Germany is the gateway to the EU's 27-country single market — and the top destination for China imports into Europe. Whether you're stocking Amazon DE or shipping DTC, here's how the China–Germany/EU lane works on transit, VAT and customs in 2026.
Quick Answer
- Air freight: 5–8 days to Frankfurt (FRA), Munich, Cologne.
- China–Europe rail: 18–22 days to Duisburg/Hamburg — about 60% of air cost (see rail guide).
- Sea freight: 30–38 days to Hamburg, Rotterdam, Antwerp.
EU Import VAT & IOSS
Standard German VAT is 19% (other EU states vary, e.g. 21–27%). Once goods are in free circulation in any EU country, they move freely across the EU 27. Key schemes:
- EORI number: required for the importer of record.
- IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop): for B2C consignments at or under €150, lets you collect VAT at checkout and avoid customs-side VAT collection — smoother delivery for e-commerce.
- Above €150: standard import with duty + VAT at the border.
Note: the UK is a separate regime post-Brexit (no IOSS, separate EORI GB and VAT). See our China to UK DDP guide.
Amazon FBA Europe
We deliver to Amazon DE, FR, IT, ES and NL fulfilment centres with booked appointments, correct labelling, and DDP so VAT and duty are handled before check-in.
What a China–EU DDP Quote Includes
- Origin pickup + China export clearance
- Air, rail or sea freight
- EU import clearance with EORI + duty + import VAT
- Delivery to door or FBA appointment
Bottom Line
Pick the mode by urgency (air), value (rail) or volume (sea); register for EORI and use IOSS for low-value B2C; and ship DDP so VAT and duty are one predictable price. Get a China–EU quote.
Sammi Ding
Has handled 500+ shipments from China to Australia, US and Europe. Based in our Shenzhen office, available on WhatsApp at +86 136 8628 7742.