Skip to main content

German Bureaucracy Glossary

essential terms explained in plain language.

115 terms

Customs

Einfuhrumsatzsteuer

also: EUSt

Import VAT (EUSt) — a 19% (or 7% for certain goods) value-added tax charged on goods imported into Germany from non-EU countries, in addition to any customs duty.

Verzollung

also: Zollabfertigung

Customs clearance — the process of paying applicable duties and taxes on imported goods so they can be released by customs and delivered.

Zollanmeldung

Customs declaration — the formal document declaring goods being imported or exported, their value, origin, and purpose.

Zollbescheid

also: Zollrechnung

Customs assessment notice — official notification from German customs (Zoll) stating the customs duty and/or import VAT owed on a shipment.

Ihr Paket wurde verzollt. Bitte begleichen Sie den Zollbescheid.

Zollfreigrenze

Customs duty-free allowance — the maximum value of goods you can import without paying customs duty. Currently €150 for shipments from outside the EU.