
    GDP:     USD 3.071 trillion (2023)
    Currency:     Pound Sterling
    Inhabitants:     67596281
    Language:     English

    Freight forwarders in the United Kingdom

    the United Kingdom has no freight forwarders

    Seaports in the United Kingdom
    Aberdeen
    UN/LOCODE: ABD
    Belfast
    UN/LOCODE: BEL
    Bristol
    UN/LOCODE: BRS
    Dover
    UN/LOCODE: DVR
    Falmouth
    UN/LOCODE: FAL
    Grangemouth
    UN/LOCODE: GRG
    Hull
    UN/LOCODE: HUL
    Leith
    UN/LOCODE: LEI
    Airports in the United Kingdom
    RNAS Culdrose
    Culdrose
    IATA CODE:
    ICAO code: EGDR
    Rothera Research Station
    Rothera Research Station
    IATA CODE:
    ICAO code: EGAR
    Thurrock Airfield
    Thurrock
    IATA CODE:
    ICAO code: EGMT
    London Biggin Hill Airport
    Biggin Hill
    IATA CODE: BQH
    ICAO code: EGKB
    St Angelo Airport
    Enniskillen
    IATA CODE: ENK
    ICAO code: EGAB
    Sumburgh Airport
    Sumburgh
    IATA CODE: LSI
    ICAO code: EGPB
    Norwich International Airport
    Norwich
    IATA CODE: NWI
    ICAO code: EGSH
    Scatsta Airport
    Scatsta
    IATA CODE: SCS
    ICAO code: EGPM

    Shipping between the United Kingdom and Germany

    Table of contents

      Shipping between the United Kingdom and Germany involves navigating various logistics, customs, and cost considerations. This comprehensive guide offers essential insights for businesses and individuals, covering everything from pre-import checks to shipping methods, helping you ensure a smooth and cost-effective shipping experience. Explore key strategies, procedures, and reliable carriers with Zendeq.

      Below you can also request multiple quotes from freight forwarders for your shipment.

      Pre-import considerations

      First of all, you should know the product class of what you are shipping. Determine the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for your goods, as this dictates applicable customs duties and taxes.

      If you are importing from the United Kingdom to Germany , check the Customs Tariff from Germany. If you are importing from Germany to the United Kingdom, check the Customs Tariff from the United Kingdom.

      Make sure you understand all the product regulations, certifications, labeling requirements, and potential import restrictions or tariffs specific to your product category. A specialised freight forwarder can help you with this process.

      Customs Clearance Process:

      The customs clearance process between the United Kingdom and Germany involves several key steps. For shipments from the UK to Germany, businesses must complete a customs declaration using the CHIEF or CDS system, detailing the goods, their value, and origin. Importers in Germany need to ensure compliance with EU customs regulations, pay applicable duties and VAT, and provide necessary documentation, such as commercial invoices and packing lists.

      For shipments from Germany to the UK, businesses must also complete a customs declaration through the UK’s Customs Declaration Service (CDS). Goods must comply with UK regulations, and importers need to account for duties and VAT, which can be managed through postponed VAT accounting. Required documentation includes commercial invoices, packing lists, and any relevant licenses or certificates.

      Both processes can be streamlined by using customs brokers, who help ensure compliance and avoid delays. Accurate documentation and adherence to both countries' regulations are crucial for smooth customs clearance.

      Costs to consider

      When shipping between the United Kingdom and Germany, several costs must be considered:

      1. Customs Duties and VAT: Both countries impose duties and VAT on imported goods. Rates vary depending on the type and value of goods. For detailed rates and calculations, refer to the UK Government's HMRC guidelines and the German Customs website (Zoll).
      2. Shipping Costs: These depend on the shipping method (air, sea, or road), weight, and dimensions of the shipment. Major carriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx offer online calculators to estimate shipping costs.
      3. Insurance: Shipping insurance covers loss or damage during transit. Costs depend on the shipment's value and the coverage level required. Companies like Lloyd’s of London provide comprehensive insurance options.
      4. Handling and Service Fees: These include charges for customs brokerage services, handling fees at ports or airports, and any additional services like packaging or special handling.
      5. Storage Fees: If goods are held at customs or a warehouse, storage fees may apply, varying based on the duration and conditions required.

      Properly accounting for these costs ensures a smooth shipping process and helps avoid unexpected expenses.

      Sources:

      Saving on Shipping Costs

      Saving on shipping costs between the UK and Germany involves strategic planning and leveraging reliable resources. Here are key strategies:

      1. Compare Quotes: Always compare quotes from multiple carriers to find the best rates. Zendeq can help by providing competitive quotes from trusted shipping companies, ensuring cost-effective options.
      2. Consolidate Shipments: Combining smaller shipments into one larger shipment can reduce costs by maximizing space and minimizing per-unit handling fees.
      3. Choose the Right Shipping Method: Select the most cost-efficient method (e.g., road freight is generally cheaper for large shipments, while air freight is faster but more expensive).
      4. Negotiate Rates: Establish long-term relationships with carriers to negotiate better rates based on consistent business.
      5. Optimize Packaging: Use efficient packaging to reduce weight and volume, lowering shipping costs and avoiding dimensional weight pricing.

      For more tips on saving shipping costs, consult sources like the UK Government’s Business Support Helpline and the German Chambers of Commerce, which offer advice on international trade and logistics.

      Sources:

      Sending Your Package: UK to Germany and Vice Versa

      Sending a package between the United Kingdom and Germany, whether for businesses or individuals, involves several key steps and selecting reliable carriers. Here’s a guide for both directions:

      For Businesses:

      1. Choose a Carrier:
        • DHL: Offers express and standard shipping options with tracking.
        • UPS: Provides reliable international shipping with various delivery speeds.
        • FedEx: Known for its fast and secure shipping services.
      2. Prepare Documentation:
        • Commercial Invoice: Required for customs clearance, detailing the contents, value, and origin of the goods.
        • Customs Declaration: Completed through HMRC’s CDS for UK exports or the German Customs system for imports.
      3. Packaging:
        • Ensure goods are securely packaged to prevent damage during transit.
      4. Book and Track Shipment:
        • Use the carrier’s online tools to book, pay, and track your shipment.

      For Individuals:

      1. Choose a Carrier:
        • Royal Mail: Affordable and reliable for smaller packages.
        • Deutsche Post: The German postal service, offering international shipping.
        • Parcel2Go: A comparison site that provides quotes from multiple carriers.
      2. Prepare Documentation:
        • Customs Declaration Form: Required for parcels over a certain value (varies by carrier).
      3. Packaging:
        • Use sturdy packaging and include a return address.
      4. Send and Track:
        • Drop off at the carrier’s location or arrange a pick-up, and track the parcel using the carrier’s website.

      Reliable Carriers:

      Using Zendeq can streamline the process by providing access to competitive quotes from reliable shipping companies, ensuring cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions for both businesses and individuals.

      Great Online Resources for UK-Germany Shipping

      1. UK Government (HMRC)
      2. German Government (Zoll)
      3. DHL
      4. UPS
      5. FedEx
      6. Royal Mail
      7. Deutsche Post
      8. European Commission
      9. OECD
      10. World Customs Organization (WCO)
        • International guidelines and resources on customs procedures.
        • WCO

       

      Knowledge base
      Germany

      Website customs
      Government website
      Website chamber of commerce
      Country Alpha-2 code: DE
      Country Alpha-3 code:       DEU
      Country numeric code:       276
      GDP:       USD 4.072 trillion (2023)
      Currency:       Euro
      Inhabitants:       84607016
      Language:       German

      Freight forwarders in Germany

      Germany has no freight forwarders

      Seaports in the United Kingdom
      Karlsruhe
      UN/LOCODE: KAE
      Kiel
      UN/LOCODE: KEL
      Lubeck
      UN/LOCODE: LBC
      Brake
      UN/LOCODE: BKE
      Bremen
      UN/LOCODE: BRE
      Bremerhaven
      UN/LOCODE: BRV
      Duisburg
      UN/LOCODE: DUI
      Dusseldorf
      UN/LOCODE: DUS
      Airports in Germany
      Jena-Schöngleina Airfield
      Jena
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDBJ
      Leutkirch-Unterzeil Airport
      Leutkirch
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDNL
      Laupheim Air Base
      Laupheim
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: ETHL
      Büchel Air Base
      Buechel
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: ETSB
      Flugplatz Ballenstedt
      Ballenstedt
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDCB
      Nordholz-Spieka Airfield
      Cuxhaven
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDXN
      Fuerstenwalde Airport
      Furstenwalde
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDAL
      Elsenthal Grafe Airport
      Elsenthal
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDNF
      Germany

      Website customs
      Government website
      Website chamber of commerce
      Country Alpha-2 code: DE
      Country Alpha-3 code:       DEU
      Country numeric code:       276
      GDP:       USD 4.072 trillion (2023)
      Currency:       Euro
      Inhabitants:       84607016
      Language:       German

      Freight forwarders in Germany

      Germany has no freight forwarders

      Seaports in the United Kingdom
      Karlsruhe
      UN/LOCODE: KAE
      Kiel
      UN/LOCODE: KEL
      Lubeck
      UN/LOCODE: LBC
      Brake
      UN/LOCODE: BKE
      Bremen
      UN/LOCODE: BRE
      Bremerhaven
      UN/LOCODE: BRV
      Duisburg
      UN/LOCODE: DUI
      Dusseldorf
      UN/LOCODE: DUS
      Airports in Germany
      Jena-Schöngleina Airfield
      Jena
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDBJ
      Leutkirch-Unterzeil Airport
      Leutkirch
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDNL
      Laupheim Air Base
      Laupheim
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: ETHL
      Büchel Air Base
      Buechel
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: ETSB
      Flugplatz Ballenstedt
      Ballenstedt
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDCB
      Nordholz-Spieka Airfield
      Cuxhaven
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDXN
      Fuerstenwalde Airport
      Furstenwalde
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDAL
      Elsenthal Grafe Airport
      Elsenthal
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EDNF
      the United Kingdom

      Website customs the United Kingdom
      Government website
      Website chamber of commerce
      Country Alpha-2 code: GB
      Country Alpha-3 code:       GBR
      Country numeric code:       826
      GDP:       USD 3.071 trillion (2023)
      Currency:       Pound Sterling
      Inhabitants:       67596281
      Language:       English

      Freight forwarders in the United Kingdom

      the United Kingdom has no freight forwarders

      Seaports in the United Kingdom
      Aberdeen
      UN/LOCODE: ABD
      Belfast
      UN/LOCODE: BEL
      Bristol
      UN/LOCODE: BRS
      Dover
      UN/LOCODE: DVR
      Falmouth
      UN/LOCODE: FAL
      Grangemouth
      UN/LOCODE: GRG
      Hull
      UN/LOCODE: HUL
      Leith
      UN/LOCODE: LEI
      Airports in the United Kingdom
      RNAS Culdrose
      Culdrose
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EGDR
      Rothera Research Station
      Rothera Research Station
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EGAR
      Thurrock Airfield
      Thurrock
      IATA CODE:
      ICAO code: EGMT
      London Biggin Hill Airport
      Biggin Hill
      IATA CODE: BQH
      ICAO code: EGKB
      St Angelo Airport
      Enniskillen
      IATA CODE: ENK
      ICAO code: EGAB
      Sumburgh Airport
      Sumburgh
      IATA CODE: LSI
      ICAO code: EGPB
      Norwich International Airport
      Norwich
      IATA CODE: NWI
      ICAO code: EGSH
      Scatsta Airport
      Scatsta
      IATA CODE: SCS
      ICAO code: EGPM
      Knowledge base
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