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🇺🇸Shipping from United States to Germany🇩🇪
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Landmark Global
$5.3/kg
5-12 days
Fastest option
UPS
1-3 days
$39.38/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
Landmark Global
5-12 d
Clothing 2kg
$7.69
Landmark Global
Box 5kg
$13.27
Landmark Global
Heavy 10kg
$22.28
Landmark Global
from $5.3/kgfrom 1 days17 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
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17 results
Landmark Global~ EstimatedCheapest3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$5.3
Tracking: Yes
Asendia~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$10.26
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$12.73
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$12.73
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$13.92
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$13.92
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ EstimatedFastest3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$15.2
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$15.2
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
Priority Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$21.51
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
First-Class Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$21.51
Tracking: No
EMS✓ Verified4.5 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified5.0 ★international
Express Worldwide
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$34.72
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified5.0 ★international
Economy Select
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$34.72
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified5.0 ★international
International Priority
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$36.45
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified5.0 ★international
International Economy
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
4–6 days
Estimated Price
$36.45
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified4.9 ★international
Express Saver
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$39.38
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified4.9 ★international
Expedited
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$39.38
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 13, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landmark GlobalStandard | $5.57 | $5.3 | -4.8% |
| AsendiaStandard | $10.57 | $10.26 | -2.9% |
| Pitney BowesExpress | $13.62 | $12.73 | -6.5% |
| Pitney BowesStandard | $13.62 | $12.73 | -6.5% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Standard | $13.08 | $13.92 | +6.4% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Economy | $13.08 | $13.92 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Express | $14.29 | $15.2 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Economy | $14.29 | $15.2 | +6.4% |
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 US: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2
✓500)
✓EEI filing via AES for controlled items
✓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 States & Germany
$250B+ annual trade. Major goods: vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments. Germany is the US's largest European trading partner.
Key imports into DE: Vehicles, machinery, electronics, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, food products, clothing. Key exports from US: Electronics, machinery, aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, agricultural goods (soybeans, corn). 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 US 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 US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
⚠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
US 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
Germany is the largest US trade partner in the EU, with bilateral goods trade around $250 billion per year. There is no US-EU free trade agreement, so EU common external tariffs apply. Germany charges 19% VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) on imports, with duty-free entry for shipments valued under EUR 150.
Shipping Tips
DHL Express is the fastest option, typically 1-2 business days from the US. For economy shipping, USPS First Class International works well for items under 2 kg. German customs are strict about declared values, so be accurate to avoid delays and penalties.
User Reviews
“DHL Express from New York to Berlin in 2 days flat. Paid $65 for a 2 kg box. Duties were pre-calculated and I paid them at checkout, no surprises at delivery.”
DHL2 days
“Sent electronics via FedEx International Priority. Arrived in Munich in 3 days. Had to pay 19% VAT on delivery but the process was straightforward.”
FedEx3 days
Shipping from United States to Germany: Overview
We found 17 shipping options from United States to Germany. The cheapest option is Landmark Global (Standard) starting from $5.3 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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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 States to Germany?
The most affordable option for shipping from United States to Germany is typically Landmark Global (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 States to Germany take?
Delivery times from United States to Germany range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-3 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United States to Germany?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United States 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 US to DE?
To ship from US 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 US and DE?
Yes, US 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.
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