Shipping to Germany from Vietnam

Germany is the European Union’s largest economy and a strategic gateway for Vietnamese exporters reaching the wider EU market. Vietnam-Germany trade has grown steadily under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which has reduced or eliminated tariffs on the majority of Vietnamese product categories. Beyond commercial freight, the German-Vietnamese diaspora and approximately 250,000 German visitors arriving in Vietnam each year drive demand for personal parcels, gifts, and tourist shipments. Gateway Express delivers across all 16 federal states—from Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt to Cologne, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, and beyond—with deep familiarity with German customs (Zoll), EU import regulations, and the specific compliance requirements that catch first-time shippers off guard.

Whether you are exporting commercial goods to German retailers, fulfilling cross-border e-commerce orders, or sending personal packages to family in Germany, our team coordinates pickup, professional packing, customs documentation, and last-mile delivery so the shipment arrives on time and in full compliance.

Our Shipping Services to Germany

Express Delivery (3-5 Business Days)

Express shipping to Germany uses premium carriers including DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, and UPS Worldwide Express, with priority handling at both the Vietnam origin and German destination.

Express service features:

• Guaranteed 3-5 business day delivery to major cities
• Priority Zoll customs clearance
• Real-time tracking with German-language carrier support
• Delivery to urban and rural addresses across all 16 federal states
• Saturday delivery available in major metro areas
• Temperature-controlled options for time-sensitive goods
• Suitable for urgent commercial freight, luxury goods, and time-critical shipments

Delivery times by region:

• Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt: 3-4 days
• Cologne, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf: 3-4 days
• Bremen, Hanover, Leipzig, Dresden: 4-5 days
• Rural Bavaria, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 4-5 days
• Frisian and North Sea islands: 5-6 days

Why express to Germany: Faster transit reduces VAT and customs holding time and is recommended for any commercial freight, retail-ready inventory, or perishable goods.

Standard Delivery (7-14 Business Days)

Standard shipping balances reliability with cost efficiency—suitable for non-urgent shipments, bulk commercial freight, and personal parcels.

Standard service benefits:

• Competitive pricing for parcels up to 30kg
• Full tracking from origin to destination
• Door-to-door delivery to all federal states
• Consolidation options for multiple shipments
• Reliable transit window of 7-14 business days
• Works well for commercial inventory, wholesale orders, and personal parcels

Cost savings: Standard shipping typically costs significantly less than express while adding only a week to transit time.

What You Can Ship to Germany

Commercial Goods and Consumer Products

Vietnamese manufactured goods perform well in the German market, with EVFTA preferential tariffs making many product categories highly competitive against non-EU competitors.

Common commercial shipments:

• Textiles and ready-made garments
• Footwear and leather goods
• Furniture, including rattan and lacquered pieces
• Home décor and handicrafts
• Electronics and accessories (CE-marked)
• Sporting goods
• Cosmetics (CPNP-notified)
• Coffee, tea, and packaged food
• Bicycles and bicycle components

EVFTA benefits for commercial shippers:

• Preferential or 0% tariff on the majority of Vietnamese goods (phased reductions through 2030)
• Streamlined origin declarations via REX (Registered Exporter) system
• Significant duty savings versus non-EVFTA competitors
• Simplified customs procedures for compliant shipments

Commercial shipping advantages:

• Accurate HS code classification for the EU Common Customs Tariff
• Duty calculation and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) options
• IOSS support for B2C e-commerce parcels under €150
• VAT collection coordination
• Volume discounts for regular shippers

Agricultural Products and Food

Germany imports Vietnamese coffee, tea, packaged seafood, dried tropical fruits, and condiments at scale, but EU food regulations are strict and require careful preparation.

Popular agricultural exports:

• Roasted coffee (whole bean and ground), instant coffee
• Vacuum-sealed processed seafood
• Dried fruits, cashews, and packaged nuts
• Tea and herbal infusions
• Rice and rice-based products
• Sauces and condiments in commercial packaging

EU food import requirements (enforced via Germany):

• Health certificates: Required for animal-derived foods and many plant products
• Phytosanitary certificates: Required for plant products including some teas, dried herbs, and unprocessed botanicals
• EU food labelling: Ingredients, allergens, nutrition declaration, country of origin
• Maximum residue levels (MRLs): Pesticide and contaminant limits enforced strictly
• Traceability: Lot codes and batch records expected for commercial shipments
• TARIC classification: Required for tariff and regulatory routing

Prohibited or tightly restricted food items:

• Fresh and chilled meat from non-approved third countries
• Raw dairy and unpasteurised products
• Honey from non-approved establishments
• Seeds for sowing without phytosanitary certificate
• Live plants and untreated soil
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (most categories require permits)

Gateway Express EU food support:

• Phytosanitary and health certificate coordination
• Label review against EU 1169/2011 food information rules
• Communication with German customs and BVL inspectors when shipments are flagged
• EU-compliant retail packaging at the Vietnam origin

Documents and Business Papers

Document shipments to Germany are straightforward and arrive within express service windows.

Document shipping includes:

• Contracts and legal agreements
• Financial documents and invoices
• Technical drawings and specifications
• Certificates, transcripts, and diplomas
• Business correspondence
• Apostilled and notarised documents

Document service features:

• Express 3-4 day delivery to major cities
• Sealed, tamper-evident envelopes
• Signature confirmation on delivery
• Standard insurance up to declared limits
• No customs duties on documents

Personal Effects and Gifts

Sending personal items or gifts to family in Germany is a routine request—we handle gift declarations carefully to keep VAT exposure accurate.

Personal items we ship:

• Clothing, áo dài, and accessories
• Books and printed materials
• Electronics and gadgets (CE compliance for resale only)
• Souvenirs and handicrafts
• Personal care items in commercial packaging
• Vietnamese coffee and tea (commercially sealed)
• Sơn mài paintings and lacquerware

Important for personal packages:

• No fresh meat, dairy, honey, or seeds
• Wood-based items must be commercially manufactured or treated
• Used textiles should be clean and odour-free
• Accurate value declaration is required—undervaluation can void insurance

Gift considerations:

• Gifts up to €45 between individuals are exempt from VAT and duty
• Above €45, VAT (19% standard) and any applicable duty apply on the full value
• Gift declaration must be marked clearly on customs paperwork
• Multiple gifts to the same recipient may be aggregated

Customs and Documentation

Required Documents

German customs (Zoll) follows EU customs procedures and expects complete, accurate documentation for every commercial and non-commercial shipment.

Essential shipping documents:

1. Commercial Invoice (for commercial goods)

   • Detailed item descriptions in English (German translations helpful for retail-ready goods)
   • Unit prices and total declared value in EUR or USD
   • Correct 10-digit TARIC HS codes
   • Sender, importer of record (EORI number), and final consignee
   • Country of origin
   • Invoice date and reference number
   • Incoterms (DAP, DDP, etc.) clearly stated

2. Packing List

   • Item-by-item breakdown with quantities
   • Net and gross weights in kilograms
   • Carton dimensions in centimetres
   • Marks and numbers on outer packaging

3. EORI Number

   • Required for all EU commercial importers
   • Issued by German customs to businesses
   • Must appear on the customs declaration

4. Statement on Origin (REX)

   • Replaces certificate of origin under EVFTA
   • Issued by registered Vietnamese exporters
   • Required to claim preferential EVFTA tariff treatment

5. Import Permits and Certificates (product-specific)

   • Phytosanitary certificate for plant products
   • Health certificate for animal-derived foods
   • CITES permits for restricted wildlife-origin materials (including some woods)
   • REACH compliance documentation for chemicals and certain consumer products
   • CE marking and Declaration of Conformity for regulated electronics, toys, and PPE

6. EU Food Information Compliance

   • Pre-packaged retail food must show ingredients, allergens, nutrition declaration, and origin
   • Cosmetics must be CPNP-notified before placement on the EU market
   • Toys, electronics, and machinery must carry CE marking where applicable

German Customs Duties and Taxes

Germany charges customs duties on dutiable goods and applies value-added tax (VAT) at the standard or reduced rate depending on category.

Tax structure:

• Customs Duty: Varies by HS classification (typically 0%-12%); many EVFTA-eligible Vietnamese goods are duty-free or sharply reduced
• VAT (Mehrwertsteuer): 19% standard rate on most imports
• Reduced VAT: 7% on books, certain food, and specific cultural goods
• Excise Duty: Applies to alcohol, tobacco, and certain energy products

De minimis and gift thresholds:

• €150 commercial low-value threshold—below this, duty does not apply (VAT and IOSS still apply)
• €45 gift threshold between individuals—below this, both duty and VAT are waived
• The €22 VAT-free threshold was abolished EU-wide in July 2021—VAT now applies from the first euro on commercial parcels
• IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) simplifies VAT collection for B2C parcels under €150

EVFTA preferential tariffs: Vietnamese exporters can claim 0% or sharply reduced duty on most product categories under EVFTA. Gateway Express assists with:

• Eligibility assessment for preferential rates
• REX (Registered Exporter) status guidance
• Statement on origin preparation
• Rules of origin verification
• Calculating EVFTA duty savings

Common duty rates for Vietnamese exports to Germany:

• Coffee (roasted): 0% (EVFTA)
• Tea: 0% (EVFTA)
• Textiles and garments: 0%-2% with EVFTA (otherwise up to 12%)
• Footwear: 0%-4% (sharply reduced under EVFTA)
• Ceramics and pottery: 0%-5%
• Furniture: 0%-2.7%
• Lacquerware and handicrafts: 0%-3.7%
• Bicycles and parts: 0%-15% (EVFTA reduces significantly)

Prohibited and Restricted Items

EU regulations apply uniformly across Germany and emphasise consumer safety, environmental protection, and biosecurity.

Absolutely prohibited items:

• Fresh and chilled meat from non-approved third countries
• Raw dairy and unpasteurised products
• Live animals without import authorisation
• Endangered species and CITES-restricted products without permits
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Counterfeit goods and copyright-infringing products
• Certain plant protection products and biocides
• Hate speech material and prohibited symbols

Restricted items requiring permits or compliance:

• Food products: Health and phytosanitary certificates, EU labelling
• Cosmetics: CPNP notification before placement on the EU market
• Toys: CE marking, EN 71 compliance, REACH
• Electronics: CE marking, RoHS compliance, EMC testing
• Pharmaceuticals and supplements: EU marketing authorisation
• Wood and bamboo crafts: EUTR due diligence; CITES for restricted species
• Wine and spirits: Excise duty, labelling, registration
• Plant materials: Phytosanitary certificate; soil prohibited

Risk items requiring careful declaration:

• Any food, including dried goods, sauces, and spices
• Wooden, bamboo, or rattan crafts (EUTR scope)
• Items made from leather, wool, silk, or other animal materials
• Used outdoor equipment that may carry soil
• Traditional medicines and herbal remedies

Penalties for non-compliance:

• Administrative fines starting around €500
• Goods seizure and destruction at owner’s expense
• Repeated violations may result in import bans
• Criminal prosecution for serious cases involving counterfeit goods or controlled substances

Key principle: When in doubt, declare it accurately. Zoll inspectors are thorough but fair—honest, well-documented shipments move through customs faster than under-declared or vague declarations.

Why Choose Gateway Express?

Germany and EU Customs Specialists

Our team understands the practical realities of Zoll clearance and EU compliance, from REX origin declarations to CE marking and CPNP cosmetic notifications.

Our German market expertise:

• Familiarity with Zoll declaration procedures and TARIC classification
• Experience with EVFTA REX statement on origin preparation
• IOSS support for cross-border B2C e-commerce
• Coordination with German customs brokers across federal states
• Successful track record with food, cosmetics, fashion, and commercial freight

Cross-Border E-Commerce Support

Vietnamese sellers reaching German consumers benefit from our IOSS expertise.

E-commerce shipping services:

• IOSS registration guidance for sellers under €150 thresholds
• VAT collection and remittance workflows
• Customs documentation tuned for B2C parcels
• Returns logistics for German marketplaces
• Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, and major marketplaces

Complete Door-to-Door Service

We handle every step from pickup in Vietnam to delivery anywhere in Germany.

Service process:

1. Free pickup in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang
2. Professional packaging to EU and carrier standards
3. Complete documentation including REX statement on origin, EORI, and labelling
4. Vietnam export clearance handled efficiently
5. International transit via DHL, FedEx, or UPS
6. Zoll clearance with broker support if needed
7. Final delivery to the recipient’s home or business address

EVFTA Trade Expertise

We help Vietnamese exporters maximise EVFTA benefits to Germany.

EVFTA services:

• Eligibility assessment for preferential tariffs
• REX status guidance for repeat exporters
• Statement on origin preparation
• Rules of origin verification (including transformation and value-added rules)
• Duty savings calculation before shipment

Real-Time Tracking

Track every shipment from Vietnam to Germany with end-to-end visibility.

Tracking features:

• Online portal accessible 24/7
• SMS and email notifications at key milestones
• Zoll clearance status updates
• Delivery appointment notifications
• Proof of delivery with signature
• Customer support in Vietnamese and English

100% Package Insurance

Every shipment includes insurance coverage as standard.

Insurance coverage:

• Full declared value protection
• No additional cost for standard coverage
• Quick claims process
• Enhanced coverage available for art, electronics, and high-value commercial freight

Transparent Pricing

We provide tailored quotes rather than published per-kilogram rates because every shipment to Germany has different weight, dimensions, fuel surcharges, and clearance requirements.

Pricing approach:

• Contact us for current rates—we respond within 30 minutes
• Volume discounts for regular shippers
• No hidden fees
• Flexible payment terms for business accounts
• WhatsApp, email, or phone—whatever is easiest

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping from Vietnam to Germany take?

Express shipping via DHL, FedEx, or UPS typically delivers to Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Stuttgart within 3-4 business days from pickup in Vietnam. Bremen, Hanover, Leipzig, and Dresden average 4-5 days, as do most rural regions of Bavaria, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Frisian and North Sea islands may need 5-6 days due to onward transit. Standard shipping ranges from 7-14 business days depending on the final destination. Zoll inspection or BVL food review can add 1-3 days for food, cosmetics, and regulated consumer goods, so express service is recommended for time-sensitive freight. Properly documented shipments with accurate REX statements on origin (when claimed) and complete CE/CPNP/EORI data typically clear customs without delay.

What are Germany’s food import requirements?

Germany follows EU food regulations enforced by Zoll at the border and the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) for inland inspections. Animal-derived foods require an EU-recognised health certificate from Vietnamese authorities, and most plant products need a phytosanitary certificate. Pre-packaged retail food must comply with EU Regulation 1169/2011 on food information—ingredients, allergens, nutrition declaration, country of origin, lot codes, and best-before dates. Maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides and contaminants are strictly enforced. Fresh meat, raw dairy, honey from non-approved establishments, seeds for sowing, and live plants are typically prohibited or require special permits. Gateway Express coordinates phytosanitary and health certificates, reviews labelling against EU rules, and handles Zoll communications when shipments are flagged. We strongly recommend consulting us before shipping food so the paperwork is right the first time.

Can I claim duty-free shipping under EVFTA?

Yes—Germany is an EU member and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has eliminated or sharply reduced duty on the majority of Vietnamese product categories. To claim preferential treatment you need a statement on origin issued by a Vietnamese exporter registered in the REX (Registered Exporter) system. EVFTA replaces the older certificate of origin process. Categories that benefit significantly include coffee, tea, textiles and garments, footwear, ceramics, furniture, lacquerware, bicycles, and many handicrafts. Without EVFTA, duty on textiles can reach 12%, footwear up to 17%, and bicycles up to 15%, so the savings are substantial. Gateway Express helps assess EVFTA eligibility, navigate REX registration, prepare statements on origin, and verify rules of origin (including transformation and regional value content) before you ship.

How does VAT and IOSS work for B2C e-commerce parcels?

Germany applies a standard 19% VAT on imported goods, with a 7% reduced rate on certain categories such as books and select food items. The €22 VAT-free threshold was abolished EU-wide in July 2021, so VAT now applies from the first euro on commercial parcels. The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) simplifies VAT for B2C parcels under €150: the seller charges VAT at checkout and remits it monthly through a single EU registration, allowing parcels to clear customs without a separate VAT collection step. Gateway Express helps Vietnamese sellers register for IOSS, structure invoices correctly, and route parcels so customers are not surprised by handling fees on delivery. For commercial parcels above €150, standard import VAT and any applicable duty apply at clearance, typically collected by the carrier on the consignee’s behalf.

What items absolutely cannot be shipped to Germany?

Germany and the EU prohibit fresh and chilled meat from non-approved third countries; raw dairy and unpasteurised products; live animals without authorisation; CITES-restricted species and products; asbestos-containing materials; counterfeit and copyright-infringing goods; certain plant protection products and biocides; hate speech material; and prohibited symbols. Restricted items requiring permits or compliance include food (health and phytosanitary certificates plus EU labelling), cosmetics (CPNP notification), toys (CE marking and EN 71 compliance), electronics (CE, RoHS), pharmaceuticals (EU marketing authorisation), wood and bamboo crafts (EUTR due diligence; CITES for restricted species), wine and spirits (excise registration), and plant materials (phytosanitary certificate; soil prohibited). Items requiring careful declaration include any food, wooden or rattan crafts, leather and wool items, used outdoor equipment, and traditional or herbal remedies. Penalties start with administrative fines around €500 and can escalate to seizure, destruction, import bans, or prosecution. Always consult Gateway Express before shipping items you are uncertain about—we will verify current regulations and advise on permits or alternatives.

For authoritative guidance, consult Zoll (German Customs) for customs procedures and the European Commission Taxation and Customs Union for EU-wide tariff and import rules.

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For Tourists & Visitors

Visiting Vietnam and want to ship souvenirs home to Germany?

• Duty-free allowance: €45 (gift), €150 (commercial low-value) — 19% VAT applies above
• Typical delivery: 4-6 business days via DHL, FedEx, or UPS
• Most popular items: Bát Tràng ceramics, sơn mài lacquerware, art and paintings, tailored áo dài
• Watch out for: EU food rules — no meat, dairy, honey, or seeds; CITES wood permits for some species

Get a free tourist shipping quote → · See Germany duty rules →

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Ready to ship to Germany? Contact Gateway Express for Zoll-compliant, EVFTA-optimised service with transparent pricing.

📞 Hotline: 0938 373 343
📧 Email: info@gatewayexpress.com.vn
🏢 Office: 72/5 Giai Phong St., Tan Son Nhat Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Your trusted partner for Vietnam-Germany shipping.

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Packaging & shipping operations at the Gateway Express warehouse

Gateway Express staff packing parcels

Team sorting and preparing international shipments

Warehouse staging area for international freight

Gateway Express warehouse ready for dispatch

Weighing and labelling parcels for shipment

Carefully packaged parcels awaiting pickup

Prices in USD. Rate: 1 USD = 26,500 VND

Economy 2026

Transit time:8-15days·VND·Chưa VAT 8%

Per-kg rates (≤ 20kg)

Per-kg rates (≤ 20kg)

Weight (kg)	Price (USD)
0.5 kg	$45.42
1 kg	$50.33
1.5 kg	$55.23
2 kg	$60.14
2.5 kg	$65.04
3 kg	$69.95
3.5 kg	$74.85
4 kg	$79.76
4.5 kg	$84.67
5 kg	$89.57
5.5 kg	$98.25
6 kg	$103.16
6.5 kg	$108.06
7 kg	$112.97
7.5 kg	$117.87
8 kg	$122.78
8.5 kg	$127.68
9 kg	$132.59
9.5 kg	$137.50
10 kg	$118.69

Weight (kg)	Price (USD)
10.5 kg	$127.54
11 kg	$127.54
11.5 kg	$136.39
12 kg	$136.39
12.5 kg	$145.24
13 kg	$145.24
13.5 kg	$154.09
14 kg	$154.09
14.5 kg	$162.94
15 kg	$162.94
15.5 kg	$179.34
16 kg	$179.34
16.5 kg	$188.19
17 kg	$188.19
17.5 kg	$197.04
18 kg	$197.04
18.5 kg	$205.89
19 kg	$205.89
19.5 kg	$214.74
20 kg	$214.74

Bulk rates (>20kg)

Bulk rates (>20kg)

Weight range	Rate (USD/kg)
21–25 kg	$10.74/kg
26–30 kg	$10.55/kg
31–40 kg	$10.36/kg
41–70 kg	$10.17/kg
71–500 kg	$9.98/kg

Calculate exact price by weight →

Updated: 2026-06-08

Final invoice issued in VND. USD amounts are approximate.

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Why Choose Gateway Express?

Vietnam's leading international shipping service

Free Door Pickup

Door Pickup

We pick up packages from your address

Delivery to Germany

Door Delivery

Delivered directly to the recipient

100% Value Insurance

Full Insurance

Complete peace of mind for every shipment

Real-Time Tracking

24/7 Tracking

Track your shipment anytime, anywhere

Hotline 24/7: 0938 373 343 | 0944 247 267