Customs

What you need to consider with customs

If you want your products to clear customs without any problems, there are a few things to consider when importing them. Special certificates are required for some products. Still other products should already be tested in China with regard to EU regulations. Such tests are performed by recognized international institutes. You may be required to provide a test report upon importation.

Labeling requirements should also be observed. It regulates how the packaging must be designed.

As an importer, you assume the duties of a manufacturer and are responsible for the safety of your product. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and follow all the rules.

Otherwise, your cargo may have to be returned to China at your expense.

When you hire us, we will take care of all the formalities and assume responsibility for the initial distribuition of your goods in the EU.

Finding the correct tariff

The amount of the customs tariff depends on the type of your product. Tariffs on products from China are confusingly varied, ranging from 0 to over 20 percent. German Customs maintains thousands of products in an electronic register (EZT). Depending on the type and nature of the product, a different customs tariff applies.

If you speculate on the tariff, it can painfully cut into your profit margin. In addition, special provisions such as anti-dumping duties apply in some cases to products from China.

Do you need an EORI number?

The EORI number (Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification number) is a European customs number. Anyone who imports products into the EU needs an EORI number.

If you want to import products from a third country into the EU, you must apply for an EORI number from customs of your home country. You cannot import products without this number.

Of course, if we import your product, you do not need an EORI number because we will then take over the responsibility as importer.

Do you have to pay VAT when importing products into the EU?

When importing products from a third country, an import value added tax is due. It varies form country to country. For Germany, it is 19 percent. The import value added tax can be compensated in the same was as the “normal” value added tax.

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