Overview - Shipping to Germany from Nigeria

Germany is one of Europe's largest economies and a major logistics hub, with large international gateways such as Frankfurt Airport and the Port of Hamburg. Because Germany is part of the European Union (EU), imports from Nigeria are processed under EU customs rules and are generally subject to customs checks, import VAT, and product compliance requirements. Germany is also home to a large Nigerian community, Nigerian students, businesses, and professionals, making it a common destination for personal and commercial shipments from Nigeria.

Shipping from Nigeria to Germany is simple with Routely and possible from anywhere in Nigeria.

This guide explains what you need to know about shipping costs, customs charges, required documents, what you can ship, delivery timelines, tracking, and how Routely helps make the process easier.

How Can I Send a Package from Nigeria to Germany?

Yes, you can ship virtually anything from Nigeria to Germany with Routely. And here is how:

To ship a package now, simply visit → https://ship.routely.co

Once you are in:

• Click the light yellow button “Ship Now”

• Enter the pickup location and delivery address

• Fill in the sender and receiver details

• Clearly describe what you are sending

• Pay and your shipment is booked

Routely supports Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo options depending on the item, destination, and available route.

Using Routely helps simplify international shipping through its AI-enabled and automated shipping system.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Germany?

Shipping cost depends on:

• Package weight

• Package size

• Shipping method

• Type of item

• Sending location in Nigeria

• Delivery location in Germany

• Whether customs duties are already covered on the route selected

Express shipping is faster and best for urgent shipments.

Cargo shipping is usually more affordable for larger or heavier items.

Routely’s intelligent shipping system helps you compare different shipping routes and options in one place.

To check live shipping rates and currently available shipping options to Germany instantly, visit → https://ship.routely.co

You can also check the route details to see whether the selected option already includes customs duty coverage, where applicable.

If you are not sure which shipping option is best for your item, simply start a chat with Routely before shipping.

About Customs When Shipping to Germany

Shipping into Germany is regulated by the German Customs Administration (Zollverwaltung). Germany operates one of the most structured and digitally managed customs systems in Europe. Proper declaration and accurate documentation help prevent delays, inspections, additional charges, or customs issues. Germany also enforces EU product safety, health, and import regulations, particularly for food, cosmetics, medicines, electronics, and commercial imports. 

Will I Pay Customs Charges When Shipping to Germany?

All packages except Documents are generally dutiable. However, whether or not a shipment will attract customs duties, taxes, or import charges depends on:

• What is being shipped

• The declared value

• Quantity

• Shipment purpose

• Shipment route selected

• The discretion of customs officials in Germany

Some shipments may attract customs charges while others may not.

If you ship through certain Cargo routes on Routely, customs duties may already be covered or estimated as part of the shipping cost, where available.

You can easily check the route details to see whether the selected option already includes customs duty fees.

Using Routely, with its AI-enabled shipping system, helps ensure your shipment is booked correctly and properly declared. This reduces the chances of unnecessary customs issues or unwarranted duties.

What Customs Duty or Tax System Does Germany Use?

Germany follows the European Union Common Customs Tariff system.

Imports may be subject to:

• Customs Duty

• Import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer)

• Excise Duties on certain products

• Customs Processing Charges

• Product Inspection Fees where applicable

Germany's standard import VAT is generally 19%.

Certain products such as some food items, books, and specific essential goods may qualify for a reduced VAT rate of 7%

Many customs charges are calculated using the CIF value, which includes:

• Product value

• Shipping cost

• Insurance cost

What Is the Likely Customs Duty Amount in Germany?

Customs duty rates in Germany generally range from approximately 0% to 12% depending on the product category and HS Code. 

Import VAT is usually:

• 19% for most products

• 7% for certain qualifying products such as some food items and books 

Additional excise duties may apply to:

• Alcohol

• Tobacco products

• Energy products

• Certain luxury goods

The exact amount depends on the product classification, declared value, origin, and customs assessment.

Is There a Low-Value Duty-Free Threshold in Germany?

Germany currently applies EU import rules.

Traditionally, customs duty may not apply to certain shipments valued below approximately €150, although import VAT may still be charged. EU rules on low-value imports continue to evolve and handling fees may still apply. Thresholds may change at any time, so always check current rules before shipping. 

Are Personal Shipments Treated Differently from Commercial Shipments?

Personal shipments may sometimes receive simpler handling, especially where they are low value and not intended for resale.

Commercial shipments are usually checked more strictly and may require more documents, especially when the shipment contains:

• Multiple units of the same item

• Items meant for resale

• Business inventory

• High-value goods

• Regulated products

Common Shipments That May Attract Duties

The following commonly shipped items from Nigeria may attract customs duties and taxes:

• Mobile phones and electronics

• Laptops and computer accessories

• Human hair, wigs, hair extensions

• Luxury fashion products

• Ready-to-wear clothing

• Couture dresses

• Ankara clothing

• Kaftans

• Shoes

• Handbags

• Beaded bags

• Fascinators

• Cosmetics

• Makeup products

• Skincare products

• Nigerian herbal products

• Commercial food products

• Machinery and equipment

• Commercial inventory for online stores

Electronics often attract VAT and may also require compliance checks.

Cosmetics and health-related products may undergo regulatory review.

Commercial quantities of fashion products and beauty products may face additional customs scrutiny.

Some Shipments That May Sometimes Pass With Lower or No Duties

Depending on customs assessment:

• Documents

• Certain personal effects

• Some gifts

• Some low-value personal shipments

• Used personal belongings in limited circumstances

Final decisions remain at the discretion of German customs authorities.

How Strict Is Customs in Germany?

Germany is generally considered strict and highly regulated.

Customs officials commonly inspect:

• Commercial shipments

• Food products

• Cosmetics

• Medicines

• Electronics

• Agricultural products

Germany also enforces EU safety and consumer protection standards.

Customs may:

• Request proof of value

• Request invoices

• Request additional product information

• Reassess undervalued shipments

• Hold shipments with unclear descriptions

Descriptions such as "gift," "beauty items," or "personal effects" may result in additional inspection if more details are needed.

Customs officials in Germany may reassess the value of your shipment if the declared amount appears too low or the item description is unclear.

Receiver Responsibility

In many cases, the receiver may be required to pay customs duties, taxes, or import charges before delivery can be completed.

The receiver may also be contacted by customs or the delivery carrier for:

• Payment of duties or taxes

• Additional documents

• Proof of value

• Identification

• Clarification of item use

Please note that customs policies, import charges, and duty thresholds may change at any time without prior notice.

Learn More About Customs Rules in Germany

Please note that customs duties, taxes, and import regulations in Germany are determined by local customs authorities and may change without prior notice.

For the latest customs regulations, import policies, duty rates, and updates, visit the official customs website of Germany:

https://www.zoll.de/EN/Home/home_node.html

What Documents Are Required When Shipping to Germany?

Generally Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice

• Packing List

• Waybill or Bill of Lading

These shipping documents are generally automatically created for you when you create a shipment on Routely.

Some shipments may require additional special documents depending on what you are sending.

Shipment-Specific Required Documents

• Food items may require health certificates

• Agricultural products may require phytosanitary certificates

• Medicines may require import approvals

• Animal products may require veterinary approvals

• Commercial imports may require additional customs declarations

• Some textile shipments may require Certificates of Origin

• Electronics may require regulatory compliance documentation

• Cosmetics, supplements, and skincare products may face additional checks under EU regulations

If you are not sure whether your shipment requires additional documents, simply start a chat with Routely before shipping.

General Required Information

Your shipping documents must clearly include:

• Sender’s full name, address, email address, and phone number

• Receiver’s full name, delivery address, email address, and phone number

• Clear description of the items

• Correct declared value of the items

• Country of manufacture where required

• Purpose of shipping

• Whether the shipment is insured

• Terms of trade where applicable

• Who will pay customs duties and taxes

Item descriptions must be clear and specific.

Example:

✅ Female dress made of cotton Ankara fabric

❌ Gift

❌ Personal items

❌ Clothe

Incorrect, vague, or incomplete information may lead to:

• Customs delays

• Inspections

• Additional charges

• Shipment return

Using Routely makes international shipping much easier.

In most cases, all you need to know is:

• Where you are shipping from

• Where the package is going

• What you are sending

Routely’s intelligent shipping system helps generate the generally required shipping documents automatically for your selected route, including carrier waybills, invoices, and packing lists where applicable.

Depending on the shipping option selected, your shipment may move through different carriers or logistics providers.

You can click the “More Info” section while checking rates to see the carrier or shipping route connected to that option.

What Can You Ship to Germany?

You can ship many types of general items to Germany through Routely.

You may be wondering:

• Can I ship clothes to Germany?

• Can I ship food items to Germany?

• Can I ship electronics to Germany?

• Can I ship cosmetics to Germany?

• Can I ship personal items to Germany?

• Can I ship Nigerian foodstuff and spices to Germany?

• Can I ship artworks to Germany?

• Can I ship wigs and hair extensions to Germany?

• Can I ship Ankara and ready-to-wear fashion products to Germany?

• Can I ship skincare products from Nigeria to Germany?

In general, yes — many everyday items can be shipped through Express or Cargo routes as long as they follow German customs rules.

Routely supports different shipping routes including Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo for many types of shipments depending on the route available.

Commonly Shipped Items

• Ready-to-wear clothes

• Ankara fashion products

• Kaftans

• Couture apparel

• Shoes

• Bags

• Beaded bags

• Wigs

• Hair extensions

• Makeup products

• Skincare products

• Documents

• Phones

• Laptops

• Electronics

• Household items

• Personal effects

• Packaged Nigerian food products

• Artworks

• Handmade crafts

• Sculptures

• Paintings

• Gallery pieces

🚫 Items That Cannot Be Shipped

• Illegal drugs and narcotics

• Counterfeit goods

• Dangerous explosives

• Certain weapons

• Offensive weapons

• Protected wildlife products

• Prohibited chemicals

• Pirated materials

⚠️ Items That May Require Extra Checks

• Medicines

• Supplements

• Herbal products

• Cosmetics

• Skincare products

• Food products

• Meat products

• Dairy products

• Agricultural products

• Seeds

• Plants

• Electronics with wireless communication features

• Animal products

Germany applies strict checks on food products, medicines, cosmetics, agricultural items, and commercial imports.

If you are unsure whether your item can be shipped, start a chat with Routely before booking your shipment.

How Should You Package Items for Shipping to Germany?

• Use strong packaging

• Clearly label sender and receiver details

• Avoid weak or damaged cartons

• Declare all items correctly

• Do not hide restricted items inside packages

Poor packaging or unclear declarations may lead to customs inspection, delays, or damage during transit.

While it is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure proper packaging, Routely also has dedicated handling hubs created to help support shipment inspection and assisted general packaging before handing over shipments to the selected carrier.

Using Routely also helps reduce common shipping mistakes through better shipment guidance and proper shipment setup.

How Long Does Shipping to Germany Take?

Express Shipments

Typically 3–5 business days, all things being equal.

Cargo Shipments

Typically 8–14 business days for Air Cargo and 8–14 weeks for Sea Cargo, all things being equal (if routes are open).

Transit time varies based on the shipping option or route selected.

See the different timelines and live shipping options available to ship to Germany on →

https://ship.routely.co

NB: Delivery timelines may also vary due to customs clearance, inspections, weather conditions, airline availability, route availability, security conditions, local regulations, or remote delivery locations.

Using Routely means you benefit from Routely’s AI-enabled automated shipping system which helps support faster processing, smoother shipping experience, and up to 70% faster customs clearance processing time.

Can You Track Your Shipment to Germany?

Yes.

When you ship with Routely, you can monitor the movement of your shipment from origin to destination across supported shipping routes whether Express, Air Cargo, or Sea Cargo.

Routely allows shipment tracking and visibility updates to help you stay informed while your shipment is in transit.

However, do note that:

• Customs inspections may sometimes affect tracking updates

• Customs authorities may contact the receiver for additional information or charges before release

• Tracking update frequency may vary depending on the shipping route or carrier handling the shipment

Before Shipping to Germany — Important Things to Know

Before shipping:

• Describe your item correctly

• Declare the correct value

• Confirm the receiver’s phone number and address

• Keep invoices or receipts if available

• Check restricted items before shipping

• Confirm whether the route selected already includes customs duty coverage where available

Germany places strong emphasis on accurate declarations and product compliance. If you are shipping commercial quantities of fashion products, beauty products, wigs, food products, or skincare items for resale, ensure product descriptions and values are accurate before booking.

Using Routely helps simplify international shipping, assists with generally required shipping documentation, and enable compliance, helping reduce common shipping mistakes.

This helps reduce delays and customs problems.

Can I Ship from Germany to Nigeria?

Yes.

You can also send packages from Germany to Nigeria with Routely depending on the shipment type, shipping route, and route availability.

Routely supports import shipping into Nigeria through supported Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo routes from many countries worldwide.

You can import virtually anything from Germany to Nigeria including:

• Personal Items

• Gifts

• Personal packages

• Supplier shipments

• Business inventory

• Online orders

• Commercial imports

• Fashion items

• Ready-to-wear clothes

• Kaftans and native wears

• Human hair, wigs, and hair extensions

• Synthetic hair, wigs, and hair extensions

• Shoes, bags, and fashion accessories

• Skincare and beauty products

• Makeup products

• Foodstuff and packaged food items

• Phones and electronics

• Machinery and equipment

• Household items

Many Nigerian businesses and online vendors also use Routely to import goods from Germany into Nigeria for resale, personal use, business operations, or customer fulfillment.

To check available shipping options from Germany to Nigeria, simply visit →

https://ship.routely.co

Common Questions About Importing from Germany to Nigeria

• Can someone send me a package from Germany to Nigeria?

• Can I import goods from Germany to Nigeria?

• Can my suppliers ship from Germany to me in Nigeria?

• Can I buy products from Germany and ship them to Nigeria?

• Can I receive cargo from Germany in Nigeria?

• Can I import German machinery into Nigeria?

• Can I import automotive parts from Germany?

• Can I import fashion items from Germany?

• Can I import skincare products and cosmetics from Germany?

• Can I import electronics from Germany?

• Can I import medical equipment from Germany?

Yes.

Routely supports import shipping into Nigeria from Germany and you can have your package delivered to your doorstep anywhere in Nigeria.

How Much and How Can I Import from Germany to Nigeria?

How and how much to ship from Germany to your doorstep in Nigeria is dependent on your preferences.

To check live shipping rates and currently available shipping options from Germany to Nigeria and ship from Germany to Nigeria, visit →

https://ship.routely.co

Get Started | Ship Now

Shipping with Routely is simple, smooth, and stress-free.

Go to → https://ship.routely.co to ship anything from anywhere in Nigeria to Germany or from Germany to your doorstep, anywhere in Nigeria.