Shipping to Germany from the US: Complete Guide to Costs, Carriers & Requirements

Thinking about expanding your e-commerce presence through international shipping? Shipping to Germany from the US gives you access to one of the biggest e-commerce markets globally. According to Statista, Germany grossed over 99.1 billion euros in e-commerce revenue in 2021—more than 106 billion US dollars.

Whether you're looking for the cheapest way to ship to Germany or need to send a parcel to Germany quickly, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about international shipping to Germany.

Quick Guide: Best Ways to Ship to Germany

Looking for the cheapest shipping to Germany? Here's a quick overview:

• Best way to ship to Germany overall: Compare all carriers for your specific needs
• Cheapest way to ship a package to Germany: USPS for lightweight items
• Best shipping to Germany for speed: DHL Express
• How to ship to Germany from USA affordably: Use Shippo's discounted rates

Understanding Germany Shipping Requirements

Before you ship to Germany, understanding the regulations is crucial for smooth international shipping from the US to Germany.

Germany Shipping Restrictions

Germany shipping restrictions include several prohibited and restricted items:

Restricted Items:

• Chemicals
• Currency
• Rough diamonds
• Medicinal products

Prohibited Items:

• Perishable items
• Animal products
• Cultural assets (works of art and antiques)
• Resale items for home-based businesses

For complete Germany shipping restrictions, reference Germany's customs office website.

HS Codes for Germany Packages

EU countries (including Germany) require international shipping to Germany to include HS codes on customs invoices. This code defines your product's composition and usage, essential for smooth parcel Germany delivery.

Shipping Costs: How Much to Ship to Germany

Factors Affecting Cost to Ship to Germany

"How much to send package to Germany?" Several factors determine your shipping from USA to Germany costs:

• Package weight and dimensions
• Shipping carrier choice
• Service speed selection
• Declared value
• Duties and taxes

Understanding Germany Import Costs

When you send parcel to Germany, additional costs include:

VAT Taxes:

• 19% VAT rate on most goods (7% reduced rate for certain items)
• Applied to packages under €150 ($157.80 USD)

Import Duties:

• Varies significantly by product category and country of origin
• Check EU's TARIC database for specific duty rates by product

Best Carriers for Shipping from the US to Germany

USPS Shipping to Germany

USPS shipping to Germany often provides the cheapest way to ship to Germany for many packages.

USPS Benefits:

• USPS shipping cost to Germany typically lowest for lightweight items
• USPS shipping rates to Germany competitive for small packages
• How much to ship to Germany USPS: Generally most affordable option
• Packages transfer from USPS to Deutsche Post for final delivery

USPS Considerations:

• USPS shipping to Germany cost increases with weight
• Slower delivery due to postal transfer system
• Good for cheap parcel delivery to Germany

UPS for Germany Shipping

UPS offers excellent shipping from USA to Germany services with competitive rates.

UPS Advantages:

• Great mix of service and value
• Discounted international rates through Shippo
• UPS Paperless option eliminates customs invoice printing
• Reliable for package to Germany from USA needs

FedEx to Germany

FedEx to Germany excels in reliability and speed for international shipping to Germany.

FedEx Benefits:

• Robust service features
• FedEx International Connect Plus for packages up to 70 lbs
• Great for urgent Germany packages
• Premium service for package US to Germany delivery

DHL from Germany to USA (and Vice Versa)

DHL from Germany to USA and reverse shipping offers unique advantages:

DHL Strengths:

• Based in Germany with deep local knowledge
• Tailored for international shipments
• Excellent for shipping from Germany to US returns
• Premium international shipping from Germany experience

Cheapest Way to Ship a Package to Germany

Money-Saving Tips for Germany Shipping

Best way to send a package to Germany affordably:

• Compare Carriers: USPS shipping rates to Germany vs. other carriers
• Optimize Packaging: Reduce dimensional weight charges
• Use Shippo Discounts: Up to 86% off UPS, 75% off DHL Express
• Consider Local Fulfillment: German warehouses reduce duties
• Prepay Duties: Eliminates customs delays

Why Is Shipping from Germany So Expensive?

"Why is shipping from Germany so expensive?" Several factors contribute:

• Higher European operational costs
• Strict EU regulations
• Premium service standards
• Currency exchange rates

How to Address Germany Packages

Proper Address Format for Posting to Germany

When posting to Germany or mailing to Germany, use this format:

• Recipient Name
• Street Address
• Postal Code City
• GERMANY

Best Practices for Package from US to Germany

Optimizing Your Germany Shipping Strategy

Best way to ship to Germany depends on your specific needs:

• Small, lightweight items: USPS for cheap parcel to Germany delivery
• Medium packages: Compare UPS and FedEx rates
• Large/heavy items: Consider freight options
• Time-sensitive: DHL Express or FedEx Priority

Customs and Documentation

Package from US to Germany requires:

• Commercial invoice with detailed descriptions
• HS codes for all items
• Proper valuation
• Consider DDP vs DDU payment options

Selling to German Customers

Market Opportunities in Germany

International shipping from Germany represents huge opportunities. Top-selling categories include:

• Clothing and fashion
• Electronics
• Telecommunications

German E-commerce Platforms

Consider these platforms for buy and ship from US to Germany sales:

• Amazon.de
• eBay.de
• Otto Market
• Zalando (fashion-focused)

Advanced Germany Shipping Solutions

Fulfillment and Warehousing

Local German fulfillment centers offer:

• Reduced shipping from Germany to US return costs
• Lower duties and taxes
• Faster delivery times
• Better customer experience

Technology Solutions

Streamline your ship Germany operations with:

• Automated customs documentation
• Multi-carrier rate comparison
• Tracking and notifications
• Returns management

Getting Started with Germany Shipping

Step-by-Step Process

1. Research restrictions for your products
2. Calculate total costs including duties and taxes
3. Choose the best carrier for your needs
4. Prepare proper documentation
5. Set up tracking and customer communication

Common Questions Answered

"How much is shipping to Germany?" - Varies by carrier, weight, and service level. Use Shippo's calculator for accurate quotes.

"Best way to send a package to Germany?" - Compare USPS for cost, UPS for balance, FedEx for speed, DHL for premium service.

"Cheapest shipping to Germany?" - Usually USPS for lightweight packages, but always compare rates.

Shipping from the US to Germany opens access to a massive European market. Whether you need the cheapest way to ship to Germany or premium international shipping to Germany services, success depends on understanding requirements, comparing carriers, and optimizing your approach.

The best shipping to Germany strategy combines competitive rates, reliable service, and proper documentation. Start with USPS shipping to Germany for cost-effectiveness, but don't forget to compare FedEx to Germany, UPS, and DHL options for your specific needs.

Ready to start? Use Shippo's platform to compare rates across all carriers and find the most cost-effective solution for your Germany packages.

Looking for a multi-carrier shipping platform? Shippo makes international shipping easy with pre-built integrations and support for USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL – plus discounts up to 86% off standard rates.

Last updated: September 2025‍