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Declaring goods to customs when importing via the Internet

Service Description

Goods that you import from a non-EU country must be cleared through customs. This releases the goods for free circulation under customs law. This means that you can then freely dispose of them.

You have the option of using the Internet customs declaration (IC). You can only use the IC if the goods are to remain in the EU permanently. You cannot use it for other customs procedures, such as customs warehouses or processing traffic.

You must provide the following information, among other things, for the import declaration:

  • Consignor of the goods
  • Consignee
  • Delivery conditions
  • Place of delivery
  • Means of transportation
  • Description of the goods

Process flow

To declare goods for import online, proceed as follows:

  • Visit the Internet customs declaration import website and select "Internet customs declaration import form".
  • Complete the form in your internet browser. Send it off.
  • Once you have completed it, print out the form twice and sign both versions.
  • Send the two printed copies by post, fax or e-mail to your responsible customs office or hand them in personally. The customs office where the goods are located is responsible.
  • You will then receive a customs notification. Alternatively, this can also be sent to you by post.

Requirements

You want to permanently import goods from outside the European Union into Germany or release them for free circulation.

Which documents are required?

If the value of the goods exceeds EUR 20,000, a written customs declaration (D.V.1) is required. In addition, you should have the commercial invoice belonging to the goods or any existing proof of preference ready.
If the goods are subject to restrictions, you must submit the relevant documents.

What are the fees?

There are no costs for you for using the online customs declaration. Irrespective of this, you may have to pay import duties (e.g. customs duty, import sales tax, excise duty) depending on the goods.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

  • Customs declaration: 90 days after the goods cross the border
  • Submission of the 2 printed copies of the form: 30 days from use of the Internet customs declaration

Processing duration

After completing your online customs declaration, you will usually receive a customs notification within one day to 4 weeks.

Legal basis

Applications / forms

  • Objection
    Detailed information on how to lodge an objection can be found in the customs notice.
  • Fiscal court action

Appeal

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: No

Online services available: Yes

Further Information

Author

Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Federal Ministry of Finance

Professionally released on

22.12.2021

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

Start your request directly online:

Competent Authority

Generalzolldirektion (GZD), Dienststellensuche Zoll

Address
Carusufer 3-5
01099 Dresden, Stadt
Telephone
+49 228 303-26020
Remark: For private individuals
Telephone
+49 228 303-26030
Remark: For companies
Fax
+49 351 44834-590
E-Mail
Contact us
Remark: For private individuals
E-Mail
Contact us
Remark: For companies
WWW
Customs office search on the German customs website
WWW
Website of the German customs authorities
DE-Mail
auskunft-zoll.gzd@zoll.de-mail.de
Opening times

Office hours:

Monday 08:00 - 17:00

Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00

Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00

Thursday 08:00 - 17:00

Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Consultations are only possible by prior appointment.

Further Authorities