Germany Importer of Record at a Glance:
Importer of Record
- If you’re looking to act as the Importer of Record in Germany, you’ll require an EORI#
- Exports out of Germany require a Movement Reference Number (MRN)
IT Shipping & Logistics
- There are plenty of wide body flights into Germany, making it an easily accessible market for IT deployments
Importer of Record and Pre-Shipment Documentation
Importer of Record
Germany is an economic and tech hub where many of our clients already have established entities with their own EORI # and can act as their own Importer of Record. If you import the equipment under your own EORI #, you can reclaim the import VAT if you’re eligible to do so.
EORI
You will need an EORI number for any imports into the EU. Your EORI number allows customs to track your shipment throughout Europe and is an extension of your VAT number. If you are acting as your own Importer of Record then you will need your own EORI number. If FGX is providing you with an Importer of Record service, then one will be provided for you.
However, Germany formats EORI numbers differently than in other EU countries, so they are not as easy for customs to link to your VAT number. If you are unfamiliar with the import/export process in Germany, you will need a knowledgeable Importer of Record provider that can ensure the paperwork is completed properly and you can reclaim VAT at the end of the process if eligible.
Exports
While the import process into Germany is fairly straightforward, the export process can be more difficult due to strict compliance regulations. Namely, you will need an MRN (Movement Reference Number). An MRN is a number that tracks your shipment but it is required to move anything out of Germany. You cannot start any other clearance or shipping processes until you have received an MRN. Also, if you’re looking to export encrypted technology, like servers or switches, you need to obtain an export permit.
IT Shipping & Logistics
Germany has a booming tech industry that accounts for 7 percent of Germany’s economic output and is home to over 400 data centers. Additionally, German industries are facing a massive digitalization boom, making tech innovation a major factor in the output of other industries. These factors make Germany an ideal market to send IT equipment, and for many of our clients, it is one of the first markets that they expand into.
FGX manages all of our client’s shipments door-to-door (or door-to-datacenter). This case study showcases how we navigated IT logistics and importation into Germany at the time that it was written. Regulations and challenges are constantly changing and exact shipping requirements may have changed. To learn more about FGX and how our global shipping platform can help your company, reach out here.
