Customs declaration requirements for Germany
Customs Declare produces the completed Zollanmeldung zur Ueberfuehrung von Waren in den zollrechtlich freien Verkehr (Customs Declaration for Release of Goods into Free Circulation), filed electronically via the ATLAS-Einfuhr (ATLAS-Import) IT system for Germany’s own customs authority, from your invoice and supporting documents. You or your broker review and submit it -- nothing leaves your workspace automatically.
Declaration form
Confirmed against the authority’s own published source- Form
- Zollanmeldung zur Ueberfuehrung von Waren in den zollrechtlich freien Verkehr (Customs Declaration for Release of Goods into Free Circulation), filed electronically via the ATLAS-Einfuhr (ATLAS-Import) IT system
- Issuing authority
- German Customs Administration (Zoll) -- Generalzolldirektion
- Accepted languages
- German
- Last verified
- Aug 30, 2026
Import requirements & restrictions
Chemical registration required
Import of chemical substances into the EU in quantities exceeding 1 metric tonne per year requires registration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006, in force since 1 June 2007). A non-EU exporter/manufacturer must appoint an EU-based "Only Representative" to register on its behalf, or the EU-based importer of record is responsible for registering. EU-wide harmonised law -- applies identically to DE/FR/NL.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Import licensing required
Products covered by one of the EU's harmonised directives/regulations (electronics, machinery, toys, personal protective equipment, medical devices, and more) must bear the CE mark -- based on a conformity assessment and an EU Declaration of Conformity -- before import or sale anywhere in the EU/EEA (all 27 member states, plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein). EU-wide harmonised law, not decided per member state -- applies identically to DE/FR/NL.
European Commission (EU-wide harmonised legislation)
Duty & tax
- VAT (default rate)
- 19%
- MFN duty rate data
- Available
- Preferential rate
- Available under an applicable trade agreement
- Free duty calculator
- Check a duty rate for Germany
Quick answers
What customs declaration form does Germany require?
Germany’s import declaration is the Zollanmeldung zur Ueberfuehrung von Waren in den zollrechtlich freien Verkehr (Customs Declaration for Release of Goods into Free Circulation), filed electronically via the ATLAS-Einfuhr (ATLAS-Import) IT system, issued by German Customs Administration (Zoll) -- Generalzolldirektion.
Which languages does Germany accept on a customs declaration?
German
What is the VAT rate on imports into Germany?
The default VAT rate on record for Germany is 19%.