B2B Imports from China
Import from China to Germany – You want to import goods from the China to Germany and book them easily? No problem with the multi-carrier shipping platform – simply compare prices and choose from a variety of well-known shipping service providers.
China is Germany’s most important trading partner (after the Netherlands). The value of German imports from China in 2021 was around 143 billion euros, which is almost twice as high as the value of goods imported from the USA.1 The demand from German B2B companies for flexible shipping services for overseas routes between China and Germany is therefore extremely high. Companies wishing to import goods from China can use our shipping calculator to easily compare the shipping rates of all carriers and book directly online – without any contract or volume commitments or language barriers.
And, if you do have any questions, our Customer Service Team is always available to advise you personally!
Multi-carrier: Always the right shipping service provider for your shipment.
At LetMeShip you will find a variety of shipping service providers. Flexibly select the transport service provider that best suits your B2B shipping needs!
Why import with LetMeShip?
- Simple booking in one system
- Reliable import of goods at fair conditions
- All import service providers at a glance
- Personal support from our import experts
- Uncomplicated supplier management: invite suppliers to LetMeShip
- Transparency for all imports with Track & Trace
- A clear consolidated invoice for all service providers
Calculate your import costs from China to Germany
Goods Import Express from China
The transport routes to and from China are long. So shipping times can vary depending on the shipping option you choose. If you want to ensure that your urgent goods arrive within a few working days, we recommend express shipping. Express shipping via our partners such as UPS, DHL Express, TNT or FedEx guarantees you a fast and reliable delivery. You can also see the delivery times for each carrier directly in the price comparison.
Strong shipping service providers for your China imports
In addition to the price, the transit time and the choice of shipping partner often play an important role when importing to Germany. For SMEs in particular, the ability to plan delivery is an important criterion for providing delivery slots. The decision for and against a shipping service provider is often based on experience, i.e. on trust in the service performance(s) of the respective carrier. With us, you have the choice, depending on the shipping option and requirement:
Import from the China with DHL Express
DHL Express is part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group, one of the largest international shipping service providers in the world. DHL Express specialises in international express and parcel shipping. Present in more than 220 countries, the shipping service provider has a large air freight network – also for goods imports from China.
Import from China with UPS
The United Parcel Service (UPS) is a US courier express parcel service operating worldwide. The subsidiary UPS Airlines is responsible for all UPS air transport. With one of the largest air freight fleets in the world, UPS is a reliable shipping partner for your imports from China to Germany.
Import from China with FedEx and TNT
FedEx is also a globally active US courier and logistics company based in the USA. TNT Express was a Dutch CEP service provider and has officially been a subsidiary of FedEx since May 2015. The air freight division FedEx Express is the world’s number one cargo airline and has an excellent transport network. This means that nothing should stand in the way of an import from China. Regardless of whether you want to import parcels, pallets or documents from China, the price comparison will clearly show you the carriers available for your shipping requirements. After booking, you can track all your goods in transit via the shipment tracking function – regardless of which carrier you have booked.
Shipping by air freight is the fastest way to import your goods from China to Germany. Our shipping experts in Special Service will be happy to support you.
Customs duties for German importers
In principle, the requirements for importers to import goods from China to Germany are quite straightforward. Especially if you book via a multi-carrier shipping platform. Nevertheless, as the importer (the consignor), you should ensure that the shipping documents are available to the exporter (shipper).
The two most important customs-relevant terms briefly explained:
What is a customs tariff number (goods tariff number)?
The customs tariff number, often also referred to as the goods tariff number, is required in order to determine the import regulations for the goods in question. This numerical code can be used to determine the import and, if applicable, existing export duties. This is required for all imports from outside the EU. You can request the customs tariff number from German customs.
How high are the customs duties for imports from China?
You can obtain information on the customs rate, i.e. the amount of your Import sales tax (VAT), directly from customs. If you have commissioned a customs broker or have a customs representative in your company, they will be in contact with customs and can enquire about the amount at any time. This is because the amount of customs duties varies depending on the value of the goods and the type of goods.
CHECK YOUR SHIPPING OPTIONS
Supplier connection – More transparency for your supplier costs
As an importing company, you often have many different suppliers from different countries. This often makes it difficult to keep track of supplier costs, even for import shipments from the USA. We provide a solution here: On the shipping platform, you have the option with your LetMeShip account to invite all your international suppliers and link them to your account (customer account). This ensures that your suppliers book at the conditions you have set. In this way you avoid possible price negotiations and also secure the best price.
In addition, you can determine whether your supplier is only allowed to ship to specified addresses and which shipping service providers and services are available for selection. Billing is done via your account, so you always have an overview of your shipping costs, even if your supplier is responsible for the booking. All shipments booked by a supplier based abroad are displayed in the system as import shipments.
Exports from Germany to China
In 2021, Germany exported goods worth around 103.6 euros to China. In 2009, the value was still 37.27 billion euros. A steady increase in the value of exports can be seen over time.2 The most important export goods are cars and car parts, followed by electrical appliances. Accordingly, goods are frequently exported from Germany to China. On our shipping and booking platform, you can also compare the prices for your parcels, pallets and documents for your goods exports and track booked shipments accordingly in the shipment tracking system. You can find more information about exporting goods on our export page.
Sources:
1) Statistisches Bundesamt. (3. November, 2022). Ranking of Germany’s most important trading partners by value of imports in 2021 (in billions of euros).
2) Statistisches Bundesamt. (11 November, 2022). Value of German exports to China from 2009 to 2021 (in billion euros).