Import from Germany to the UK
What does the UK import from Germany?
As the UK’s second-largest trading partner, UK shippers import a range of consumer goods from Germany. Recent statistics show that, as of November 2024, the total UK imports from Germany amounted to £87.2 billion (an increase of 2.5%)<a href=“#ref”><sup>2</sup></a>.
Germany is Europe’s number one healthcare market (they also boast status as one of the top 4 automobile manufacturers in the world). It’s no surprise that goods from these industries make it into the top 5 goods imported by the UK:
- Cars
- Road vehicles other than cars
- Mechanical power generators
- Medicinal & pharmaceutical products
- Road vehicles other than cars
Shippers who import from Germany to the UK will be taking advantage of the countries' cooperative trading partnership.
Why import from Germany to the UK?
With their long-standing trade links, pallet shipping from Germany to the UK can be very advantageous. But this is not solely from a relations perspective: the two markets are relatively close.
German industry can also offer UK shippers a range of investment incentives and competitive tax regulations. Here are the top three reasons to import from Germany to the UK:
German industry can also offer UK shippers a range of investment incentives and competitive tax regulations. Here are the top three reasons to import from Germany to the UK:
Economic stability
While the German economy has faced challenges in recent years, 2024 is predicted to be the ‘year of the rebound’. In the first quarter of 2024, Germany returned to positive growth (by +0.2%)2.
There is growing global interest in Germany’s AI intelligence infrastructure, with green and digital projects (supported by companies like Tesla) expected to ease the effect of any short-term economic issues3. Overall, Germany is still an appealing, stable place for UK importers to do business.
There is growing global interest in Germany’s AI intelligence infrastructure, with green and digital projects (supported by companies like Tesla) expected to ease the effect of any short-term economic issues3. Overall, Germany is still an appealing, stable place for UK importers to do business.
Largest European consumer market
Germany is the largest European consumer market both in terms of purchasing power and population size.
The country’s manufacturing market is expected to grow by 0.49% each year4. In 2024, UK importers have more opportunities than ever to purchase high-quality, sustainably produced German goods.
The country’s manufacturing market is expected to grow by 0.49% each year4. In 2024, UK importers have more opportunities than ever to purchase high-quality, sustainably produced German goods.
Compare Freight Shipping Rates in Seconds
Get instant quotes from leading ocean and air freight providers. Find the best rates for your shipping needs in one place.
What are the VAT and customs rules when importing from Germany?
To import from Germany to the UK, shippers must know how the movement of goods between countries is charged.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
All goods imported into the UK are subject to VAT, typically at the standard rate of 20%5. VAT is calculated on the total value of the goods, including postage, packaging, insurance, and any applicable customs duties.
Customs duties
Customs duties may apply to goods imported from Germany, depending on the product type and its classification under the UK Global Tariff6.
The duty rate is determined by the commodity code assigned to the product. Businesses can use the UK Trade Tariff tool7 to identify the correct commodity code and associated duty rates.
Do I need a licence to import goods into the UK from Germany?
Pallet shipping from Germany to the UK does not, generally, require a licence.
However, certain categories of goods are subject to import controls (and necessitate specific licences or certificates). These controlled goods include, but are not limited to:
To find out if your goods require an import licence, you should identify the correct commodity code for your products.
However, certain categories of goods are subject to import controls (and necessitate specific licences or certificates). These controlled goods include, but are not limited to:
- Firearms
- Nuclear materials
- Specific chemicals
To find out if your goods require an import licence, you should identify the correct commodity code for your products.
How long does it take to import from Germany?
An import from Germany to the UK can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks to arrive. Travel timelines are largely dependent on the mode of transport, whether it’s via air, road or sea freight, and if there are significant delays.
For example, full truckload shipping (FTL) offers quick transit times, with some goods delivered in as little as 2 to 3 days. Less-than-truckload road haulage (LTL) may take slightly longer, at around 4 to 5 days.
Due to more complicated customs processes, air freight imports from Germany to the UK may take 8 to 10 days, while full container load (FCL) sea freight can take 20 to 45 days.
For example, full truckload shipping (FTL) offers quick transit times, with some goods delivered in as little as 2 to 3 days. Less-than-truckload road haulage (LTL) may take slightly longer, at around 4 to 5 days.
Due to more complicated customs processes, air freight imports from Germany to the UK may take 8 to 10 days, while full container load (FCL) sea freight can take 20 to 45 days.
Refernces
[1]https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673e466559aab43310b959ca/germany-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-11-22.pdf
[2]https://economic-research.bnpparibas.com/html/en-US/Germany-rebound-happens-next-7/2/2024,49737
[3]https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/weighing-the-prospects-for-a-turnaround-for-germanys-economy
[4]https://www.statista.com/outlook/io/manufacturing/germany [5]https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates
[6]https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tariffs-on-goods-imported-into-the-uk
[7]https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff
[2]https://economic-research.bnpparibas.com/html/en-US/Germany-rebound-happens-next-7/2/2024,49737
[3]https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/weighing-the-prospects-for-a-turnaround-for-germanys-economy
[4]https://www.statista.com/outlook/io/manufacturing/germany [5]https://www.gov.uk/vat-rates
[6]https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tariffs-on-goods-imported-into-the-uk
[7]https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff
Get The Best Freight Rates Today
Easily compare rates from top ocean and air freight carriers. Save time and money on your next shipment.rn