View this page in:
🇬🇧Shipping from United Kingdom to Germany🇩🇪
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Evri (formerly Hermes)
$5.3/kg
3-5 days
Fastest option
EMS
3-7 days
$19.28/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 19%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$3.98
Evri (formerly Hermes)
3-5 d
Clothing 2kg
$7.69
Evri (formerly Hermes)
Box 5kg
$13.27
Evri (formerly Hermes)
Heavy 10kg
$22.28
Evri (formerly Hermes)
from $5.3/kgfrom 3 days4 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
Currency:
Sort:
Type:
4 results
Evri (formerly Hermes)✓ VerifiedCheapest3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$5.3
Tracking: Yes
Royal Mail✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
International Tracked
★ 1.5(22.1K)Delivery Time
5–7 days
Estimated Price
$10.82
Tracking: Yes
Royal Mail✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
International Standard
★ 1.5(22.1K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$10.82
Tracking: No
EMS✓ Verified4.5 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$19.28
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 15, 2026 — May 11, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evri (formerly Hermes)Standard | $4.93 | $5.3 | +7.5% |
| Royal MailInternational Tracked | $11.69 | $10.82 | -7.4% |
| Royal MailInternational Standard | $11.69 | $10.82 | -7.4% |
| EMSEMS Express | $19.09 | $19.28 | +1% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: Germany
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-3.7% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 12% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-17% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-26% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-4% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 2.5-6.5% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-4.7% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
German customs (Zoll) follows EU Union Customs Code. Declarations via ATLAS electronic system. Since July 2021, all imports are subject to VAT via IOSS or at border. Duty exemption for goods under €150.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for DE: $165. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for Germany →German customs is efficient and well-organized. Electronic processing through ATLAS is fast. Deutsche Post/DHL parcels may require online customs declaration via the Zoll app. Expect 1-2 days for postal items, same-day for express shipments.
Required Documents
✓For export from GB: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓customs declaration (CN23 for postal)
✓certificate of origin (for preferential tariff rates)
✓import license (for restricted goods)
✓For import into DE: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓EUR
✓1 movement certificate (for EU FTA partners)
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration (Einfuhranmeldung)
✓EORI number for businesses
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: Preferential certificates (EUR.1, EUR-MED, Form A) for FTA partners. Non-preferential certificates issued by IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer). REX system for registered exporters. Import licenses: Import licenses required for agricultural products under EU quotas, textiles from certain countries, military goods, dual-use items, and certain chemicals. Most consumer goods enter under general authorization.
Trade: United Kingdom & Germany
$130B+ annual trade. Key goods: vehicles, machinery, chemicals, financial services equipment. Post-Brexit UK-EU TCA governs tariff rates.
Key imports into DE: Vehicles, machinery, electronics, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, food products, clothing. Key exports from GB: Machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, precious metals, financial services equipment, whisky. Germany applies 19% VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) on all imports. The EU de minimis for customs duties is EUR 150, but VAT applies from the first euro via IOSS for e-commerce. Deutsche Post/DHL handles most domestic last-mile delivery. German customs are known for strict value verification.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from GB to DE in 3-5 business days with reliable customs clearance. EMS takes 7-14 days. Users recommend declaring accurate values to avoid delays. Express couriers handle customs brokerage automatically.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from GB: Illegal drugs
⚠offensive weapons
⚠indecent/obscene materials
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food and plant products without phytosanitary certificates
⚠fireworks
⚠Prohibited for import into DE: Narcotics
⚠weapons and ammunition without permit
⚠Nazi memorabilia
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠certain food products without EU approval
⚠fireworks without certification
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
GB and DE are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 19%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 7% for books, food, and certain other goods.
Trade Information
Since Brexit, UK-EU trade is governed by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which provides zero tariffs and zero quotas for goods meeting rules of origin. However, customs declarations are now required. Germany charges 19% VAT on imports from the UK. The EU de minimis threshold of EUR 150 applies for duty-free entry.
Shipping Tips
Royal Mail International Tracked is the most affordable option for parcels under 2 kg (5-7 days). DHL Express and DPD offer next-day or 2-day delivery. Since Brexit, all shipments require customs forms, always include a CN23 declaration. Ensure goods qualify as UK-origin to benefit from zero-tariff TCA treatment.
User Reviews
“DHL Express from London to Frankfurt in 1 day. Cost GBP 35 for a 1 kg parcel. Had to fill out customs forms post-Brexit but it was straightforward.”
DHL1 days
“Royal Mail Tracked to Munich, 6 days, GBP 15 for 1.5 kg. Great value. Recipient had to pay EUR 8 import VAT on delivery.”
Royal Mail6 days
Shipping from United Kingdom to Germany: Overview
We found 4 shipping options from United Kingdom to Germany. The cheapest option is Evri (formerly Hermes) (Standard) starting from $5.3 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Evri (formerly Hermes) in 3–5 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
Also ship from United Kingdom to:
Carriers
More Shipping Routes
Ship from United Kingdom
Carriers on This Route
Import rules for Germany
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
19%
Average duty rate
4.2%
Note: EU customs union; EORI number may be required. From July 2026: €150 duty exemption removed, flat €3 duty on all low-value goods
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from United Kingdom to Germany?
The most affordable option for shipping from United Kingdom to Germany is typically Evri (formerly Hermes) (Standard), starting from approximately $5.3 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from United Kingdom to Germany take?
Delivery times from United Kingdom to Germany range from 3 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-7 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United Kingdom to Germany?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United Kingdom to Germany. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to Germany?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to Germany. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (19%) and import duties (average 4.2%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to DE?
Items prohibited for import into DE include: Narcotics, weapons and ammunition without permit, Nazi memorabilia, counterfeit goods, certain food products without EU approval, fireworks without certification. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from GB to DE?
To ship from GB to DE you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, EUR.1 movement certificate (for EU FTA partners), certificate of origin, import declaration (Einfuhranmeldung), EORI number for businesses. Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between GB and DE?
Yes, GB and DE share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to DE?
Germany applies 19% VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) on all imports. The EU de minimis for customs duties is EUR 150, but VAT applies from the first euro via IOSS for e-commerce. Deutsche Post/DHL handles most domestic last-mile delivery. German customs are known for strict value verification. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for DE?
The de minimis threshold for DE is $165. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into DE?
VAT/GST rate: 19%. CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 7% for books, food, and certain other goods.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
Learn more about shipping
Looking for a different route?
Compare rates for 45,000+ routes between 213 countries
Find a Route