Shipping from Dubai to GermanyShipping from Dubai to Germany, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to Germany for businesses. We fly air cargo from DXB to Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Düsseldorf, and ship FCL and LCL sea freight from Jebel Ali to Hamburg and Bremerhaven. We prepare export papers and check what the German importer needs: an EORI number, the ATLAS import declaration, CE marking and German packaging registration.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Dubai to Germany at a glance
Germany is reached quickly by air through Frankfurt, one of Europe's largest cargo hubs. Sea freight lands at Hamburg or Bremerhaven.
- Flight time
- About 6.5 h DXB to Frankfurt
- Sea transit
- Several weeks, via Suez or the Cape
- Customs
- Zoll, filed in ATLAS
- Import VAT
- 19% standard rate
Airports and seaports in Germany we ship to
Cargo for southern Germany often clears in Frankfurt or Munich; sea cargo moves inland from the North Sea ports by rail or truck.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | FRA | One of Europe's busiest cargo airports | |
| Airport | MUC | For Bavaria and the south | |
| Hamburg and Düsseldorf | Airports | HAM · DUS | For the north and the Rhine-Ruhr |
| Seaport | DEHAM | Germany's largest container port | |
| Seaport | DEBRV | Major container and vehicle port |
Air, sea to Germany
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB to FRA, MUC, HAM or DUS | About 1 to 2 days, plus clearance | Parts, electronics, samples | |
| Sea freight FCL | Jebel Ali to Hamburg or Bremerhaven | Several weeks, routing dependent | Volume stock, heavy goods |
| Sea freight LCL | Jebel Ali consolidation to Hamburg | Longer than FCL | Smaller loads |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to Germany
- Emirates SkyCargo
- Lufthansa Cargo
Sea transit depends on whether vessels use the Suez Canal or sail round the Cape. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in Germany: what the importer needs
The German importer, or a customs agent, files the import declaration with German Customs in the ATLAS system.
| Item | In Germany |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | German Customs (Zoll) |
| Declaration | Import declaration in ATLAS |
| Importer registration | EU EORI number |
| Duty and tax | EU Common Customs Tariff by commodity code, plus 19% import VAT (7% for some goods) |
| Trade agreement | No EU-UAE free trade agreement in force at the time of writing |
Carriers file an ICS2 entry summary declaration before goods arrive in the EU.
Approvals to check before booking
EU and German product rules apply before goods can be sold in Germany.
- 01
CE marking
Many products need CE marking under EU rules.
- 02
Sellers of packaged goods register under the German Packaging Act.
- 03
WEEE registration
Electrical and electronic equipment needs WEEE registration in Germany.
- 04
REACH chemicals
Chemicals and some articles must meet EU REACH rules.
- 05
Food and feed checks
Food and products of animal origin face EU border checks.
- 06
Commodity codes
The code sets the EU duty and any controls.
Documents for shipping to Germany
Send these with your booking. We check the EORI and the consignee name before the cargo leaves Dubai.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, parties and HS codes |
| Packing list | Pieces, weights and marks for inspection |
| Transport contract and cargo release | |
| Exit clearance from the UAE, filed by us | |
| Identifies the EU importer | |
| Supports the origin declared |
Restricted or banned in Germany
- Counterfeit goods
- Weapons without a licence
- Certain animal and plant products
- Dual-use goods without a licence
- Endangered species without CITES permits
Sanctions rules apply to some goods; ask us if you are unsure.
What UAE businesses ship to Germany
Germany is one of the UAE's largest European trade partners, with Dubai a hub for German goods into the region.
- 01
Aluminium and metals
UAE-made aluminium and metal products.
- 02
Polymers
UAE petrochemicals and plastics.
- 03
Returns and repairs
Equipment sent back for repair or warranty.
Dubai to Germany shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneThe importer needs an EU EORI number and a customs declaration. The declaration is filed in ATLAS by the importer or a customs agent, with duty under the EU tariff and import VAT. Products must also meet EU rules, such as CE marking, and packaged goods need German packaging registration.
- The Dubai seller does not need an EORI.
- VAT-registered importers can reclaim VAT.
Germany charges 19% import VAT on most goods. Some goods, such as many foods and books, are charged 7%. VAT is calculated on the customs value plus duty and transport costs to the EU border. Businesses registered for VAT in Germany can usually deduct it on their VAT return.
- Duty depends on the commodity code.
- Excise applies to some goods.
Frankfurt suits air cargo, and Hamburg suits sea freight. Frankfurt Airport is one of Europe's main cargo hubs, with many flights from Dubai. The Port of Hamburg is Germany's largest container port, with rail links inland. The best choice depends on urgency and where the buyer is.
- Munich suits southern Germany by air.
- Bremerhaven is an alternative seaport.
It is a legal requirement under the German Packaging Act. Businesses that first place packaged goods on the German market must register in the LUCID register and join a take-back scheme. Unregistered sellers can be stopped from selling. Check who is responsible before the first shipment.
- It applies to sales packaging and shipping boxes.
- Online marketplaces check registration.