Pre-dispatch checks on every consignment
Description, HS code and declared value are matched to the goods, with commercial invoice, packing list and authorisation on file, so fewer requests for missing documents.
DE · Germany
Hong Kong to Germany
Four trunk options into Germany, compliant declarations for a strict customs regime, Hamburg warehousing and nationwide delivery
Transit (working days, to warehouse)
- Air express 6–10
- Air standard 10–15
- Sea FCL 30–38
- Sea LCL on request
- China–Europe rail 18–25
- Road freight 20–28
German customs (Zoll) is among the most rigorous in Europe, and mismatches between description, HS code and declared value are the main cause of inspection delays. Our Germany route is built around compliant declarations: every consignment is checked before dispatch and handled by a licensed German customs broker. Trunk options are air direct to Frankfurt (FRA), sea to Hamburg, China–Europe rail to Duisburg, or road door to door.
Gateways and ports
- Air
- HKG / SZX → Frankfurt (FRA)
- Sea
- Yantian / Shekou / Kwai Tsing → Hamburg
- Rail
- Mainland rail hubs → Duisburg
- Road
- Mainland consolidation hub → door to door in Germany
Clearance paths
How to clear goods into Germany
Licensed German broker
A licensed, German- and Chinese-speaking broker in Germany deals directly with Zoll, so inspection queries are answered on the spot.
DDP or own-account import
Without an EU tax number, ship under DDP; clients holding a German VAT number and EU EORI can declare under their own entity and pay taxes at cost.
Channels and transit
Germany route channels
| Channel | working days | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Air express | 6–10 | Urgent replenishment, peak-season rush |
| Air standard | 10–15 | Launches and small to medium lots |
| Sea FCL | 30–38 | Bulk and oversized cargo; direct call at Hamburg |
| Sea LCL | on request | Varies with consolidation plans; ask for the current schedule · On request |
| China–Europe rail | 18–25 | Middle ground on time and cost; direct to Duisburg |
| Road freight | 20–28 | Door to door with flexible departures |
Unit: working days. Warehouse-arrival basis: counted from trunk departure (vessel sailing, flight departure or train dispatch) until customs release in the destination country and signed receipt at the FBA or third-party warehouse. Includes destination customs clearance; excludes Hong Kong collection, consolidation and booking lead time, and excludes Amazon appointment and check-in.
Last mile
Delivery network
- DHL Parcels and pallets nationwide
- DPD / GLS Volume parcel delivery for e-commerce
- Hermes Economy parcels
- Spedition Palletised freight and FBA appointments
Highlights
Three things about this route
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Hamburg warehousing
In northern Germany’s logistics hub: receiving, sorting, inspection, repacking, labelling and FBA appointment deliveries.
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EORI and VAT support
Help applying for and maintaining a German EORI, with tax-agent referrals for VAT and OSS/IOSS filings.
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Returns handling
The German warehouse receives returns, inspects, repacks and redispatches them to cut return losses.
FAQ
Germany route: frequently asked questions
How long does Hong Kong to Germany take?
Warehouse-arrival basis: air express 6–10 working days, air standard 10–15, sea FCL 30–38, rail 18–25 and road 20–28.
What documents does German clearance need?
Accurate description, HS code and declared value, the commercial invoice and packing list; own-account imports need a German VAT number and EU EORI. Product compliance documents (CE, GPSR responsible-person details) depend on the category.
Is rail faster than sea?
Yes. Rail takes about 18–25 working days against 30–38 for sea FCL, roughly ten days faster and usually cheaper than air. Hong Kong cargo is first trucked to a mainland rail hub.
How are German FBA deliveries arranged?
After release, cargo enters the Hamburg warehouse for sorting, labelling, carton splitting and packaging checks, then goes out on an Amazon Germany appointment.
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