How to Sell Products on Amazon in Germany
01.07.2026
Required Documents for Customs Clearance in Germany
01.07.2026
FLEX. Logistics
We provide logistics services to online retailers in Europe: Amazon FBA prep, processing FBA removal orders, forwarding to Fulfillment Centers - both FBA and Vendor shipments.
Getting a shipment stuck in customs is one of the most frustrating experiences in international shipping. Whether you are an ecommerce seller, an Amazon merchant, or a business importing goods into Germany, a package stuck in customs can disrupt your operations, delay deliveries, and create unexpected costs. The good news is that most customs delays are predictable and preventable.
Germany processes millions of international shipments every year, making it one of Europe’s largest import markets. When parcels are held at customs, it is almost always due to documentation errors, unpaid duties, or compliance issues rather than random inspections. Understanding why these delays happen is the first step toward avoiding them.
How German Customs Clearance Works
Germany operates within the European Union customs framework, which means all goods entering from non-EU countries must pass through customs clearance before they can be delivered. The customs clearance process involves verifying import documents, classifying goods using HS codes, and calculating and collecting applicable duties and taxes.
German customs authorities, known as the Zollamt, inspect shipments to ensure they comply with EU import regulations. Shipments that meet all requirements are cleared quickly, often within one to two business days. However, if a parcel is flagged for missing information or non-compliance, it can be held at customs for days or even weeks until the issue is resolved.
For a detailed overview of this process, visit our guide on customs clearance in Germany.
Missing or Incorrect Customs Paperwork
Paperwork is the most common reason a package gets stuck in German customs. Every international shipment must be accompanied by accurate and complete customs paperwork. When documents are missing, incomplete, or contain errors, customs authorities will place the shipment on hold until the issue is corrected.
Commercial Invoice Errors
The commercial invoice is the most important document in any international shipment. It must include an accurate description of the goods, their value, the country of origin, and the applicable HS code. If the invoice understates the value of the goods, uses vague product descriptions, or contains inconsistencies, customs officials will flag the shipment and request clarification. A parcel stuck in customs due to invoice issues can remain held until a corrected invoice is submitted.
Missing Contact Details
Customs authorities need to be able to contact the sender or receiver if there is a problem with the shipment. Missing or incorrect contact information means that when a package is being held, neither the importer nor the courier can be reached to resolve the issue. This alone can extend a customs delay by several days.
Incomplete Names and Addresses
Both the sender and recipient details must be accurate and complete. A shipment stuck in customs due to an incomplete address is a common but entirely avoidable problem. Ensure that full legal names, street addresses, postal codes, and phone numbers are included on every shipment.
Unpaid Duties and Taxes
Another frequent reason parcels get stuck in German customs is unpaid duties and taxes. All goods imported into Germany from non-EU countries are subject to customs duties and VAT. If the importer has not arranged payment, or if the duties and taxes owed were not declared correctly, the shipment will be held at customs until payment is received.
For ecommerce businesses and Amazon sellers, this often happens when the declared value of the goods does not match the actual transaction value, triggering a reassessment by customs. Importers should always ensure that the correct customs charges are calculated before shipping and that the recipient understands what duties and taxes they may owe.
Incorrect HS Codes and Product Classifications
Every product imported into Germany must be classified using a Harmonised System (HS) code. These codes determine the applicable duty rate and whether the product is subject to any trade restrictions. An incorrect HS code can cause a shipment to be held at customs for reclassification, lead to additional duties and taxes being assessed, and in some cases trigger a compliance review.
Assigning the wrong HS code is a common mistake, particularly for businesses importing technical products, mixed goods, or items that fall across multiple classification categories. Always verify the correct HS code before shipping to avoid this type of customs delay.
Restricted or Prohibited Goods
Some products are restricted or outright prohibited from entering Germany. When a parcel containing such items is identified, it will be held immediately by customs and may be seized or returned to the sender. Understanding which goods are restricted before shipping is essential for any importer.
Dangerous Goods Restrictions
Items classified as dangerous goods, including certain chemicals, batteries, aerosols, and flammable materials, require special documentation and packaging. A shipment stuck in customs because it contains undeclared dangerous goods may be subject to disposal or return at the sender’s expense.
Counterfeit Products
German customs authorities are particularly vigilant about counterfeit goods. Any parcel suspected of containing counterfeit products will be held for inspection. If the goods are confirmed to be counterfeit, they will be permanently seized, and the importer may face legal consequences.
Products Requiring Special Permits
Certain goods, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and items made from protected species, require special import permits or certificates before they can enter Germany. Without these documents, the shipment will be stuck in customs until the appropriate permits are provided or the goods are returned.
Customs Valuation and Invoice Issues
German customs authorities assess the value of imported goods to calculate duties and taxes. If the declared value appears too low or inconsistent with the market value of the goods, the customs office may query the shipment and request supporting documentation to verify the declared price.
Discrepancies between the invoice value and the actual transaction value are a significant cause of customs delay. This is especially common in business-to-business shipments where goods are transferred between related companies at non-market prices. Importers should ensure that invoices reflect the true transaction value and are supported by any relevant sales contracts or purchase orders.
Missing Certificates and Supporting Documents
Beyond the commercial invoice, many shipments require additional certificates and supporting documents to clear German customs. Missing or expired certificates are a common cause of parcels being held at customs, sometimes for extended periods.
Common supporting documents include certificates of origin, conformity declarations, phytosanitary certificates for plant products, and health certificates for food or animal products. For guidance on exactly which documents your shipment requires, see our full list of documents required for customs clearance in Germany.
Why Ecommerce Shipments Face Customs Delays
Ecommerce shipments are among the most frequently delayed at customs. High volumes of individual parcels, varying product types, and inconsistent documentation practices make ecommerce one of the most challenging sectors for customs compliance.
Common issues include low-value shipments that exceed the de minimis threshold for VAT, incorrect or missing commercial invoices for marketplace orders, and parcels in which the description does not match the declared HS code. Amazon sellers shipping to German customers from outside the EU face particularly strict scrutiny, as customs authorities are aware that misdeclaration is a common practice in cross-border ecommerce.
Understanding how to correctly import goods into Germany from the outset will save ecommerce businesses significant time and money.
What to Do If Your Shipment Is Stuck at Customs
If your parcel is stuck in customs, acting quickly is essential. The longer a shipment remains held at customs without response, the greater the risk of storage fees, disposal, or return to sender.
Contacting Your Courier Service
Your first step should be to contact the courier or freight forwarder responsible for the shipment. They will have direct communication with the customs office and can confirm exactly why the parcel is being held. Most couriers provide a tracking system that will indicate when a package is stuck in customs and may include a brief reason code.
Providing Additional Documentation
In many cases, a customs delay can be resolved simply by providing the necessary documents that were missing or incorrect. This might include a corrected commercial invoice, a certificate of origin, proof of payment, or a product compliance document. Respond to customs requests as quickly as possible to minimise the delay and avoid additional storage costs.
Working With a Customs Broker
For complex situations or when you are regularly experiencing customs delays, working with a professional customs broker in Germany is the most effective solution. A customs broker can communicate directly with customs authorities, prepare and submit the required documentation, and resolve compliance issues on your behalf. This is particularly valuable for businesses that import goods frequently and cannot afford recurring customs delays.
Real Examples of Why Shipments Get Stuck
Understanding how customs delays happen in real situations can help importers avoid making the same mistakes. The examples below highlight some of the most common reasons shipments are held by German customs.
Example 1: Incorrect HS Code
A business imports electronic accessories from China but uses an incorrect HS code on the customs declaration. During customs processing, German customs identifies the classification error and requests additional information before calculating the correct customs duties. The shipment remains on hold until the importer provides the correct tariff classification.
Example 2: Missing Commercial Invoice
An ecommerce retailer sends inventory to Germany without a complete commercial invoice. Because customs cannot verify the shipment's value or accurately calculate import VAT and customs duties, the parcel is held until the missing documentation is submitted. What could have been a one-day clearance becomes a delay of several working days.
Example 3: Unpaid Duties and Taxes
A private individual orders goods from outside the EU, but the customs duties and import VAT requested by the courier are not paid promptly. German customs will not release the parcel until payment has been received, which delays delivery and may result in additional storage or handling charges.
Example 4: Products Requiring Additional Documentation
A company imports cosmetics into Germany without providing the required product compliance documentation. Customs requests the missing certificates before allowing the goods to enter the country. Until the documentation is supplied and verified, the shipment remains held at customs.
These examples demonstrate that most customs delays are not caused by customs itself but by missing information, inaccurate declarations, or incomplete documentation. Carefully preparing shipments before dispatch is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays.
Tips to Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance
Prevention is always better than resolution when it comes to customs delays. Follow these best practices before shipping goods to Germany:
- Always include a complete and accurate commercial invoice with every shipment.
- Verify the correct HS code for your products before shipping.
- Ensure all sender and recipient contact details are complete.
- Calculate and arrange payment of duties and taxes in advance where possible.
- Check whether your products require any special permits, certificates, or compliance documents.
- Work with an experienced logistics provider to review your customs documentation before dispatch.
For businesses that regularly import goods, partnering with a third-party logistics provider in Germany can significantly reduce the risk of customs delays and streamline your import process.
You can also learn more about who handles import paperwork in Germany to understand whether you need a customs agent, a freight forwarder, or a full logistics partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About German Customs Delays
How long can a parcel stay in German customs?
There is no fixed maximum, but most shipments are cleared within one to five business days. If a package is stuck in customs due to missing documentation or unpaid duties, it can remain held for several weeks. After a certain period without resolution, customs authorities may return the shipment or dispose of it.
Why is my package stuck in customs?
The most common reasons a package gets stuck in German customs include missing or incorrect paperwork, unpaid duties and taxes, incorrect HS codes, prohibited or restricted items, and missing certificates of origin. Reviewing your customs documentation against the list of required documents is usually the fastest way to identify and resolve the issue.
How can I contact German customs about my shipment?
You can contact the relevant customs office (Zollamt) directly or work through your courier or freight forwarder. In most cases, your logistics provider will have an established relationship with customs and can resolve the issue more efficiently than you can by contacting customs officials directly.
What documents are required to clear customs?
At a minimum, you will need a commercial invoice, a packing list, and proof of the HS code. Depending on the type of goods, you may also need certificates of origin, import licences, conformity declarations, or health certificates. See our full guide on required documents for customs clearance in Germany for a complete checklist.
Can customs seize a package permanently?
Yes. German customs authorities can seize and permanently confiscate shipments containing prohibited goods, counterfeit products, or items that violate EU import regulations. In such cases, the goods will not be returned, and the importer may face additional penalties.
What happens if duties and taxes are not paid?
If duties and taxes remain unpaid, the shipment will continue to be held at customs. Prolonged non-payment can result in the goods being auctioned, returned to the sender, or disposed of. In cases of deliberate underdeclaration, the importer may also face fines or legal action from German customs authorities.
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