Goods - Germany

Updated 11/2010

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Legal requirements

The European internal market is the common economic area of the States in the European Union (EU). The free movement of goods between EU Member States is one of the pillars of the internal market and may be restricted only for specific reasons.

• Goods — Germany

The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) issues import authorisations and control documents in respect of certain goods from non-EU countries which are subject to an obligation of approval or control under EU regulations, as well as export or shipment authorisations for specific deliveries of goods in EU and non-EU States. In addition, further trade restrictions – including in the form of export and import prohibitions – may arise from EU or UN embargo measures.

• Federal Office of Economics and Export Control

The legal basis for the trade in goods is formed by the Foreign Trade Act and the Foreign Trade Regulation.

• Foreign Trade Act
• Foreign Trade Regulation
• EC Dual-Use Regulation

Germany also has a Packaging Regulation under which manufacturers and vendors are required to recover packaging and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner (dual system – ‘Grüner Punkt’ or Green Dot).         

• Regulation on the avoidance and recycling of packaging waste
• Green Dot – Duales System Deutschland GmbH

Administrative procedures

Under the principle of mutual recognition, EU Member States are required to allow products on their markets which are legally marketed in another Member State – even if they have not been harmonised by an EU measure. The application of this principle can be challenged only where, for instance, public safety, health or environmental protection appear to be jeopardised.

There are no customs, but taxation aspects and statistical reporting obligations must be borne in mind.

Import and export permits for third countries

Applications for import permits, prior approval/control documents for articles from third countries can, under certain conditions, be made electronically to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). An electronic application is also possible under certain circumstances for iron and steel products.

• BAFA application procedure: forms for imports   

Export permits must also be obtained for certain goods. In this case, an application must be filed with the BAFA. ELAN application forms may be used electronically free of charge.

• ELAN export instructions           

German customs also maintain an online composite list of all forms currently available.

• Forms centre             

Resources

The German foreign trade and inward investment agency (Gesellschaft für Außenwirtschaft und Standortmarketing mbH) maintains a database of worldwide information on the current situation on foreign markets, and businesses looking for foreign partners can find assistance from the Foreign Trade Portal.

• Foreign trade and inward investment agency (Gesellschaft für Außenwirtschaft und Standortmarketing mbH – GTaI)
• Ixpos foreign trade portal

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

• European Union
• Austriadeen
• Belgiumenfrnl
• Bulgariabgen
• Cypruselen
• Czech Republiccsen
• Denmarkdaen
• Estoniaenet
• Finlandenfi
• Franceenfr
• Germanydeen
• Greeceelen
• Hungaryenhu
• Irelanden
• Italyenit
• Latviaenlv
• Lithuaniaenlt
• Luxembourgenfr
• Maltaen
• Netherlandsennl
• Norwayenno
• Polandenpl
• Portugalenpt
• Romaniaenro
• Slovakiaensk
• Sloveniaensl
• Spainenes
• Swedenensv
• United Kingdomen