Declaring goods to customs when importing via the Internet
Goods that you import from a non-EU country must be cleared through customs. This releases the goods for free circulation under customs law. This means that you can then freely dispose of them.
You have the option of using the Internet customs declaration (IC). You can only use the IC if the goods are to remain in the EU permanently. You cannot use it for other customs procedures, such as customs warehouses or processing traffic.
You must provide the following information, among other things, for the import declaration:
- Consignor of the goods
- Consignee
- Delivery conditions
- Place of delivery
- Means of transport
- Description of the goods
Responsible authority
General Customs Directorate (GZD)
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
You want to permanently import goods from outside the European Union into Germany or release them for free circulation.
Procedure
To declare goods for import online, proceed as follows:
- Visit the Internet customs declaration import website and select "Internet customs declaration import form".
- Complete the form in your internet browser. Send it off.
- Once you have completed it, print out the form twice and sign both versions.
- Send the two printed copies by post, fax or e-mail to your responsible customs office or hand them in personally. The customs office where the goods are located is responsible.
- You will then receive a customs notification. Alternatively, this can also be sent to you by post.
Deadlines
- Customs declaration: 90 days after the goods cross the border
- Submission of two printed copies of the form: 30 days from use of the online customs declaration
Required documents
If the value of the goods exceeds EUR 20,000, a written customs declaration (D.V.1) is required. In addition, you should have the commercial invoice belonging to the goods or any existing proof of preference ready.
If the goods are subject to restrictions, you must submit the relevant documents.
Costs
There are no costs for you for using the online customs declaration. Irrespective of this, you may have to pay import duties (e.g. customs duty, import sales tax, excise duty) depending on the goods.
Processing time
After completing your online customs declaration, you will usually receive a customs notification within one day to four weeks.
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
Artikel 6 Unionszollkodex (UZK)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Bundesfinanzministerium, 27.02.2026